In a game that was as exciting as any I’ve ever seen, our emotions were on a rollercoaster ride until the final buzzer sounded, sending Lawrence into a frenzy.

Things looked pretty grim in the final two minutes of the game, as the Jayhawks were down 60-51 with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. We were with friends, watching the game, and you could feel hope trying to slip out the back door. But the Jayhawks ended up taking a gamble that worked, slowing down the game by sending Tigers to the free throw line and and banking on misses by a team famous this year for their poor free-throw percentage. It worked. Superstar guards Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts missed 4 out of five of their final free throws in regulation, giving the Jayhawks the only window they needed — a three point deficit and 10 seconds to tie the game.

Even so, people were starting to leave the party, camcorders packed up, coats on, tears in eyes.

“Guys, 10 seconds is plenty of time. This is the National Championship — they can do something with 10 seconds. . . ”

And, as people started filtering toward the door, the rest of us watched the final possession in regulation unfold. After Sherron Collins bobbled ball, and then got enough control to get it to (Super) Mario Chalmers, I just knew that when Chalmers launched his shot, it was gonna go in. It had to!

And it did.

Out party erupted, grown-ups and kids running around like fools, hugging and kissing each other, like we had just won the game.

In fact, we had. The wind went out of the Tigers’ sails, and the Jayhawks took advantage, jumping out to a six point lead in overtime and controlling the pace in OT. Looking back, I can see the outcome in overtime was never really in question. But we all held our breath, doing superstitious things like standing in the exact place we were in when Chalmers’ shot went down, willing the Hawks to victory.

When the final buzzer sounded, we all jumped into cars and headed for Massachusetts street, along with 40,000 other people, where controlled and joyous chaos reigned.

I walked the streets with my son, Anthony, a kid who plays basketball and would love nothing more than to someday have people rioting in the streets after HE wins a national championship. We were with another mom and three of her kids. We lost my husband, and our teenagers were on their own, but that was OK, because the trip up and down Mass. Street was nothing but constant entertainment. Music was blaring; people were dancing on top of cars; huge groups were breaking out into chants and cheers; random strangers were hugging, kissing (and I mean REALLY kissing). We let the boys lead the way, and they got their fair share of college girl hugs and kisses, plus all sorts of high-fives and “bro’s” from guys.

It was all good, too. Everyone was just happy to be there, and no one was causing any trouble or grief. Even the cops were high-fiving and taking pictures with fans. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many drunk people who were so NICE to be around! In fact, it was almost hard to tell who was drunk and who wasn’t.

Anthony and I ended up hitching a ride home with our friends at 1:15AM — the rest of the family filtered home over the next hour, all curfew rules suspended for the night.

As you may suspect, school attendance is waaaaay down today in the Lawrence public schools (KU just flat-out cancelled classes). And plenty of people took the day off work to recover and/or welcome the Jayhawks home. Me? I’m going about my normal day, because those of us who are out and about can’t talk about anything else and I’m lovin’ every minute of it!

I did the ESPN bracket challenge, too. I’m in about 2,987,489th place.

But I’m starting from scratch with the Sweet Sixteen. Here goes.

1) Tennessee Defeats Louisville

Why? ‘Cause I like Bruce Pearl’s wardrobe, that’s why.

2) Memphis Defeats Michigan State

I think Memphis is the Number 1 seed that won’t make it to the Final Four. Why? The law of averages. They’ve only lost 1 game this year. It’s time to lose, guys.

I’ll give ‘em this one, because Michigan State has been super flaky this year. But they’re not gettin’ by Texas after. . .

3) Texas Defeats Stanford

I waffled on this one a little, but I keep coming up with Texas winning it. And if Stanford does win it, Memphis doesn’t get by them, either.

4) UCLA Defeats Western Kentucky

The Western Kentucky Whatevers are like lambs to slaughter. Not. Even. Close.

5) Xavier Defeats West Virginia

Because I picked them to.

6) North Carolina (Yawn) Defeats Washington State

But I don’t think I can take much more of the waxing poetic about the Tarheels and their balls-of-brass leader, “Psycho T.”

