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NCAA Tournament
March 31, 2003
Syracuse zone levels OU
Freshman Carmelo Anthony scores 20, and defense holds Sooners to 31 percent in 63-47 win.
The final four
Marquette Golden Eagles
Youthful Orangemen nothing new
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Much has been made of the youth movement that Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has melded into a Final Four team.
Longhorns prove they are best No.1 seed
Texas, the only top team to advance, returns to Final Four after 56 seasons with a 85-76 win over Spartans.
March 30, 2003
Top 'Cats hit rock bottom
Marquette and Kansas are the first teams to advance to Final Four after beating No.1 seeds.
Hinrich, Kansas edge Arizona
After scoring two against Duke, the senior guard scores 28 and makes a key block in the Jayhawks' 78-75 win.
March 29, 2003
Longhorns pull it out
TEXAS 82, UCONN 78: After the Longhorns let a 14-point lead get away, T.J. Ford returns to save the day.
Defending champs fall
MICHIGAN STATE 60, MARYLAND 58: Paul Davis' basket with 4.7 seconds left extends the Spartans' run.
Orangemen take a reverse course to victory
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Syracuse hung on instead of coming back, and the Orangemen suddenly are the only Big East team still around.
Oklahoma ousts pesky Butler
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Ebi Ere was Oklahoma's forgotten man. Not anymore.
Similar squads to meet for berth in Final Four
Marquette and Kentucky play tough defense and don't rely on one scorer.
Bogans decision to come late
MINNEAPOLIS -- Kentucky senior guard Keith Bogans was in a boot Friday and receiving as much treatment as possible for his high left ankle sprain.
March 28, 2003
Wade wakes upin Marquette win
MARQUETTE 77, PITT 74: Guard hits 20 in second half, makes big shot at end.
Kentucky shows depth in victory
MINNEAPOLIS -- With do-everything guard Keith Bogans injured, Kentucky needed others to do something more than usual if it hoped to avoid an upset by Wisconsin in Thursday night's Midwest Region semifinal.
March 26, 2003
Spartans are pumped: opt for practice, no day off
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Any concern that Michigan State might be satisfied with making the NCAA Sweet 16 was quickly eliminated when coach Tom Izzo asked his players whether they would rather take Monday off or practice.
March 24, 2003
John Romano: All heart, but no roar
TAMPA -- Let's get a few things straight. It's not like Auburn came in with no reputation whatsoever.
Gary Shelton: Losing is getting old
TAMPA -- In the end, they went down without firing a shot. If you remember nothing else about these Florida Gators, remember that.
Pittsburgh outmuscles Hoosiers
BOSTON -- Pittsburgh has a Steel Curtain defense again, thanks to coach Ben Howland.
Terps' title defense heads to Sweet 16
NASHVILLE -- No need to beat the buzzer this time. Maryland is off on another run in the NCAA Tournament.
Butler ready for closeup
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A team of blue-collar kids with crew cuts from a tiny Indiana school beat a powerhouse in the big tournament.
Heart-stopper has Arizona feeling lucky
SALT LAKE CITY -- Humbled and relieved, Arizona advanced to the round of 16 with an appreciation of just how fortunate it is to still be in the NCAA Tournament.
Double whammy
AUBURN 68, WAKE FOREST 62: Tigers answer critics with upset of No. 2 seed.
Florida/Michigan State Quotebook
Senior forward Matt Bonner on the inevitability of losing:
Slovenian's 3-pointers help knock off Gators
TAMPA -- This is Erazem Lorbek's first year in the United States and first glance at the NCAA Tournament.
MSU wins by playing its game
Spartans' suffocating D, a strength all season, keeps UF from mounting a challenge.
Best and Worst: Florida/Michigan State
BEST PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS: The Spartans have a chance to be frightening. They graduate two seniors, only one of whom started, and return a core of freshmen and sophomores, all of whom played huge minutes this season. Starting guards Alan Anderson, Kelvin Torbert and Chris Hill are sophomores, and forward/centers Paul Davis and Erazem Lorbek are freshmen. Freshman guard Maurice Ager was second on the team with 23 3-pointers. "The play of Paul Davis and Erazem Lorbek has come a long way," coach Tom Izzo said. "I knew, once Ager got things going, he was going to prove to be a key player in this offense."
