Spoilers! Breakdown: Dozen Trivia 2nd Round Matchups

What a day of trivia to kickoff the tournament! And don't forget, before you panic if your favorite went down, they aren't quite out though! The 8 teams are now split into winner & loser brackets, with the winners only one win away from the Final Four, while the losers are looking to work their way back for a spot themselves.

Losers Bracket: Win or go home!

#3 Minihane vs. #7 Chicago

1st Round Results:

• Minihane: 9-15 L vs. #6 Booze Ponies

• Chicago: 9-15 L vs. #2 Uptown Balls

  
  

Both teams faced opponents that did not miss. But also for Chicago, their top scorer all season, Steven Cheah, just didn't have it, maybe still living in Knicks championship land. He will HAVE to be on his mark in this one, or else it will be another season for Chicago without a playoff victory. It won't be easy either, as Minihane will be an angry squad after a dud performance really all around, not just from Klemmer. Still, you've gotta think Klemmer needs to be on his game or this will be his last with Team Minihane.

Keys to the Match:

1. Klemmer vs. Cheah: Both feel like the much-needed points boosters for their teams; if they don't show up, it could be over quickly.

2. Lights, Camera, Action: Movies are crucial for Chicago to get, or else this feels like a guaranteed 3-point swing for Minihane.

3. NFL & NBA LOVE: CHEAH HAS TO WIN THESE. If Chicago doesn't grab these, it is curtains.

Prediction: Minihane 15, Chicago 13

#4 Ziti vs. #8 Grinders

1st Round Results:

• Ziti: 12-15 L vs. #5 Markettes

• Grinders: 12-16 L vs. #1 Experts

We have a BIG-TIME matchup with seasons on the line. After the Grinders gave the Experts a scare but fell short, they now take on another former champion, but this time with their backs against the wall. If they want to get another chance at the Final Four, they will need a huge performance out of Jake Malasek again. Jake was so good in round one, even going head-to-head with Fran in the mashup. As for Ziti, you have to wonder if the team being remote is a factor in their sloppy play.

Keys to the Match:

1. Malasek Magic: Can Jake continue his hot streak as he solidifies himself as a top player in the league?

2. ZITI ZITI: The doubles have been the curse of the season. What will they double with the season on the line?

3. Zen Frank the Tank: Even with the loss, Frank had one of his best playoff performances. Can the zen continue toward the upset bid?

Prediction: Grinders 15, Ziti 14 (OT)

Winners Bracket: Final Four Spots Up for Grabs

#2 Uptown Balls vs. #6 Booze Ponies

1st Round Results:

• Uptown Balls: 15-9 W vs. #7 Chicago

• Booze Ponies: 15-9 W vs. #3 Minihane

  
  

The playoff mojo of the Ponies continues into a major 2nd round matchup. Now, though, they meet Uptown Balls, who looked unbeatable in their round 1 dismantling of Chicago. The Ponies will need to be sharp in order to stay close and hope for an Uptown misstep. As for Uptown, not a sweat was broken in round 1; if the pressure mounts, can they respond with a trip to the Final Four on the line?

Keys to the Match:

1. Beers Basketball: Dana Beers will need to get his team their college basketball & NBA points, as Tommy Smokes will be waiting for a possible steal.

2. Scared of Steals: The Ponies are notorious overthinkers with their doubles. Do they shy away from their strengths?

3. Balls Boys: Can Glenny & Rone give enough to help their leader, Smokes?

Prediction: Uptown Balls 15, Booze Ponies 11

#1 Experts vs. #5 Markettes

1st Round Results:

• Experts: 16-12 W vs. #8 Grinders

• Markettes: 15-12 W vs. #4 Ziti

Well, the Markettes finally got their first signature win, a perfect time, as it puts them one win away from the Final Four. But now for the bad news: they are facing an Experts team that just feels unflappable. Even with the Grinders going blow-for-blow, that match still felt to be in no doubt. For the Markettes, they will have to be on their game and hope for some slip-ups to find their way into the Final Four.

Keys to the Match:

1. Basketball & Maps: The Markettes Mark Titus & KB HAVE to dominate these categories or else it's curtains. A sweep in one or both of these could be the deciding factor of the match.

2. It's Time to Make the Donuts: The Markettes have to find a way to be better in closest guess. The Experts are very strong there, and those two points are crucial.

3. Brandon's Blood Pressure: Playoff Brandon was back yesterday. Instead of a flu game, it feels like he always has a Blood Pressure game.

Prediction: Experts 16, Markettes 13

Well, two teams go home today, while two punch their tickets to Thursday's Final Four before we finally have two more tomorrow to finish it out. Yesterday I went 4-0 on predictions, including the two big upsets. I am feeling near-chalk today, except for the hot-handed Grinders as they look to continue their Cinderella run.

Tune in today for Round 2 on YouTube to see who's going home and who's moving on!