Keane Leads Maiella by Narrowest of Margins

The first two rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament haven’t only been nip and tuck for the teams involved. The opening March Madness tilts have led to a closely contested race in the inaugural as well.

As Wilmington Patch , the Wildcat Challenge pits Wilmington High School boys basketball coach Joe Maiella against Lady Wildcat mentor Jay Keane.

Here’s a look at where things stand after the first two rounds, which included plenty of drama and upsets. First round games were worth one point apiece and second round tilts were worth two markers each.

Maiella snagged a one-point edge after the first 32 games. He earned five points in the east and southwest brackets and also tallied up six points in the west and southeast for a total of 22 points after the round.

Keane had a similarly stellar round as well. In the east, the girls basketball coach was flawless. He picked all eight games correct.

The west was a little more difficult, as Keane earned three points. In the southwest and southeast he made five correct picks for a first-round total of 21 points.

In the second leg of the bracket, Keane erased the 22-21 deficit he had created for himself as he made nine correct picks (18 points). Maiella wasn’t far off the pace with eight correct choices (16 points).

Just in case you’re not following so far, Keane holds a 39-38 lead after the first two rounds.

Things can change, however, as the two coaches have contrasting predicted national champions.

Of his Final Four, Maiella still has Ohio State, Duke and Kansas remaining. His fourth choice, Pitt, was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of Butler. Maiella believes Kansas will eventually come out on top.

Keane also has Ohio State and Duke remaining in addition to Florida in his predicted Final Four. He did, however, lose Notre Dame on Sunday in a blowout defeat to Florida State. Keane’s bracket ends with Duke cutting down the nets following a second straight title.

Games pick back up later in the week, so make sure you check back to see who comes out on top!