#2017MMM: And Then There Were Eight
#2017MMM The Sweet Sixteen…Only Eight Remain
Such a monumental night of competition last night as the March Mammal Madness entered the Sweet Sixteen. 16 Mammals enter…8 move on to the next round, and it’s not always who you think’ll win.
The first battle was between the Bear Cat and the Spider Monkey – a 1 seed against 4 and it took place in the forest of Borneo…at dusk. Preferring high places, the Spider Monkey was of course up in a tree, it just happened to be a fig tree which is a wonderful treat for the Bear Cat who choses to munch on figs rather than chase the Monkey. Another #1 seed down and the Monkey advances.
The next #1 seed was the Spectacled Bear who faced off against the White-Headed Capuchin. Another “Bear” vs Monkey battle – lol. This battle is in the Andes and once again, the environment features heavily in this battle as the Spectacled Bear had a hive of bees it’s been cultivating that the Capuchin spots. Unfortunately, there are too many insects for the Capuchin and he is overwhelmed, leaving the arena to escape the stinging swarm. #1 defeats #5, so much for the Rally Monkey.
We’re still not ready for the battle of the herbivores, so we pit the #3 Hog Badger against the #7 Hog Deer. At night, in India, both mammals face off against each other only for the Badger to give in to his stomach by hunting for grubs while the Hog Deer advances to the next round. I guess the Hog Badger only cares about food. #7 beats #3.
And now for the BIG event…the Battle of the Herbivores…#2 Guanaco vs. #3 Saiga. And not a lot happens. The Saiga tries to incorporate the Guanaco into it’s harem when it is surprised that not all herbivores are the same. He runs off in shame. #2 beats #3.
The next battle is (in but view) a forgone conclusion…#1 Honey Badger beats the #4 Aardwolf and HB really doesn’t care there is a March Mammal Madness, she’s just pissed off other critters keep bothering her. #1 beats #4.
In the swamp forest of Malaysia, the #2 Clouded Leopard is at relatively home against the #3 Maned Wolf who feels out of place in the jungle. So much so that he gets stuck in the mud and becomes easy prey for the Leopard. #2 beats #3.
So far, we’ve had 2 upsets out of 6 battles, but unless the #3 Leopard Seal can get a favorable setting, I’m not sure we’ll have another upset against the #2 Short Faced Bear. And…the fight takes place at dusk in the mountains of Utah…no where near the natural habitat of the Seal and she gets trapped on the landscape providing a juicy meal for the Bear. #2 beats #3.
The final battle would provide a potential for upset, but the #8 Greek Sphinx took a severe beating in the last round defeating the #1 Sabertooth Cat. This time the Sphinx if up against the #5 Neanderthal Hunting Party, and good thing they’ve got a party going since they keep losing people. Pretty soon it’ll be the Neanderthal Hunter all by his lonesome. In any case, the Sphinx puts up a valiant fight but is overwhelmed by the numbers of Hunters and even though she takes one out, there are seemingly many more in the Party. #5 beats #8.
Such a good set of battles. 2 upsets out of 8, but so many close contests and once again, the environment can be a deciding factor.
For me, my bracket has been decimated, but I’m still pulling for the Honey Badger and I’ve still got the Clouded Leopard headed to the Final Four, but my only other Elite Eight pick is the Guanaco. I am looking forward to the matches on Thursday though since every battle has been fun to watch.
You can follow all the battles on Twitter with the hashtag #2017MMM or @2017MMMLetsgo and be sure to check out the official site at Mammals suck…Milk.