Alright…we’re back, and blogging hard, trying to fight off the hangover from those early (and bad) games. Belmont-Duke! Washington State-Winthrop! And the whole Mayo/Beasley extravaganza!

Live blogging after the jump.

7:13 PM - Belmont hits a three to take an early 3-0 lead. That will be it out of you, Belmont. Sorry. Meanwhile, they compensated Kevin Harlan for having two atrocious games earlier by giving him the K-State/USC game.

7:19 PM: After watching the ESPN analysis of the early games, I suddenly understand what’s up with Digger Phelps. You know the creepy guy in middle school who would always touch a girl on the shoulder when he talked to her? That seems to be what’s going on with Digger — it’s like he wants Bob to ask him to the Sunshine Dance or something.

Oh no! Michael Beasley has two fouls! What will happen to the ratings???

7:23 PM: We’re caught in purgatory here in south Florida (purgatory = Duke), but on the bright side, we just had our first gratuitous Belmont Alumni camera shot of the night. Take a bow, Vince Gill! Your career is suddenly relevant again.

Who would’ve ever predicted that the two most prominent rock songs for commercials during March Madness would be courtesy of Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple? Bizarre.

7:27 PM: Alright, Washington State/Winthrop just started, while TAMU/BYU won’t get underway for another 10 minutes or so. Although I didn’t pick it, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Winthrop win this game. Elsewhere, Belmont is sticking around against Duke — 17-13 with about eight minutes gone. In the USC-KSU game, Frank Martin just looks confused.

7:28 PM: Alright…a new nominee for “most annoying commercial” has arisen. That Head & Shoulders ad needs to go.

7:34 PM: Is it at all possible that we’ve underestimated Frank Martin? His team is leading USC by 5, and USC really looks like they’re having trouble getting into the contest. Either we’ve underestimated Frank, or we’ve given Tim Floyd too much credit.

Belmont refuses to die early! 22-20 Duke, 9:15 left. Elsewhere, Washington State has (predictably) gone cold from the field, and Winthrop is tied with them at 8.

7:38 PM: Okay…the new Sonic commercial is excellent. “How long has be been in the back of my car???” Sweet.

Belmont is trying their darndest to capture the hearts and minds of America’s youth — they’re 3 for 6 from three point range so far, and only trail by one.

7:45 PM: Bill Walker is GOING OFF in the USC game…he’s got 12, and K-State leads 23-16 at the under-8. BYU apparently borrowed Kent State’s offensive gameplan from earlier — the Cougars are already down 6-0 to Texas A&M with four minutes gone.

7:47 PM: So, somebody tell me - at what point did it become legal to roll around on the floor with the ball? Or is it just Jon Scheyer that’s given that luxury?

So far these games have been much better than the last two sets. Lots more action, and the teams actually seem like they understand what they’re doing.

7:50 PM: Okay, I’m confused. What happened to Carter Blackburn (or whatever his name was)? He was broadcasting the 2 PM game from Anaheim with Jay Bilas…now he’s suddenly morphed into Dick Enberg. At least Dick doesn’t sound like Pam Ward.

8:00 PM: Kansas State can match USC in talent, and the Wildcats just look more focused than the Trojans do. K State up 34-24 as the half winds down. Elsewhere, BYU is still scoring at the same pace as Kent State earlier, and Winthrop is holding serve against Wazzu - tied at 29.

8:09 PM: Most of these games are at halftime. Back in 15 or so.

8:28 PM: I don’t think Belmont’s got much of a shot left in this game — down 8 now on the near side of the under-16. Upset Watch now swings to the Winthrop-WSU game…because honestly, K State over USC isn’t much of an upset.