Georgia tried their best giving third seeded Xavier a scare but the more experienced Volunteers who pushed runner-up Ohio State to the brink last year showed plenty of poise in overcoming a double digit deficit to advance to the second round in the NCAA Men’s Div. I tournament.

When you get instant messages at work from buddies about their brackets already being in trouble, it’s pretty damn easy to figure out that something’s brewing.

The Bulldogs led 49-42 but Xavier came storming back thanks to some money free throw shooting (basic fundamentals people), smooth transition game and relentless nose to nose man-to-man D going on a 16-2 run.

They even led by eight but Georgia wouldn’t go away thanks to their senior leader Archbishop Molloy product Sundiata Gaines (13 pts and some sweet dishes). But in the end, the Musketeers just made too many big plays featuring a balanced attack which included 20 from power forward Josh Duncan including 11 of 14 from the charity stripe. Derrick Brown added 19 finishing an efficient seven-of-nine from the floor and tiny PG Drew Lavender hit for 13 and did a solid job running the offense.

Sometimes, getting that first one underneath your belt is tough. It can serve as a good wake up call for the Musketeers.

At the very least, I won’t be taking home that $5 million because Temple was ousted by Michigan State.

Oh well. At least Xavier’s still around as I got them going pretty far.

Kentucky and Marquette are playing now. Figure that to go down to the wire. Pitt just tipped off with Oral Roberts.

More later.