NCAA Tournament Tidbits 03.19.12 Edition

Posted by Brian Goodman on March 19th, 2012

The NCAA Tournament is here and there’s more news, commentary and analysis than any of us can possibly keep up with. To make things a little easier, we’ll bring you a list of daily links gathered about teams in each of the four regions all the way through the Final Four.

East

  • After an atrocious opening game where they nearly became the first #1 seed to a #16 seed, Syracuse rebounded with a solid performance that helped remind some people why they were a #1 seed in the first place.
  • One of the keys to Wisconsin‘s consistent play in the postseason has been there tendency to never be satisfied. The Badgers should not have much difficulty finding motivation on Thursday against what should be a pro-Syracuse crowd in Boston.
  • John Gasser was feeling the effects of a gastrointestinal illness on Saturday, but that did not prevent him giving the Badgers what they needed to beat Vanderbilt despite playing limited minutes.
  • With their win on Sunday night Cincinnati advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and set up one of the more intriguing match-ups with an in-state showdown against Ohio State. The Buckeyes hold a 5-4 series edge, but outside of a game in 2006 the last game between the two schools was in 1962 when they played for the second year in a row in the National Championship Game.
  • Hardcore college basketball fans have known about the importance of Aaron Craft all season, but that point was driven home with his actions on and off the court over the weekend.
  • Of course, glossing over the play of Jared Sullinger in the team’s win over Gonzaga would be a major oversight. When the Buckeyes needed big plays it was their big man who came up with exactly what the team needed.

South

Midwest

West

  • Louisville head coach Rick Pitino and guard Russ Smith have a unique relationship as they guide the Cardinals into the second weekend.
  • Michigan State’s Keith Appling took advantage of the space given to him by St. Louis defenders in the Spartans’ win on Sunday afternoon, though it took some encouragement from head coach Tom Izzo.
  • The magnetic and quirky Buzz Williams leads Marquette into a Sweet Sixteen battle with Florida later this week.
  • The Gators routed Norfolk State on Sunday, drawing curtains on the Spartans’ Cinderella run. Norfolk State ensured a clip or three in the annual “One Shining Moment” video in taking down two-seed Missouri Friday afternoon.
  • Florida guard Mike Rosario is happy to be participating in the postseason. As a transfer last season, Rosario had to stay home while the Gators played in March, and in his time with Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights failed to make the dance.
Brian Goodman (987 Posts)

Brian Goodman a Big 12 microsite writer. You can follow him on Twitter @BSGoodman.


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