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     News Ten's Jeremy Sampson checked in Thursday afternoon from Spokane, Washington where he is covering Michigan State in the NCAA tournament.  He couldn't believe how quiet the place was with no MSU presence from fans whatsoever.  Doesn't surprise me because how many will pay at least $700 to fly to Spokane to see a team many doubt will make a long tournament run as in years past.  If MSU wins two games this weekend then there will be more interest for a likely match up with top seed Kansas the following week in St. Louis where fans can drive.

     The early Thursday games show that underdogs, as usual, have a place in the tournament.  Already Old Dominion has hurt some brackets with a 51-50 win over Notre  Dame.  The Irish had a 3 go in and out in the final second that could have sent the game to overtime and Luke Harangody's put back simply made the score a one point loss.  Notre Dame lost its final two games after a six game winning streak put the Irish into the tournament in the first place.

     Does that mean MSU, a 13 point favorite, will have its hands full with New Mexico State?  You make the call but underdogs get a lot of crowd support at these neutral sites.  And MSU probably doesn't feel much of a buzz considering there is so little interest at the Spokane arena as MSU has seen in years past.  Villanova barely beat Robert Morris, 73-70 in overtime and Villanova is considered a better tournament bet than the Spartans.  It may not be an easy run however long it lasts.