Spartans push Gators around
Spartans are too physical for UF and even beat Gators outside.
Auburn/Wake Forest Quotebook
AUBURN
Wake points finger at itself
Demon Deacons, the No. 2 seed, say turnovers, inconsistency are responsible for an early exit.
Freshman has a career day for the Deacons
TAMPA -- In a pinch, it took a freshman off the bench to keep Wake Forest from embarrassing itself against underdog Auburn.
Daniels picks sweet time to shine
After sitting out a stretch with foul trouble, the senior helps send the Tigers to the Sweet 16.
Best and Worst: Wake Forest/Auburn
BEST APPEARANCE BEFORE THE CREDITS: He had four fouls, limiting his playing time, but Auburn star Marquis Daniels came up with a critical series that gave the Tigers their winning six-point cushion. With Auburn ahead 57-54, Daniels came off the bench and scored seven straight points to push the Tigers ahead 64-56.
Primetime not ready for blowout
It had the potential to be the best game of the Tampa subregion, a clash of styles between two young teams that won their first round games with ease with a couple of announcers -- play-by-play Ian Eagle and analyst Jim Spanarkel -- who have been surprisingly fresh for CBS.
If it's a major NCAA event, count on George to be there
TAMPA -- The Final Four, the Super Bowl; they spoiled us.
All eyes on Myra
TAMPA -- Myra is in the house.
Hoopla!
Quaker power!
Fan attendance equals success
TAMPA -- It's one thing to boast an arena as the second-largest to host a subregional this season, but another accomplishment to fill it up.
March 23, 2003
John Romano: Gators counter with speed, skill
TAMPA -- They, too, know how to snarl.
Gary Shelton: Spartans are bruisers, and proud of it
TAMPA -- There are only a few hours to go now. There is still much for Michigan State to do to prepare.
Eek, eek, eke for Arizona
ARIZONA 96, GONZAGA 95 (2OT): The top seed in the West advances by ousting the perennial Cinderella.
Hokies avoid upset in final second
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Carrie Mason drove the lane for an uncontested layup with one second to go, giving Virginia Tech a 61-59 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Hot-shooting Irish take care of Illini
INDIANAPOLIS -- Dan Miller scored a career-high 23 as Notre Dame, behind a school tournament-record 13 3-pointers, moved into the Sweet 16 Saturday with a 68-60 victory over Illinois in the West Region.
Force with young Eagle
Freshman hits three 3s in overtime to lead Marquette past Missouri 101-92.
Big two take over for Huskies
SPOKANE, Wash. -- At halftime, Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun challenged his two best players to be more aggressive. Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor answered the call and sent the Huskies to the South Region semifinals.
Newcomers take stage for Sooners
OKLAHOMA CITY -- A couple of freshmen helped make sure Oklahoma senior Hollis Price gets to keep playing in the NCAA Tournament.
UF's small center comes up big
Behaving like the Energizer Bunny, David Lee sparks the team with a career-high 23 points.
Prosser provides higher education
Former high school teacher brings lessons to court for Demon Deacons.
Versatility is this Spartan's game
Alan Anderson isn't limited to one specialty or position, giving MSU an extra edge or two.
Affection only, not acrimony
Despite choosing UF over MSU, Anthony Roberson is still "our kid from Saginaw" to coach Tom Izzo.
Sense of deja vu for UF seniors in tonight's match
TAMPA -- It's all come full circle for Florida's seniors.
State ties, rivalry bind two guards
TAMPA -- Kelvin Torbert might not know much about Florida's team, but he is familiar with guard Anthony Roberson. Torbert, a sophomore guard from Flint, Mich., grew up down the road from Roberson, a freshman from Saginaw, Mich.
Deacons seeing double as they watch Daniels
TAMPA -- If Wake Forest is the Josh Howard show, Wake Forest against Auburn has the potential to be a two-spotlight stage.
