College basketball fans around the nation are rejoicing as the men’s and women’s tournaments begin this week. For the men, the games start this evening with a pair of games as well as two more on Wednesday.

But there is definitely some madness missing for our region. No Western New York teams are in the tournament this year.

Despite a hot start, St. Bonaventure will be playing in the National Invitation Tournament, losing in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament. The University at Buffalo women also are heading to the NIT after falling short in its tournament.

Without the region being represented, there are still plenty of traditional favorites including Duke, Kansas and Kentucky. Add in a few upsets, and the tourney promises to deliver what it normally does: plenty of excitement and entertainment.