7) I Really Want Davidson to Win

So I’m picking them to beat Wisconsin. But the buck will have to stop there. Because they’ll have to play the Jayhawks after. . .

Kansas Defeats Villanova

Payback is a . . . well, you know.

I already said that I’m not going to jinx my Jayhawks by making assumptions about KU beating Villanova and then Davidson (getting one more game out of their Cinderella run with a win over Wisconsin), but I’m definitely predicting both as Jayhawk victories. The Jayhawks are so deep and such a complete team that I don’t see either team keeping them from the Final Four. But I can tell you this: if Davidson was in any other region other than ours, I’d be cheering like crazy for them to get to the Final Four.

What I’m really hoping to see is the media-favored Tarheels going down at the hands of the Jayhawks in the Final Four. Now THAT would/will be a game.

And I can just see the T-Shirts on KU Fans: “We still don’t give a s**t about North Carolina”

In the South, I’m predicting that Texas gets past Stanford and Memphis gets past Michigan State. Then Texas beats Memphis. Yep.

UCLA doesn’t have much to worry about in the West. They should beat Western Kentucky, and then either Xavier or West Virginia (I’m leaning toward Xavier to beat WVa.).

So I’m sticking with my original Final Four: North Carolina, KU, Texas and UCLA. And I’m still predicting an all-Big 12 Final, with KU beating Texas in the championship game.

All is right in the state of Kansas. Not only did KU win, but the KState Beasleys lost to Wisconsin, in a game that was never really in question after half-time. Early in the day, before the games began, commentators were gushing fantastic about how Michael Beasley and Bill Walker were capable of carrying the Wildcats into the Final Four. Anyway.

KState’s brush with greatness is over. Beasley can start looking for a condo in Miami.

And then there was the one who got away from KState. After leaving KState at the altar last year, Bob Huggins went to West Virginia, where his Mountaineers sent Duke packing, and punched themselves a ticket to the Sweet Sixteen.

Stanford beat Marquette in OT yesterday, with their coach watching from the locker room after being ejected after two technicals.

Texas A&M ALMOST killed their giant. But UCLA squeaked by them with a 4-point win, after being down by as much as 10. It would have busted my bracket completely, since I have UCLA in the Final Four, but I wouldn’t have minded seeing Turgeon’s boys pull out the win. I like what Turgeon did at Wichita State, and think he’s headed in the right direction at A&M. Plus he’s a former Jayhawk. What’s not to love?

And speaking of giant-killers, how about Davidson? Took down the mighty G-Town Hoyas today. I’ll be lovin’ these guys until KU has to face them in the Elite 8. Until then…

Stephen Curry, will you marry my daughter?

Jim Calhoun suffered his first 1st-round NCAA tournament loss as the Huskies coach. At the press conference after the game, he found about a thousand ways to say that his 4-seeded Huskies gave the game to 13-seeded San Diego by playing crappy defense.

Not very gracious. Looked to me like San Diego handled their business.

And that wasn’t the only upset in Tampa today. The 12-seeded Western Kentucky upset 5-seeded Drake.

That means UCLA, if (when) they get past Mississippi State, will face either a 12-seed or a 13-seed in the Sweet 16. Can’t get much sweeter than that for the Bruins. Although

THEN, 13-seeded Siena upset 4-seed Vanderbilt.

By nature, I’m a fan of underdogs, and I love games like these because they put the Mad in March. I can’t even feel too bad about my brackets being all busted up. Cause no one else in the family pool picked all those upsets, so we’re all in the same boat. (I’m sure there’s some geek out there who figured each of those upsets through some mathematical probability matrix or something.)

Now, we’ve got 5-seeded Clemson playing 12-seeded Villanova. In Tampa. And guess who’s ahead? Riiiiiight… Villanova’s up 56-55 with 8:24 left in the game.

Other news while I’m waiting to see if higher seeds are cursed in Tampa. North Carolina put up 113 points on Mt. St. Mary’s. The good news for the Mount, though, is that they actually scored 74 points.

Total dominance by Texas, Tennessee, and Memphis in their games.