Post players come up big for Auburn
Kyle Davis Marco Killingsworth, Kyle Davis and Marquis Daniels give Tigers a powerful inside presence.
Strengths balance out in this tossup
Given that Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has been to the Final Four three times, has a 26-10 record in the NCAA Tournament and has a national championship -- how can you call a Spartans victory an upset?
Florida: 5 keys to victory
1. MATT BONNER BOUNCING BACK: Bonner was slowed late in the season by a heel injury, and coach Billy Donovan doubted the senior could play back-to-back games in a tournament because of it. Bonner insists he will play. But if he's not at least 90 percent, Michigan State could have a field day inside.
Michigan State: 5 keys to victory
1. DON'T PANIC: This might as well be a home game for Florida, so Michigan State will have to block out the crowd. The Gators will go on scoring spurts and how the Spartans react will be crucial. If Michigan State gets rattled, it could get out of hand quickly.
Another win would prove Tigers' point
TAMPA -- It might seem a bit unfair to criticize Wake Forest.
Wake Forest: 5 keys to victory
1. POINTS BY HOWARD: While senior forward Josh Howard was no slouch, with 13 rebounds and 12 points against East Tennessee State on Friday, Wake Forest needs him to come out shooting stronger against Auburn. The Demon Deacons are 12-1 when Howard scores more than 20, and 13-0 when he shoots at least 50 percent.
Auburn: 5 keys to victory
1. CRASH THE GLASS: Wake Forest has an imposing front line, and the Demon Deacons have outrebounded opponents by at least 10 in 19 games. They do it on both ends, too, as evidenced by their 19 offensive rebounds against East Tennessee State. Josh Howard had 13 rebounds Friday.
Vitale gets the last word on Auburn coach
Dick Vitale has a message for Auburn coach Cliff Ellis: He did chase his hair that day.
Seasons change for Florida's fans
UF is known for its football, but the Rowdy Reptiles show it's okay to love basketball too.
Hoopla!
1981: 2nd-round stunners
What's a wager between family members?
Wake's Eric Williams has an ongoing challenge from Mom -- top her game-high rebounds (30).
Guest Analyst: Wake Forest-Auburn: This game will be won on the boards
Digger Phelps joined ESPN as a college basketball studio and game analyst in November 1993.
Guest Analyst: UF's playmakers vs. MSU's physicality
USF coach Seth Greenberg coached his Bulls against Michigan State and Florida this season.
Mix of royals, dancers, lawyers
The NCAA Tournament has brought a lot of people to town, but it wasn't until Saturday that I discovered royalty had come to Tampa.
Kickin' back with Marquis Daniels: Daniels is down with T-Mac, but not Marines
This is Auburn star forward Marquis Daniels, an Orlando native and close friend of Magic star Tracy McGrady. He has a take or two on T-Mac, war, his game, Malcolm X, Tupac and the story of the Creation.
March 22, 2003
John Romano: Freshmen make or break UF
TAMPA -- Freshmen endure the darnedest things.
Gary Shelton: Despite losses, these two don't deserve to fade away
TAMPA -- Winners get next.
College basketball: Champs earn win at wire
Drew Nicholas' desperation 3-pointer stuns UNC-Wilmington.
Cole's apology gets warrant withdrawn
BATON ROUGE, La. -- An arrest warrant for Tony Cole was withdrawn Friday after the former Georgia player apologized for missing a hearing on a misdemeanor assault charge.
Win four at home, Vols are in semis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Four straight home victories will put Tennessee in the Final Four.
NCAA - Midwest: Utah wins despite poor shooting
NASHVILLE -- Utah overcame its worst shooting performance of the season to win again in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA - East: Butler does it again
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- This time, Butler did more than just take a Southeastern Conference team down to the wire.
NCAA - West: California guard in stitches after game-winner
OKLAHOMA CITY -- California's Richard Midgley got a little souvenir to go with his game-winning shot: three stitches to close a small cut over his left temple.
