Sean B. Fitzgerald It doesn’t go something like this, it goes exactly like this.

Day 4: A Retrospective

Louisville 79, Siena 72
Quite the showing for a team that I have winning the entire tournament. Siena plays in the MAAC, a conference which motto is "Talent need not apply here". They were in that game for far too long. Luckily, Terrence Williams took the Cardinals on his back and made sure his college career didn't end at the hands of the Siena Saints. Louisville will take on Arizona next Friday in the Sweet Sixteen.
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Pittsburgh 84, Oklahoma State 76
For a number one seed that has played two very uncomfortably close games, Pittsburgh has really showed the mark of a champion. For two straight games they have taken the best shot from their opponents. Both East Tennessee State and Oklahoma State shot terrificly from the field. And that's not to say Pittsburgh wasn't playing tough defensively. The Panthers stepped up when they needed to and played shut down defense.
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Michigan State 74, USC 69
For a 10 seed and a team that only got into the Dance by winning the Pac-10 Tournament, Southern California played great for two straight games. Tim Floyd really did a great job paying off his player's AAU coaches so they could play at USC. It's something to admire in a man.
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Missouri 83, Marquette 79
Even with Dominic James in the lineup, Marquette could not hold on to their lead late and eventually choked away a chance at the Sweet Sixteen. With Marquette's loss, that makes the Big East 11-2 in tournament play. Meanwhile, ACC apologists are amped up for next season.
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Kansas 60, Dayton 43
"Kansas' Cole Aldrich recorded a triple double with 13 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks as the Jayhawks quietly dismissed of the eleventh seeded Flyers of Dayton." That sounded rather good I think. I feel like a real Associated Press writer. Anyway, I'm not sure what to make of this Kansas team. Is this a type of Bill Self-coached squad prior to 2008 where a huge choke job is in order? Or is this a team from a rejuvenated program post-2008 that has the taste of winning in its mouth? Whatever the case is, Kansas faces Michigan State next Friday.
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Syracuse 78, Arizona State 67
Whew! wipes brow. Another one of my Final Four teams survives and advances. Even though Eric Devendorf is an insufferable athlete to watch, I am glad he is on the Orange. Whenever Syracuse is in need of a big three, either he or Andy Rautins spot up and drain it. In this game, Syracuse seemed to hold a ten point lead at all times. They will face Blake Griffin and Oklahoma in the Sweet Sixteen.
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Xavier 60, Wisconsin 49
Although I enjoy Xavier's mascot, The Blue Blob, I do not think that is going to be enough to defeat Pittsburgh in the next round. Xavier plays very forward heavy and does not have a stand out guard to carry them in crunch time. From what we've learned about the tournament since its inception, is that guards win championships. Not awesome mascots.
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Arizona 71, Cleveland State 57
Does anyone want to argue that Arizona did not deserve to be in the tournament? Sure you don't want to make mention of St. Mary's, Auburn, or Penn State? No? Okay. It's sad to see Cleveland St. out of the tournament. They really did have an incredible year. From the half court buzzer beater at Syracuse, their Horizon League Championship, or their domination of Wake Forest in the first round, it was fun to have them around. Now its time to head back to the state of Cleveland and do whatever it is they do over there.
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