NCAA tourney in Portland, OR

I got lucky and a friend invited me to Thursday night's match-ups between Virginia Commonwealth and Wichita State, and Indiana and New Mexico State.  These were pretty good seats too, even if partially obstructed by the backboard and post.

At least we go to sit up fairly close to the pep bands and the cheerleaders!

Winner for the school, band and cheerleaders that had the most fun and entertaining experience: VCU.

Their band was seriously rocking, their band director was animated, the parents of the players were dressed up to the hilt, and there were a few Rams all decked out with their head ornaments.  Their cheerleaders wore light outfits befitting the warm interior -- they could have nearly been mistaken for the Trailblazer cheerleaders.  Meanwhile the other squads were downright prudish with their cold-weather long-sleeved uniforms, indoors.

No way did any other school have as much fun as VCU, last night at the Rose Garden.

Oh, as for the game, VCU looked like they were comfortable all game long, and were playing within themselves while Wichita State looked like they were just not quite ready for the big stage.

Indiana looked like they got bored at times, and would allow NMSU to think that they might be able to get back into the game.  But they completely overwhelmed NMSU with talent across the board, but especially inside -- #40 Cody Zeller -- stole a few lazy passes, made several backdoor lay-ins, and had no trouble getting his points.  Indiana plays as if they have this internal switch that when it is turned on, they will just overwhelm you, but sometimes they turn it off and just take it easy.

VCU - Wichita State at the Rose Garden

Indiana - NMSU at the Rose Garden

VCU having more fun than anyone else

Indiana cheerleaders and their cold-weather uniforms