NCAA - South: Texas-sized inspiration spurs on Boilermakers
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- With the game tied at halftime, Gene Keady dangled a prize in front of his Purdue players.
NIT: Hawkins' career day helps the Owls soar
PHILADELPHIA -- David Hawkins scored a career-high 36 to lead Temple to a 75-62 win over Boston College in the first round of the NIT on Friday.
Tampa subregional: Braves closer saves the day
He isn't as tall as Tim Duncan or as fast as Bo Jackson.
It's a family affair on UF's sideline
Florida coach Billy Donovan's family is heavy on support, light on advice, unless footwear's the topic.
Proud to be loud and in your face
TAMPA -- They're not the best band in the country. They're not the biggest. They're not the most dangerous.
Hoopla!
As close as it gets
Tigers carry on after upset
Some said Auburn did not deserve an NCAA berth, but it moves to the next round.
Stars stage remarkable show
Marquis Daniels and Jameer Nelson trade clutch shots until the end.
Auburn's Daniels shows he can play defense too
TAMPA -- Everybody knows Auburn forward Marquis Daniels is a prolific scorer. But in Friday's 65-63 overtime win over Saint Joseph's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, he played big on both ends of the floor.
Daniels thrives under pressure to carry Tigers
TAMPA -- Marquis Daniels' expression never changed.
Anthony doesn't disappoint
TAMPA -- East Tennessee State sophomore guard and former Armwood player James Anthony wasn't just pumped up about starting in the NCAA Tournament as a homecoming trip. He wanted his whole team pumped.
Williams is too much for ETSU to handle
The freshman's post performance stuns Bucs.
Wake escapes on team effort
With star Josh Howard limited to 12 points, Deacons pick up slack and the win.
Pep talk gives Deacons' Howard a needed edge
TAMPA -- It seemed a subtle moment, but it perhaps turned the game for Wake Forest.
Spartans overpower Buffs
Michigan State looks like its old self in defeating Colorado 79-64.
Colorado arrives late and makes early departure
TAMPA -- Colorado's stay at the South Region tournament was short to begin with. A monster snowstorm forced the Buffaloes to stay home an extra day, and they didn't arrive until Thursday afternoon.
Spartans big men play big
Center Paul Davis and forward Erazem Lorbek play a major role in victory.
Five-minute stretch gives control to Michigan State
TAMPA -- Michigan State made the game's decisive move over a five-minute stretch just past the midway point of the first half in its 79-64 win over Colorado. MSU boosted the lead from three to 13 in that span, and the margin stayed in double digits.
Nine-point run catapults UF into unreachable zone
With Florida holding a tenuous six-point lead late in the first half of its win over Sam Houston State, the Bearkats went cold from the field, especially from close range, and it foiled their hopes for an upset.
2 friends to be foes once more
TAMPA -- Neither would talk specifically of the other before the outcome of their first-round games, but now it's official.
It's a rare backyard treat for Magic scouts
TAMPA -- College basketball is both business and pleasure for John Gabriel, and it took less than one game for the Orlando Magic's general manager, quietly tucked in a lower-level seat, to stop scouting and start hollering.
March 21, 2003 John Romano: Lepores hope for a win, at home and abroadTAMPA -- In one corner of the locker room a television is showing the final minutes of an NCAA first-round game. At the other end of the room, on another TV, President George W. Bush is talking about the opening minutes of a war.Gary Shelton: Florida's Nelson: flash of danger or flash in the pan?TAMPA -- On his finest forays, his most memorable trips downcourt, there always was a bit of the unexpected.
UF: A warm and fuzzy feelingGAINESVILLE -- Armed with walkers and oxygen bottles, geriatric Kentucky fans have the Florida faithful reeling. Oh, the Wildcats are up by nine, too.