The 10-seeded Davidson beat 7-seeded Gonzaga, which is an upset, but not a huge upset. The big news is that Davidson’s baby-faced point guard Stephen Curry (ESPN refers to him as “the guard the big schools didn’t want”) hit 40 points (read it and weep, Michael Beasley). He strapped his team to his back and carried them into the second round, where they’ll face – yikes! – Georgetown. Well, whatever. Davidson might not have an answer for Roy Hibbert, but Georgetown better have an answer for Mr. Curry or it might not matter.

In other news, Indiana fell to Arkansas. Not an upset. But you have to feel for Hoosier nation. After the Kelvin Sampson mess, the new guy, Dan Dakich, steps in and still gets the team into the tournament. Then, what does the University do? They announce this week that they’re putting together a search committee for a new head coach. That’s just bad mojo.

Back Villanova and Clemson. Clemson at the free throw line with 1:55 to go. Ties it up at 66-66. But Clemson’s James Mays just fouled out, following teammate Trevor Booker. So the Tigers’ leading scorers are on the bench. Ouch.

Villanova’s Scottie Reynolds has been the MAN. Not to mention, this has been one hell of a comeback for Villanova: Clemson had been up 36-18 at one point.

Villanova’s up 70-66, with 59 seconds left. Villanova’s got the ball. Missed shot. Rebound Clemson. Clemson misses a 3-ball, and Sykes goes for the tip-in instead of the rebound, but Villanova ends up with the rebound. Clemson foul, Villanova at the free-throw line. James Mays has tears in his eyes — makes ME want to cry, too. ‘Nova makes both free throws and the score is 72-66. Clemson’s Ogilsvie misses on two 3-point attempts. Villanova rebound and another foul. One foul shot made. Villanova up 73-66. Clemson finally sinks a 3-ball with 7 seconds left, and the score is 73-69. Villanova inbounds, Clemson fouls and puts Villanova at the line once again. Two more free throws made by Villanova.

Game over.

History made in Tampa, as four lower seeds move on. Brackets busted everywhere.

Any my Jayhawks, if/when they get past UNLV, will be in the same position as UCLA, facing either a 12- or a 13-seed in the Sweet Sixteen. I said before that it can’t get much sweeter than that, but the other side of that coin is this: any team that makes it to the Sweet Sixteen is for real, and all bets are off.

That’s why I love this tournament.

My basketball day started when I watched the KU game at my desk. I’ve got a double monitor, so I had the game going on one screen, while I worked on the other. After a few minutes, I just kept the corner of my eye on what was obviously gonna be a KU victory. Looks like their next match-up will be against UNLV on Saturday.

Otherwise, I just kept track of the afternoon scores. And then went to work out.

By the time I got home. . .

The KState Beasleys were pulling away from USC in the second half. They ended up with a convincing enough victory, in which Beasley scored his 27th double-double of the season. His brilliance in the service of the Wildcat Nation is futile, though. I’d advise Wildcat fans not too read too much into this win.While watching the Michael Beasley show, we’d been keeping track of the Duke game via the helpful little score-trackers at the top of the screen, and the big news was that Duke was in a neck-and-neck nailbiter with Belmont. Once the Wildcats had their game in hand, CBS switched to the Duke/Belmont game.

You may remember that I have a little bias against Duke, which is pretty much in proportion to the media bias FOR Duke. So I was really pulling for the underdog Belmont Whatevers, (even though I picked Duke in my brackets as a practical matter).

Wouldn’t it just be the case that Duke would pull it out, though. That darn Gerald Henderson got himself a coast-to-coast drive at the end o the game. The Other Guys had the same opportunity, but couldn’t pull it off. They got the big game heebie-jeebies.

The Duke win is good for my brackets, but bad for my sense of righteousness.

THEN: UCLA destroyed Mississippi Valley State. When UCLA was up by 37-12, I swear I heard Greg Gumbel say “If UCLA holds on and wins this game, they’ll face Texas A&M on Saturday” ????????? Well, hold on, they did. The final score was 70-29. How is it even possible to only score 29 points in the NCAA tournament?

