That’s right – it is time to bring to you expert advice on the Elite 8 in the way that only the Lunatic can – by polling the amazing basketball knowledge of the Lunatic Expert Panel.

West Region – #1 Gonzaga vs #11 Xavier

• Crazed Lunatic – Gonzaga – this is normally the time of year that the regular season and tournament champions keep winning games – not to mention that Gonzaga has only lost one game all season
  
• Mrs. Lunatic – Gonzaga – I always have like this team when they were consistently a favorite to be Cinderella – they are now the big dog – Go Zags!
  
• Charlie – Xavier – I might be able to get in the top 10 and win money if Xavier wins – have to pick Xavier
  
• Katie – Gonzaga – would it irritate Charlie if Gonzaga won – I will pick them.   Plus, their mascot is a Bulldog – I would like a dog!
  

Midwest Region – #1 Kansas vs #3 Oregon

• Crazed Lunatic – Kansas – did you see how badly the Jayhawks beat up my Boilers!    I am not sure anyone can beat them.
  
• Mrs. Lunatic – Oregon – I don’t know that they will beat the Jayhawks, but I would rather root for the Ducks!  Quack!  Quack!!!
  
• Charlie – Oregon – I think it is in my best monetary interest if Kansas doesn’t win since lots of people picked Kansas.  Quack!   Quack!
  
• Katie – Oregon – I like ducks – they are cute!    Can we get a cat?   How about any pet?   We keep talk about animals – lets get a pet!
  

East Region – #4 Florida vs #7 South Carolina

• Crazed Lunatic – Florida – I think this is going to be a great game – these two teams split in the regular season, but I think Florida has been slightly better, so I will take the Gators.
  
• Mrs. Lunatic – South Carolina – my rule still stands – never pick a school from Florida.   Plus, I don’t like Gators – *** shudder ***
  
• Charlie – South Carolina – they are a 7 seed, most likely no one has the 7 seed – more chances for me to win if South Carolina does
  
• Katie – South Carolina – we go to South Carolina every summer with Nanny and Grandpa!!!   I like them – Nanny and Grandpa that is.
  

South Region – #1 North Carolina vs #2 Kentucky

• Crazed Lunatic – Kentucky – I am not allowed to root for North Carolina – my father-in-law has forbid it.   Plus, they are the only team left alive in my bracket, so you know that has to favor Kentucky.
  
• Mrs. Lunatic – North Carolina – a girl has to respect their Carolina roots
  
• Charlie – North Carolina – all the other three games don’t matter if UNC doesn’t win.   So, obviously this has to happen
  
• Katie – North Carolina – Do you want to hear me sing the fight song – Grandpa taught it to me – I’m a Tar Heel Born!  I’m a Tar Heel Bred!  And when I die, I’ll be Tar Heel Dead!   Then there’s some Rah Rah stuff!
  

Katie is now asking me that since we have done this, does that mean we no longer have to watch the basketball games.   Charlie is asking why the games have to be so late – he can’t watch them if it is after bedtime.    Elizabeth is happy because there is only four more nights of basketball games blocking her from watching her favorite true crime shows like Dateline and 48 Hours Mystery.   And I am making sure that I have options to watch the games online when I lose the TV.   Just a couple hours until the Elite 8!!!!!