The Big Three

So at the beginning of the year, if I would've told you one conference would have 3 of the Elite 8 teams, you would most likely say the ACC, maybe the Big East. I bet you no one would've said the Big 10. That's why the NCAA Tournament is the greatest sporting event in America.

Here's your recap:

• Michigan St. 78, Duke 68. Tom Izzo finally beat Coach K and Sparty got their biggest win since winning the National Championship 5 years ago. Under Izzo, the Spartans had never been able to match Duke's mental and physical toughness. Tonight, they did that and then some. MSU grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and forced 22 turnovers with their incredible man-to-man defense, specifically their on-ball defense. Paul Davis outshone Shelden Williams with his 20 points and 12 rebounds while J.J. Redick was held to 13 points on 4/14 shooting. MSU let their athleticism and experience shine through tonight, taking control in the 2nd half, then maintaining their lead by getting the ball inside to Davis and getting stops on defense.
  
• Wisconsin 65, NC State 56. A rare game that I predicted correctly in this Tourney, as the Badgers overcame a poor 1st half to get to 60 first and win the game. The Badgers may have had the easiest road to the Elite 8 in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Northern Iowa, Bucknell, and NC State aren't exactly giant killers. After a quiet 1st half, Wisconsin's main cogs, Alando Tucker and Mike Wilkinson got going in the 2nd, finishing the game with a combined 39 points. The Badgers were overall more aggressive in the 2nd half, getting to the foul line more and got better shots, finishing with 50% shooting. Julius Hodge for the Pack was shut down in the 2nd half, only going 4/16 from the floor for the game. Wisconsin is one of those teams that if you don't take seriously, you'll be going home.
• Kentucky 62, Utah 52. Utah did more to lose this game then Kentucky did to win it. UK was solid, but not spectacular. They made the plays when they had to and Tubby Smith did a great job of using his depth again to make the difference, despite playing the game at Utah's pace. By my count, Utah missed 7 point blank looks at the basket and only made 14/28 free throws. Andrew Bogut wasn't awesome, but he did his part, getting 20 points and 12 rebounds, but everyone else disappeared (as I thought they would last week). While Bogut was 8/18 from the floor, everyone else was 9/22.
  
• North Carolina 67, Villanova 66. In the best game of the night, Nova came out hot behind Randy Foye and led 21-9. But Carolina got back within 4 at the half, tied it with 10 minutes left, then went up 9 with 5 minutes to go. Nova though wouldn't quit, having a chance at the end until a controversial traveling call was called on Allen Ray. It appeared Ray only took 2 steps, then actually was bumped and hit the shot, so he could've had a chance for a 3 point play that would've tied the game. After the travelling call, Rashard McCants hit 1/2 from the line to put UNC up 4. Kyle Lowry came down and hit a leaning 3 to cut UNC's lead to 1 with 3 sec left. Then, Ray almost stole the inbounds. Finally UNC threw the ball down the floor to run out the clock, literally escaping with this one. What a game effort by Nova as they played a great game without their best player. Foye did his best part by getting 28, but outside of him and Lowry, everyone else struggled offensively in one of Nova's poorest offensive performances of the year. Carolina needs to play a 40 minute game. If they're caught sleeping against Wisconsin, Wisconsin isn't the type of team to let you back in the game.

Now, let's preview tomorrow's Regional Finals:

• West Virginia/Louisville. If Louisville plays anything like they have in the past month, they will win. WVU needs to slow the game down, change defenses frequently to keep UL offbalance, and make shots to have a chance. I just don't see UL slowing down in this one. Despite having a couple of guys banged up, they have too many weapons and shouldn't be bothered by WVU's different defensive looks. Francisco Garcia continues to improve his draft stock as the Tourney goes on.
• Louisville 76 West Virginia 62
• Arizona/Illinois. By the way, Illinois is now the only team left in my bracket, haha. Arizona is going to come ready to do whatever it takes to win because you could see it in their eyes after the win last night. The Illini haven't seen anything like Channing Frye or Salim Stoudamire. This is where the home court advantage Illinois will have will come into play I think. All year, Illinois have found ways to win ball games, whether it be tough defense, streaky outside shooting, or getting the ball inside. UA isn't a great defensive team by any means, which means Illinois will get good looks, and when the Illini can get good looks, they usually take advantage of them.
• Illinois 75 Arizona 72

Is anyone else wondering how they came up with this year's combination of regional sites. I like The Pit, but the Erwin Center in Austin and the old Rosemont Horizon in Chicago??? Wasn't the United Center available??? In Austin's case, what about the Alamodome in San Antonio, or American Airlines Arena in Dallas???

I could listen to Rick Majerus talk all night about basketball. If you could measure basketball IQ, I bet he'd score the highest of anyone in the nation.

I've caught up on my Apprentice, as I was surprised to see Erin go down in the boardroom against Angie and Chris. Erin got too confident and showed her looseness with her "Do you have to listen to them?" Your looks couldn't even get you out of that one. I don't think Chris will be able to quit his chewing tobacco habit. He won't survive. I was surprised to see Craig actually step up to be project manager, then have the balls to stick with his idea, which won in the end. I agree with his team though, he isn't articulate enough.