College basketball: Upsets hard to come byMost of the higher seeds survive Day 1 of the NCAA Tournament.NCAA - West: Kansas survives upset bidOKLAHOMA CITY -- Apparently, it takes Kansas a while to get going in the NCAA Tournament.NCAA - Midwest: Disputed call sends SIU homeINDIANAPOLIS -- Rickey Paulding wanted the ball for the final seconds Thursday.Women's NCAA: A tournament rarity: a wide-open fieldThe women's NCAA Tournament will start with some grumbling over travel and an outcome in doubt.NCAA - East: Cal freshman caps jolly good winOKLAHOMA CITY -- When an Englishman makes a big shot, it's usually on the soccer field, not the courts of the NCAA Tournament.Tampa subregional: Hawks star West may be able to startTAMPA -- Saint Joseph's fans can breathe a little easier. Hawks standout Delonte West might not be 100 percent healthy, but the shooting guard is getting close. West has a stress fracture in his right leg and saw limited minutes in the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament.Sunday's Tampa games moved backSunday's games at the St. Pete Times Forum, originally scheduled for 2:15 and 4:45 p.m., have been moved to 4:30 and 7 to accommodate a request by CBS.It could have been special homecomingTAMPA -- It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or at least it could have been.Buffs arrive late, tired but not dismayedTAMPA -- With heavy eyelids and slouched over their microphones, Colorado's Blair Wilson and Stephane Pelle faced the media Thursday night. They looked as if they wanted to hit the snooze button more than the basketball court.Frosh star aims to be a 4-year GatorTAMPA -- He has SEC Freshman of the Year honors from both the coaches and the Associated Press on his resume, but Florida guard Anthony Roberson said that's not enough.Gators refuse to look past No.15 BearkatsIn the NCAA Tournament, the one thing you never say is never.Michigan State's keys to victory1. REBOUNDING: This is where the game likely will be won or lost. Colorado's trio of Stephane Pelle (9.4 rebounds per game), David Harrison (8.4) and Michel Morandais (5.3) are big-time rebounders. Michigan State's Aloysius Anagonye (5.4), Kelvin Torbert (3.9) and Paul Davis (4.6) must keep the Buffaloes off the glass.Want an upset today? Then look no furtherThey've got the experience, the coaching and all of the key components -- a superb scorer, outside shooter, shot-blocker and rebounder -- to pull off the opening-round win.Sam Houston State's keys to victory1. START FAST: The Bearkats play an uptempo style, and riding that to an early lead -- any lead -- will be crucial to help hush the thousands of Gators faithful. It might also plant a small seed of doubt in the mind of an opponent coming off three consecutive losses.Florida's keys to victory1. DON'T LOOK AHEAD: The Gators have their first No. 2 seed in history, but they better not start thinking that means an automatic pass to Sunday's second round. In an event where upsets make up some of the most memorable games in history, Florida needs to stay focused, otherwise it might be part of an unpleasant highlight reel.Florida vs. Sam Houston State3-POINT SHOOTING: Colorado's keys to victory1. BIG GAME FROM BIG DAVE: CU averages 6.6 blocks, and 7-foot center David Harrison averages 3.2. His shot-blocking has dominated several games this season, and it could make the difference tonight. He has had games with 11 and 10 blocks this season. Half of that many could alter the outcome.Colorado vs. Michigan StateTHREE-POINT SHOOTINGAuburn's keys to victory1. PERIMETER DEFENSE: Everybody knows how effective Jameer Nelson can be for Saint Joseph's. But the Hawks have one of nation's best 3-point shooters in Pat Carroll, who ranks third in percentage and has 76 3-pointers this season. In losses to Kentucky and LSU, the Tigers didn't defend the 3.Don't look at seeding for the best team hereThe 7-10 game usually produces an upset or two. Since the field expanded in 1985, the 10th seed is 29-43 in the first round. This shouldn't come as a surprise.East Tennessee State's keys to victory1. WATCH THE 3s: While the Buccaneers are the sixth-best scoring team in Division I, they also are one of the worst at guarding outside shots, especially 3-pointers. The Bucs have given up an average of 75.2 points, and against Wake Forest's defense, they'll have a tough time outscoring that average.Auburn vs. Saint Joseph'sSaint Joseph's has the edge, having made more 3s while shooting at a better percentage. Hawks small forward Pat Carroll has 76 and ranks third in the country in percentage at .463. Point guard