Don’t answer that. . .

George Mason got beat by Notre Dame. The Mason loss messed me up a little bit in the brackets, and that’s what I get for trying to pick an upset. My usual policy is to stay away from upset picks, but GM had a little recent history going for them in this regard. I think I’ll stick with my policy next year.

Early in the second half, Cal-State Fullerton was rolling right along with Wisconsin, in a nip-and-tuck game. The KState Wildcats were on site, scouting. And praying that Wisconsin bites the dust. The Badgers (what a mascot) widened the gap to 10 points, though, with about 12 minutes to go, and managed to keep a healthy distance for the rest of the game. Bummer for the Travelling Beasleys.

The West Virginia Mountaineers beat the Arizona wildcats, 75-65. They’ll move on to play the Duke Blue Devils. My bracket says Duke will survive another one and then go down at the hands of Xavier in the third round.

As I wrap up this post, I’ll just note that the local Kansas City CBS station is treating us to the very unlovely sight of about a MILLION drunk KState Fans celebrating their victory by screaming and jumping around some bar. How excited they all are! They’re talking about how they want another match-up with KU in the Elite 8. But, hello? Did you all forget you’re in the NCAA tournament? Wisconsin and Georgetown are there to play. Let’s worry about one game at a time, Kitties. Meow.

Meanwhile, the family bracketology competition is set.

Snacky’s attempt to get Grandpa barred from the family bracket competition this year was unsuccessful. However, he’s determined to take back the championship. He pointed out that Grandpa only beat him last year by one point, after all, because Grandpa picked Florida to win it all. Snacky says this as if picking Florida represented some insidious form of bracket cheating. But, please understand that poor Snacky was handicapped by his still unexplained hatred of Florida, which resulted in a refusal beyond reason to project them as champions in HIS bracket. So Grandpa rode destiny’s train to the jackpot, and Snacky has been stewing ever since.

(I will note here that Anthony pointed out that Snacky did his brackets all in PENCIL this year. And there have been accusations in the past of eraser marks on certain brackets during the course of the tournament. I guess I’ll take them all to work and make copies. Lots of intrigue surrounds our bracket competition.)

Now, to the point. I know you’re all dying to hear my family’s predictions for the Final Four. Unfortunately, the only ones I have in my possession as of this writing are Snacky’s, Anthony’s and my own. The hubby has been warned that he has to fill out a bracket tomorrow before he leaves for work. No way he gets to waltz in the door at the end of the day with a bracket. Grandma and grandpa are currently in possession of their brackets at their house. I trust them, though — even if Snacky doesn’t.

Quentin should be home any time now, and I’ll have her fill one out just for fun. We usually get a good laugh at her bracket since she doesn’t know anything about basketball. One year, though, she shut us all up by coming in second. Go figure.

Anyway, back to the heavyweight bracketmasters of bracketology. Here’s what we’ve got, and we’ve all got two brackets working.

Snacky’s Bracket #1: He’s got Memphis, UCLA, North Carolina and Kansas in his Final Four. He’s picking UCLA and North Carolina in the championship game, with North Carolina winning it all.

Snacky’s Bracket #2: This is where he shows he’s not a total traitor to KU. He has Texas, UCLA, North Carolina and Kansas in the Final Four. Kansas and UCLA meet up in the championship, with KU winning.

Anthony’s Bracket #1: Exactly the same as Snacky’s #1 bracket, except with UCLA beating North Carolina in the championship game.

Anthony’s Bracket #2: Memphis, UCLA, North Carolina and Georgetown in the Final Four. North Carolina and Memphis meet up in the championship game, and North Carolina wins.

Ant’s not worried about whether we think he’s a traitor to KU. He’s a true bracketologist.

Mom’s Bracket #1: North Carolina, KU, Texas and UCLA in the Final Four. KU meets UCLA in the championship game and gets some payback for last year.

Mom’s Bracket #2: North Carolina, KU, Texas and UCLA in the Final Four. This time KU gets to beat Texas again.

