NCAA Tournament Wrap-Up: Day 5

March Madness just got a little bit crazier as Michigan State

becomes the first #1 seed to be ousted in this year's tournament.

Thursday's Scores

#1 Syracuse def. #4 Wisconsin 64-63

#4 Louisville def. #1 Michigan State 57-44

#2 Ohio State def. #6 Cincinnati 81-66

#7 Florida def. #3 Marquette 68-58

There's always going to be those games where the other team just won't miss.  After Wisconsin's Josh Gasser tied the game at 53 with 8:39 to go, Syracuse fans began to sweat.  However, C.J. Fair's 15 points & 7 rebounds proved to be the difference maker in this Sweet 16 match up.  This game also marked the end of the road for Badger Point Guard Jordan Taylor.  The Bloomington, Minnesota star averaged 11.1 ppg over his career & 3.4 assists.  This season he almost single handedly led Wisconsin to a 4 seed in the Big Dance.

I've made the mistake way too many times of picking against a Rick Pitino led team.  Needless to say that I got burned again on Thursday evening.  The seemingly inferior Cardinals controlled much of the game, and Michigan State never recovered.  Spartan hero Draymond Green continued his dominance, though.  His 13 points & 16 rebounds were the only bright spot for MSU in this game.  Their 5-21 three point shooting was also a heavy burden to carry all game long.





NCAA Tournament Wrap-Up: Day 3

Is Baylor a true Final Four Contender after

Saturday's victory over Colorado?

Saturday's Scores (Thrid Round)

#4 Indiana def. #12 VCU 63-61

#1 Syracuse def. #8 Kansas State 75-59

#2 Ohio State def. #7 Gonzaga 73-66

#3 Marquette def. #6 Murray State 62-53

#4 Wisconsin def. #5 Vanderbilt 60-57

#1 Kentucky def. #8 Iowa State 87-71

#3 Baylor def. #11 Colorado 80-63

#4 Louisville def. #5 New Mexico 59-56

Without star big man Fab Melo, Syracuse somehow found a way to persevere in its second round match up against a defensive minded Wildcat team.  After leading by one at the break, the Orange threw salt in Kansas State's wounds throughout the second half, busting what was a close game wide open for a sixteen point victory.  Syracuse will now face Wisconsin in the Sweet 16.  The Badgers escaped with a close win against talented Vanderbilt to punch their ticket to Boston.

In the Ohio State/Gonzaga game, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Craft made an impact on the offensive end of the floor.  His double double (17 points, 10 assists) helped Ohio state overcome several late Gonzaga rallies to hold on for the seven point win.  They'll face a surprising Cincinnati team in Boston for the right to play the Syracuse/Wisconsin winner in the regional finals. 

Jae Crowder continued his dominance to end Murray State's season Saturday.  After being the last undefeated team remaining in college hoops this season, the Racers were simply not talented enough to compete with a Marquette team that has flown a bit under the radar all season long.  While the Racers head home for the season, Marquette travels to Phoenix for their Sweet 16 match up against 7th seeded Florida.

Knowing that they could very well be on upset alert, Baylor never let their guard down against an athetic Colorado team.  Brady Heslip nailed an incredible nine three pointers to help his team blowout the Buffaloes.  They will now move on to Atlanta to meet 10th seeded Xavier.

Louisville & Kentucky also advanced by virtue of victory on Saturday.