Jameer Nelson (61) and shooting guard Delonte West (53) also are formidable. Auburn's top outside threat is shooting guard Derrick Bird, who has 50 in 132 attempts. The Tigers make 34 percent as a team.Wake Forest keys to victory1. DON'T PEEK AHEAD: The Demon Deacons can't afford to overlook anyone. They don't often get on long runs, so they rely on a consistently ferocious defense and relentless rebounding. Get complacent and defense and rebounding usually suffer.Saint Joseph's keys to victory1. A HEALTHY DELONTE WEST: The 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard averages 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He can hit longe-range jumpers or drive to the basket, which makes him tough to defend. He also is one of the better rebounders. With West in the lineup, Saint Joseph's is capable of playing with just about anybody.Wake needs veteran to lead way to winOnly four No. 2 seeds have lost in the opening round since the NCAA Tournament field expanded in 1985, but the Demon Deacons are far from a lock to advance. They commit too many turnovers, an average of 15, and they are exceptionally young. Senior Josh Howard is the lone upperclassman accustomed to being in a lead role.Different team, different NCAAsThe Gators say their bad experience in last year's tournament will not be a factor.Security levels already highThe advent of war in Iraq should not have any tangible impact on security at the St. Pete Times Forum for this weekend's games, in part because of high safety measures established since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.Carrolls have to scramble to give sons equal attentionIt gets hectic as parents try to keep up with sons playing at different sites.
March 20, 2003
Gary Shelton
Tournament is refreshingly close to perfect
If a sport were perfect, there would be no greed.
John Romano
Gimme five!
Special Tournament edition
Anatomy of an upset
No. 13 Princeton 43, No. 4 UCLA 41
Famous overnight
Many unlikely heroes have emerged from the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Their one shining moment remains vivid -- even decades later. Here are five examples.
Anything goes
No one gave Princeton a chance against UCLA in 1996, but look what happened. And that's just one example.
We got games
TAMPA -- Former Hampton coach Steve Merfeld doesn't recall much about the ride of his life.
Top memorable first/second round upsets
1. No. 13 Princeton 43, No. 4 UCLA 41: 1st round, Southeast Region (Indianapolis), March 14, 1996. Retiring coach Pete Carril finally knocks off a giant, the defending champ, on -- what else? -- a backdoor layup.
Great potential
LeBron James is the unanimous choice for top high school basketball prospect. Here's a look at who would be No. 1 if not for James, along with the top junior, sophomore, freshman and eighth-grade players.
Kid sports
So you want to go to the Final Four? Practice, practice, practice. Teams that reach the pinnacle are well-versed in the essential skills of the game. Hillsborough Community College men's assistant coach Tim Ryan, the former boys coach at St. Petersburg Catholic, provides a guide to basketball's fundamentals.
'Cacophony of hype and hops'
LeBron James, a k a the next "best ever" high school player, has become ensnared in a whirlwind of publicity that is propelling him toward the NBA -- and millions of dollars.
Tampa Bay tournament history
1994
'Bracketologist' for ESPN.com sees into the future
The first draft of your NCAA bracket might have been drawn up Sunday night, with the final version molded and crafted this morning, just before the first tipoff.
V
He is Dick Vitale, a college basketball icon and he is Awesome Baby!!
Tampa's schedule at a glance
WHAT: First- and second-round NCAA Tournament games.
Hooper on hoops
Tapping into every resource I could find -- including ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, USF basketball coach Seth Greenberg and the book Hoops Nation -- we present another basketball glossary. There are some you should use and some you shouldn't.
Wide-open field will test CBS' creativity
If you're looking for guidance for your NCAA office pool, hoping for some inside information that could prove the difference in making you the office champ, then look no further than the nearest baseball cap.
Forum still contender for Women's Final Four
It has been four years since the NCAA Men's Final Four came to Tampa Bay, Connecticut winning the national championship at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The Women's Final Four could get its turn in Tampa in five to seven years.
