This week in Cincy Sports: Votto contract extension, Kentucky wins NCAA Championship, and Reds win opening day

Votto speaks to fans and press about his 10 year, 225 million contract extension.

Votto has had a big week. He just released his new cereal, VottO's, Opening Day was approaching and Votto just agreed to a 10 year extension to stay with the Reds until 2023. This deal had a no trade clause, so he cant be traded. Votto will make more than even Prince Fielder.

 This week, #1 Kentucky convincingly defeated #2 Kansas in the National Championship. Kentucky isn't a Cincy town and I don't care about Kentucky, just thought i'd throw it in.

On opening day, the Reds took on the Miami Marlins. Cueto pitched superb and Chapman did as well. A Bruce homerun fueled the Reds to victory, 4-0 over the tired Marlins. The Reds resume play on Saturday night.

March Madness Edition: Louisville survives New Mexico, and Baylor defeats Colorado

Late last night, #4 seed Louisville took on #5 seed New Mexico. New Mexico lead the Cardinals early, but the Cardinals were able to gain the lead in the first half 26-25. The Lobos came out prepared, but the Cardinals did as well. Louisville ended up winning in this thriller, 59-56. Louisville will play Michigan State for a spot in the Elite Eight.

Also last night, the #3 seed Baylor Bears took on the #11 seed Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado was able to hang with Baylor up until half time and even later. Baylor ended up winning 80-63.

March Madness Edition: USF dominates Temple, Xavier knocks off Notre Dame, Norfolk State upsets Missouri, Purdue overthrows SaintMarys, and Lehigh shocks Duke.

Friday, The University of South Florida Bulls (#12 seed) who had to play into the NCAA Tournament. USF took on Temple University, a #5 seed. Temple started off great, going into halftime  leading 19-15. The Bulls turned it around in the second half though, defeating Temple.

The freshman Collins lead USF by scoring 17 points, grabbing 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He also had a steal. Wyatt lead Temple scoring 19 points and grabbing 2 rebounds.

They will take on #13 seed Ohio on Sunday.

Friday, #10 seed Xavier University took on #7 seed Notre Dame. The play started off even, and Notre Dame went into the half leading barely 33-31. The Fighting Irish slowly fell apart at the end, and Xavier won the second half 36-30. A fadeaway by Tu Holloway gave Xavier the lead, and ended up being the win.

Holloway scored 25 points, had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block, while Cooley of the Fighting Irish hit 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Also on Friday, #15 seed Norfolk State took on #2 seed Missouri. Norfolk State lead most of the game and had the lead late. Kim English hit a three to come within one, but Norfolk State upsets Missouri 86-84.

Another game on Friday, #10 seed Purdue played #7 seed Saint Mary's. Saint Mary's couldn't handle their Big 10 opponent, and Purdue defeated Saint Mary's 72-69.

Friday, #15 seed Lehigh took on threatening #2 seed Duke. Lehigh lead early, but the Blue Devils were not worried. Lehigh kept at it, and was able to upset Duke in the end, 75-70.

Lehigh moves on to face Xavier University and the winner will take on #3 seed Baylor Bears.

March Madness Edition: Murray State defeats Colorado State, Kansas State edges out Southern Miss, and Louisville beats Davidson

Today, #6 seed Murray State took on #11 seed Colorado State for the first game of the first round. Colorado State took Murray State for a ride, even leading by 1 at the half. Murray State got in the game and regained control, winning 58-41. Murray State will take on the winner of the Marquette vs BYU game.

Today, #8 seed Kansas State played #9 seed Southern Mississippi. K-State lead early, but Southern Mississippi gained the lead and held it for most of the game. At the end, Kansas State earned back the lead, winning 70-64. K-State will take on the winner of the (#1) Syracuse vs (#16) UNC-Ashville game.

Today, #4 seed Louisville played #13 seed Davidson. Last year, Louisville was shocked by Morehead State in the first round. Louisville lead most of the game. Davidson tried to strike a comeback late, but it wasn't enough. Louisville defeated 69-62. Louisville will take on the winner of the (#5) New Mexico vs (#12) Long Beach State.

Coming Up Next: Syracuse vs UNC-Ashville, Wisconsin vs Montana, Marquette vs BYU, and LBSU vs New Mexico.

March Madness Edition: Western Kentucky comes back from 16 to defeat Miss Valley State

Western Kentucky's Gordon lowers his head with 4:32 left, as Miss Valley State lead by 16. WKY turned on their ability and started forcing turnovers from MVST and beat MVST 59-58.

WKY will face #1 seed Kentucky in the first round.

Xavier gears up for Notre Dame while UC prepares for Texas

Sorry guys, no pictures today. (Like anyone cares that much?)

#6 seed UC gets ready to take on #11 seed Texas. UC is predicted to win against the Longhorns, but some believe the strength and thickness of the Big 12 gives Texas the advantage and win.

My Prediction: Cincinnati wins 71-63

#10 seed Xavier University prepares for Big-East based Notre Dame. ND is a #7 seed, but ND is only  predicted to win (public from espn.com/bracket) by 56.3%. It was 78% but as more people entered their brackets yesterday, Xavier shortened that gap. 10 Experts picked this game on ESPN. 6 of 10 picked Notre Dame, but an extra analysis picked Xavier, making it alot closer. XU plays ND at 9:15 on Friday.

My Prediction: Xavier wins 67-66

XU convincingly defeats Saint Louis 71-64 and the A's outplay the Reds

Today, Xavier took on Saint Louis in the semi-finals of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. Xavier dominated the first half, going into half-time leading 29-23. Saint Louis came back late in the second half, but it wasn't enough when Xavier went on another run.

Tu Holloway lead XU with 21 points and shooting 6-14 from the field. The freshman Dez Wells trailed Holloway with 18 points and 6-8 from the field. Wells made all 6 of his free throws which came up huge late in the game today. Mark Lyons improved his performance from yesterday by scoring 14 points and Frease scored 9.

A clutch Lyons three pointer and Wells free throws gave Xavier the momentum it needed to end the game. Xavier defeated Saint Louis 71-64.

Xavier moves onto the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Finals. They play Saint Bonaventure at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Xavier's record improves to 21-11 while Saint Louis drops to 25-7. Defeating Saint Louis (being a #2 seed in the A-10 Tournament) was a huge and clutch win for the Muskies (#3 seed). Xavier's RPI improves to 37 while SLU drops to 30.

Xavier is already highly predicted to be in the NCAA Tournament (even though selections are not until late Sunday Night) with the win over SLU. If Xavier defeats SBU tomorrow, they get an automatic big to the NCAA Tournament no matter what, which will only higher there seed.

In the regular season, Xavier defeated Saint Bonaventure 77-64. This is still my favorite game of the XU season so far to attend.

Let's Go X!

Today, the Cincinnati Reds played the Oakland Athletics. The Oakland A's lead the entire game the Reds scoring once in the 4th and twice in the 7th. The final score was 6-3.