That’s right – it is time to bring to you expert advice on the Sweet 16 in the way that only the Lunatic can – by polling the amazing basketball knowledge of the Lunatic Expert Panel.

South Semi-Final 1 – #2 Villanova vs #3 Miami FL

• Crazed Lunatic – Miami FL – I was really impressed with how the Hurricanes beat Wichita State.   I suspect that guard Angel Rodriguez will take over this game like he did against the Shockers 
• Mrs. Lunatic – Villanova – I have a rule to never pick a team from Florida
• Charlie – Villanova – they have the best record and are the favorites according to Vegas and seeds
• Katie – Villanova – they are purple

West Semi-Final 1 – #2 Oklahoma vs #3 Texas A&M

• Crazed Lunatic – Texas A&M – this game is a coin flip for me.  I even hedged in my second chance picks with the Sooners.  But I have been so successful with my crazy picks – which had the Aggies to the Elite 8.  Not to mention they feel like a team of destiny after that stunning comeback against Northern Iowa.  Believe!!!!
• Mrs. Lunatic – Texas A&M – she says Hook ’em Horns – oh wait a second, wrong school.   Doesn’t matter – Go Texas A&M
• Charlie – Texas A&M – the Aggies won one more game then Oklahoma – and Daddy says I should pick a few upsets
• Katie – Texas A&M – Oklahoma – no not Oklahoma – do I really have to do this.  I would like my popsicle and to go back to watching Henry Danger.

South Semi-Final 2 – #1 Kansas vs #5 Maryland

• Crazed Lunatic – Kansas – after watching Maryland play in the Big 10 and seeing them go on slumps where their stars have off shooting nights, it is safer to take the very dominant Jayhawks.
• Mrs. Lunatic – Kansas – a girl can only buck the system so much – have to pick a favorite eventually
• Charlie – Kansas – #1 team going into the tournament
• Katie – Maryland – my friend just moved to Maryland – and their mascot is a turtle.  Fear the Turtle!

West Semi-Final 2 – #1 Oregon vs #4 Duke

• Crazed Lunatic – Duke – the Blue Devils can’t seem to stop anyone, but they seem to outscore them at the end.  I think Duke’s tournament experience and hall of fame coach will be the difference in what should be a great game.
• Mrs. Lunatic – Duke – always pick teams from North Carolina if I can
• Charlie – Oregon – they had more wins than the Blue Devils – that must be why they were a #1 seed
• Katie – Duke – Grandpa did his post doc at Duke – so while they aren’t as good as the Tar Heels, they have to be able to beat a Duck – Devils also sound scary

Midwest Semi-Final 1 – #1 Virginia vs #4 Iowa State

• Crazed Lunatic – Virginia – this is the Cavalier’s region with their nemesis from Michigan leaving the tournament.  Add to it the ACC has been dominant, and you have to go with one of the ACC’s best
• Mrs. Lunatic – Virginia – while not normally a UVA fan, have to root for the home team
• Charlie – Virginia – always take the #1 seed
• Katie – Virginia – I live in Virginia!!!!

East Semi-Final 1 – #6 Notre Dame vs #7 Wisconsin

• Crazed Lunatic – Wisconsin – my biases might be getting the best of me.  But I think that Wisconsin is the better defensive team, and that seems to give them a chance to win no matter who they play
• Mrs. Lunatic – Wisconsin – Never Notre Dame – Never for anything – Just Never
• Charlie – Wisconsin – Daddy shamed me into picking an upset – not to mention as a Purdue fan, I can’t root for the Irish.
• Katie – Notre Dame – their mascot is a Leprauchan – that has to be lucky, right!!!   I love Leprauchan Day – they make the potty water green!

South Semi-Final 2 – #1 North Carolina vs #5 Indiana

• Crazed Lunatic – North Carolina – The Tar Heels have too much talent here – Brice Johnson is too dominant inside, and Marcus Paige and Joel Berry are talented enough guards to at least slow Yogi Ferrell down.  Plus the obvious fact that as a Boilermaker, I can’t take the Hoosiers
• Mrs. Lunatic – North Carolina – a Chapel Hill born girl has to go with the Tar Heels.
• Charlie – North Carolina – many say you should always take the pre-season #1 team
• Katie – North Carolina – Nanny and Grandpa taught me the fight song – want to hear it!!!

East Semi-Final 2 – #10 Syracuse vs #11 Gonzaga

• Crazed Lunatic – Gonzaga – everyone knows my feelings about Syracuse, but I have been impressed with how they have gotten to the Sweet 16.  But this has been such a good tournament of the mid-majors, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Zags are left holding the mid-major banner.   I expect Kyle Wiltjer and Eric McClellan to beat the Orange’s amazing zone defense.
• Mrs. Lunatic – Gonzaga – go Zags!!!  Not to mention Tom’s dislike for Syracuse has rubbed off on me
• Charlie – Gonzaga – Vegas has them as the favorite and they won their conference’s championship
• Katie – Gonzaga – I will pick the team Mommy wants – she has the remote control

That’s right – expert opinions that you can only get here at the Stomp the Lunatic Blog.  Special thanks to my wife – who not only helped me with writing this, but once again must love me by putting up with this insanity each year.

Hope everyone enjoys the games – and don’t forget to do your second chance picks.