Tampa police will be on the lookout for scalpers
TAMPA -- The Big Dance is coming to town. And with it come the scalpers.
St. Pete Times Forum Seating chart
Getting there and Parking
Florida
UF depends on Hamilton
Justin Hamilton clearly is the unsung hero of the Gators.
Florida at a glance
Florida crunch time
Florida players
Colorado
It's up to Morandais' ankle
Michel Morandais did not jump up and down when he found out his Colorado Buffaloes would be playing in the NCAA Tournament against Michigan State on Friday in Tampa. It's not that Morandais wasn't excited, it's just that he's not able to jump up and down.
Colorado crunch time
Colorado at a glance
Colorado players
Wake Forest
Howard's price contagious
Only one Division I player is averaging at least 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block per game this season.
Wake Forest crunch time
Wake Forest at a glance
Wake Forest players
Sam Houston State
Big players make big plays
The overtime seconds were ticking away, the score tied, when Sam Houston State senior Donald Cole caught the ball a long way from the basket. He looked at the rim -- a reflex as natural as breathing -- and saw the darndest thing.
Sam Houston crunch time
Sam Houston players
Sam Houston State at a glance
Michigan State
Hill is key to Spartans' success
While it's hard to point a finger at one player to carry the Spartans through the tournament, sophomore Chris Hill, a shooting guard moved to the point and then back to shooting guard, is clearly the team's most important player, possession through possession.
MSU players
MSU at a glance
MSU crunch time
Saint Joseph's
One of the nation's best
No one wants to sing the praises of Jameer Nelson more than John Chaney.
SJU players
Saint Joe's at a glance
Saint Joe's crunch time
Auburn
Daniels should feel at home
TAMPA -- Say what you want about Auburn's soft nonconference schedule. The Tigers waited until the NCAA Tournament to find a homecoming opponent for Marquis Daniels.
Auburn at a glance
Auburn crunch time
Auburn players
East Tennessee State
Both student and mentor
No delusions here. East Tennessee State forward Zakee Wadood thinks the way an underdog should think.
ETS crunch time
ETS at a glance
ETenn. players
A chance to shine
Four players have a chance in Tampa to turn potential into national stardom.
Ellis: Tigers have earned the berth
Comments made by TV analysts Dick Vitale and Digger Phelps that Auburn doesn't belong in the tournament haven't sat well with Tigers coach Cliff Ellis.
UConn coach all stomp, no stumble
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Less than six weeks after prostate cancer surgery, Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun is the same sideline stomper and screamer he always has been.
Both teams lean on the freshmen
TAMPA -- It's not like Wake Forest and East Tennessee State don't have seniors.
Seniors seeking return to glory
Two Michigan State players remain from the 2000 national championship team, senior forwards Aloysius Anagonye and Adam Ballinger.
SHS reads little into '02 shocker
TAMPA -- Shortly after the announcement came across the television that Sam Houston State would be playing Florida in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, coach Bob Marlin's thoughts turned to Creighton.
New home where heart is
Gator grew up in Michigan and was close to Tom Izzo but has had a transfusion to Blue and Orange.
Gamble pays with trip to Tampa
Demon Deacon Vytas Danelius ignored advice and left Lithuania. He's happy he didn't listen to doubters.
We've got game
The NCAA Tournament’s first weekend is loaded with action. It’s wild, wacky and unpredictable. And the best part is -- it’s here.
March 19, 2003
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[Times photo: Carrie Pratt]
Matt Bonner proved his toughness by playing with a foot injury. |
Bonner trashes the stereotypes UF forward is many things, including a role-player-turned-star and a cerebral slob who loves loud music.
NCAA president: Games will go on
The NCAA will not postpone the men's and women's basketball tournaments if the United States goes to war with Iraq, the organization's president said Tuesday.
Veteran drives Colorado's rise
The senior from Cameroon has helped the Buffs, and the Buffs have helped him.
Buffs benefited from big breaks
In its first-round game of the Big 12 tournament, Colorado caught two lucky breaks during the final seconds to escape with a victory against Kansas State -- and perhaps lift it into the NCAA Tournament.
