As you say, they have not been whole without Lucas, but they have never looked that impressive this year

You might want to think back...at the end of January, Michigan State was 19-3, 9-0 in the Big 10, and #5 in the country. Then Kalin Lucas got injured in the game against Wisconin and they dropped 4 of 6. I'm not a Spartan fan (still hacked off over KU choking against Michigan State in the Sweet 16 last year), but when the Spartans are healthy, they are the best in the Big 10.

I'm beginning to wonder if we'll really see any surprises this year. A team to watch is New Mexico, though at #10, it's not like they'd be a shock.

I'll make a prediction - take a look at the new rankings this coming Monday - I'll bet that at least 14 of the teams in the Sweet 16 come from that top 25. Sure, some wild card like Siena or Kent State or Utah State might pull an upset in the 2nd round (and if some team from the Ivy League makes it, I'll never hear the end of it from Tamar, haha) - but I'll bet you get a MAX of two teams in the Sweet 16 that weren't ranking going into the conference tourneys.

My final four teams right now are KU, Syracuse, Kentucky, and either Duke/Michigan State/West Virginia.

I've got my drinking buddies ready to come over to my place on Selection Sunday - beer, pizza, wings, and brackets!!!!!!