Oakland (25-9, 17-1 Summit League) played a non-conference schedule that’s more suited for a BCS conference team. The Grizzlies faced the likes of Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio State. And they upset the Vols in Knoxville and nearly beat MSU. Since losing at top-ranked Ohio State in late December, Oakland has just one loss sandwiched between a 10-game winning streak and its current eight-game run. Oakland led the Summit League in offensive rebounding, blocked shots and assists and was third in field-goal defense. The star is easily 6-foot-11 center Keith Benson. He averaged 18 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field this season and is very much on the screen of NBA scouts. The Golden Grizzlies lost 89-66 to Pittsburgh in the first round of the NCAA tournament last year, but Benson scored 28 points.

Texas (27-7, 13-3 Big 12) at one point was ranked as high as No. 3 in the country before a late-season swoon. But the Longhorns seemed to get things back in track in the Big 12 tournament, reaching the title game before falling to Kansas. Star Jordan Hamilton had been struggling mightily with his shot but found his rhythm in the Big 12 tourney. He leads the team in scoring (18.6 ppg) and is second in rebounding (7.6). A fascinating matchup should be Texas pogo-stick freshman Tristan Thompson, a shot-blocking machine, helping to defend against Benson.

Madness would be not betting on the NCAA Tournament at Bodog!