Asheville earns game with Texas
DAYTON, Ohio -- Andre Smith looked into his teammates' eyes and knew the game was resting on his shoulders.
War talk is on minds of Gators
GAINESVILLE -- With the threat of war in Iraq looming, talk inevitably centered on war and sports at the Florida basketball facility Tuesday.
Parents have to split to see sons
John and Maureen Carroll of Horsham, Pa., have two sons playing in the NCAA Tournament. The problem is, they're on different teams.
Area product helps fill big hole
The Armwood graduate has done the little things since East Tennessee State lost its leading scorer.
Tigers' defensive wiz faces tough task
The JUCO transfer likely will spend time against each of Saint Joseph's guard trio.
Two friends takerole of opponents
TAMPA -- East Tennessee State freshman point guard Tim Smith and Wake Forest freshman guard Trent Strickland will find themselves in a strange position in Friday's NCAA Tournament opener at the St. Pete Times Forum.
March 18, 2003
Schools want players who do it all
Programs increasingly seek athleticism as they shy from traditional roles.
Leagues patient as war looms
There are few plans for altering game schedules; TV is another matter.
Progress slow for high school star
Ex-Mr. Basketball hasn't excelled as expected, but his defense, promise have kept him in the Spartans lineup.
Bearkat trades up on ego
Once Sam Houston State's Donald Cole adjusted his "me" mentality, the entire team reaped the benefits.
MSU-CU Quotebook
UF-SHS Quotebook
St. Joseph's-Auburn Quotebook
Wake Forest-East Tennessee State quotebook
Dual bids have state a mile high
These are high times in the Rocky Mountains as both Colorado and Colorado State are making rare appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Sore foot won't waylay Bonner
GAINESVILLE -- Florida forward Matt Bonner participated in part of practice on Monday and said he expects to be ready to play on Friday and Sunday, if necessary.
No West could make O go south
The shooting guard, one of the Hawks' key weapons, enters the tournament with a stress fracture but says he's ready to go.
No Gray days for Deacons
Mixing aggression with confidence, reserve Justin Gray can be counted on to make key plays for Wake Forest.
Familiar territory for Buccaneers
TAMPA -- The East Tennessee State Buccaneers made the trip here once this season for a tournament, but not as much was riding on those two days as there will be for the NCAA Tournament.
Tigers insist they earned their bid
Several big-name commentators (among them Dick Vitale) made their feelings known Sunday that they believed Auburn did not belong in the tournament, but Tigers coach Cliff Ellis was quick to defend his squad.
March 17, 2003
Great eight
There are plenty of compelling stories among the schools playing their NCAA Tournament openers in Tampa.
Heeeerrrre come the Gators
• UF heads to Tampa, which is ecstatic to be awarded two No. 2 seeds and some intriguing matchups in its subregion. Story
• First-round game pits Florida's Billy Donovan against a familiar coach. Story
It's no longer who you are but where
With year-old system, NCAA tries to keep more teams closer to home.
Kellogg: UF better beware of Buffs
Clark Kellogg is in his 10th year as a CBS college basketball analyst.
Tampa's teams at a glance
• Colorado
• Michigan State
• Sam Houston State
• Florida
• East Tennessee State
• Wake Forest
• Auburn
• St. Joseph's
John Romano: UF handed a shot at redemption
As the lights dimmed and the season was turning dark, a most amazing thing happened. Florida became potent once again.
ACC: Duke makes it 5 straight
Behind J.J. Redick's 30 points, Blue Devils rally to another tournament title.
Big 12: Sooners three-peat despite meltdown
Oklahoma goes scoreless for 8:48 but beats Missouri 49-47.
Selection lends normalcy to the season
After a turbulent year, few find fault with seedings. Only a looming war poses a problem.
Salukis ready for NCAA run
Coach Bruce Weber thinks if SIU can limit Missouri's 6-9 junior center-forward, teams will match up well.
Sunday game for BYU would require switch to Midwest
INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA will send Brigham Young to the Midwest Region if it reaches the round of 16.
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