God's Bracket

The United Methodists got off to a rough start, losing two of their three teams on the first day of the men's NCAA tournament. While Pacific put up a good fight, taking Jesuit Boston College into double overtime, Syracuse was upset by 12-seed Texas A&M.

The tournament selection committee was unkind to the Jesuits, pitting two of their schools (Gonzaga and Xavier) against each other in the first round. Still, the Jesuits won two games Thursday, leading all religious groups.

The Baptists were eliminated entirely from the men's bracket when Belmont was slaughtered by UCLA. But they still have hope in the women's tourney, where Baylor is a high seed and defending national champion.

When the women's tournament gets started later this weekend, we will get to see the Disciples of Christ (Texas Christian), Presbyterians (Tulsa), and Latter Day Saints (Brigham Young) in action.

The men's standings after one day:

1. Jesuit Roman Catholic (2-2)
Gonzaga, Boston College, Marquette, Xavier

2. United Methodist (1-2)
Duke, Syracuse, Pacific

3. Roman Catholic (0-2)
Seton Hall, Iona

3. Baptist (0-1)
Belmont

In action today: Jesuit (Georgetown); Roman Catholic (Villanova); Charismatic (Oral Roberts)