What to expect tonight, plus a little Mariners

Once again, I will be planted in front of the TV to watch eight teams battle it out for the right to go on to the Elite Eight.

Of particular interest to me is USC/North Carolina, which I think has the potential to be the game of the night. North Carolina has not seen a team that plays as good of defense as the Trojans, and with the Tar Heels' relative inexperience, one has to wonder if they have the composure to hang with such a tough-minded team.

I'm also interested to see if UNLV's defense can do anything with the high-powered Ducks, or if the Ducks will finally just hand one over with a cold shooting night. Don't forget, this game takes place in a cavernous dome -- the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis -- and that's been known to be death to teams that rely on shooting in the Tournament.

Lastly, a little bit of bonus material as I slowly try to transition into baseball season. (I fully realize the NBA will keep going into June, but I don't really care ...)

Here is the Mariners' opening day lineup, as reported by The News Tribune reporter Larry LaRue on his Mariners Insider blog. Does it strike fear in you?

1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Adrian Beltre, 3B
3. Jose Vidro, DH
4. Raul Ibanez, LF
5. Richie Sexson, 1B
6. Jose Guillen, RF
7. Kenji Johjima, C
8. Jose Lopez, 2B
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

Starting Pitcher: Felix Hernandez