In a huge upset in the making, Russian President Vladimir Putin leads President Obama in picking winners after the first round of the NCAA Tournament with an astounding record of 30 wins and 2 losses to the President’s score of 26-6.

While Obama showed moxy in picking his alma mater, Harvard, to upset Cincinnati, Putin was dead-on with his selections of underdogs Mercer, North Dakota State and Dayton. Putin’s only losses occurred with picks of New Mexico State and St. Joseph’s, both overtime losers.

Asked about his prowess as a college basketball handicapper, a Putin spokesperson said the Russian head has been a long-time follower of the game. “Mr. Putin watched games on super-sized satellite dish since 1980s,” the spokesperson said. “He’s big Louisville fan, ever since ‘Never Nervous’ Pervis Ellison won the 1986 title for Cardinals.”

There’s more drama ahead with Putin, who picked his beloved Louisville to win it all, and Obama, with Michigan State in the winner’s circle, having a side bet on who finishes with the most wins in the tournament.

According to Russia’s spokesperson, “If Putin wins Obama will send deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs to the Kremlin. If Obama wins, we return Crimea.”

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