Update: Quentin just got home and filled out one bracket, with Anthony’s help: she’s go UCLA, KU, North Carolina and Memphis. KU and UCLA are going to the championship and KU is winning.

Stay tuned to see if the hubby gets his bracket done before work tomorrow.

Also, plenty of commentary to come as the games begin!

Snacky had been the reigning 3-year family bracket champion until last year, when we let my parents in the pool. Grandpa stole his thunder by winning the pot with a bracket he filled out in about 5 minutes — with his eyes closed. Snacky is trying to get Grandpa barred from our family pool this year, but is garnering NO support for this shady back-door political move.

So we’ll get our brackets filled out and I’ll report on our final four picks.

In the meantime, here’s what’s upcoming.

Day One: Tuesday, March 18

The first game to be played in the NCAA Men’s tournament is the play-in game, to be held Tuesday night. Coppin State(16-20) will play Mount St. Mary’s (18-14) for the privilege of playing the role of cannon fodder for Number 1 seed North Carolina. Good luck, fellas.

My overriding thought during the game was that the Jayhawks will need to have a couple of things go very differently to make a deep tournament run this year.

To begin with, Darrell Arthur needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay in the game, preferably for at least 30 minutes — we need our best big guy. Our ‘Hawks also need to be more consistent with both making AND defending the three-ball. It might not hurt to deploy a 3-2 zone at times, serving the dual purpose of intimidating shooters and potentially keeping Arthur out of foul trouble? Not that I’m gonna do too much second-guessing of a WINNING basketball coach who obviously knows his business much better than I do. . . but what’s the fun of watching a game if you can’t play arm-chair analyst?

Anyhow. . . the game only killed about half of the time we had between games, thanks to a poorly managed division schedule in our tournament. So we went to a mall after the game, and I managed to feel better after buying about $30.00 worth of different chocolate treats for the family (including a chocolate-covered twinkie that I decided I have to try).

I felt even better after we got back to the gym and Ant’s team won their game 56-30, sending them to the championship game.

And the good feelings just kept coming. . . after Ant’s game, I checked my phone and found a text message from Snacky. It said “KState Lost HaHa.” Turns out Baylor beat them 92-86. So at least I can rest assured that the kitties aren’t going to edge past us in any rankings.

But I’ll hand it to KState — they went out with a bang. Michael Beasley broke the record for freshman double-doubles previously held by Carmelo Anthony. Beasley now has 23. He scored 44 points, which is the most points scored ever in a Big 12 game. Beasley’s teammate, the highly expressive Bill Walker, scored 31 points.

If you’re adding, that means Beasley and Walker scored 75 out of 86 KState points. And they still lost. WOW. I’m not even sure how to comment on that, except to say that next year is going to be a GIANT buzz-kill for the Wildcat nation. I’ll also direct your attention to the fact that KState’s AD has resigned and is moving on. Hmmmmmm.

AND finally. . .

The big NCAA basketball news is that previously unbeaten Memphis is no longer unbeaten, thanks to the Tennessee Volunteers. Let’s face it: the fate of every unbeaten team is to get beaten. Of course, I missed that game completely because it was going on while mama’s baby was kickin ass — but I got to see the highlights.

The man loves basketball . . . and plays basketball with a passion, from all accounts. This is the icing on the Obama cake for a woman with a basketball jones as big as mine.

I was already on board, but the basketball angle takes it to a whole new level. Because basketball is truly the most democratic of American sports. All you need is a court, a ball, some attitude and you’re ready to ball.  What this means is that a baller learns to respect everybody — cause you never know who can take you to the hole; who can take your cookies; or who can dunk on you.

I’ll trust a man who isn’t afraid to mix it up.

Here’s a good link to photos of Obama taking a basketball break from campaign life.

And note that the caption for photo #6 tells us that “between games, Obama describes his deep basketball jones.”

Did he say “basketball jones?”

Yeah, baby. I want a president who can take it to the rack!

I’ll add one more link to a good NY Times article about Obama and basketball, just for the enjoyment of my fellow basketball junkies.

Too hip to be true? I’ve been waiting since I was 18 years old to cast this vote.