Running Commentary for Sunday's Games

Wow, yesterday took quite a bit out of me. Let's get it going...

12:05 pm - UVA and Tennessee tip off first. Should be fun to see Lofton and co. battle the amazing backcourt duo of Singletary & JR Reynolds.

1:07 pm - JR Reynolds has had a spectacular first-half. He is playing the best basketball of this young tournament thus far. 22 points, including 4-6 from 3-point land, in an amazing display. Lofton and Chism both have 12 for the Vols. 11 team fouls each in the first half and both teams shot around 35%. Virginia leads 38-35. Looks like this one could remain a one-possession game throughout.

2:27 pm - Vols took a near double-digit lead midway into the second half behind good shooting and better defense. Cavs cut to almost nadda several times, mostly thanks to Tennessee missing key free throws in the 1-and-1. 71-67, UVA ball, with only 20 seconds to go. This is far from over...

2:37 pm - Vols hold on as Singletary's three just rims out as time expires. Tennessee will meet up against the Buckeyes for the second time this season, this time in San Antonio, following a hard-fought 77-74 win over the Hoos [Cavs].

2:39 pm - Florida and Purdue playing now with the Boilermakers up 23-18. Purdue scared a TJ Ford-led Longhorns team quite a bit back in 2003 in a similar matchup. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is off to another slow start, this time against my second sleeper UNLV [first was Vandy], at 11-4 before the 16-minute timeout. On my sheet of integrity, filled out Thursday morning on paper (my onlines go up Monday for fun), UNLV and Vandy were Elite Eight teams. Let's see how THAT works out...

2:40 pm - An errand might call me away until the end of the next set of games. See you then...

5:00 pm - Al Horford was completely dominant down the stretch as Florida takes home a hard fought 74-67 victory over Purdue. Interesting that the Boilermakers took 15 more shots and had 12 steals off of the Gators. Nevertheless, the defending champs advance.

5:10 pm - If you didn't know who Aaron Brooks (no, not the QB) was before...you should know after this weekend. In 38 minutes, the senior chipped in 20 points, which is nothing new for such a steady performer (and potential 2nd team All-America). Despite some early 3-balls and some crowd-excitement in support of the 11-seeded Eagles (the highest seed remaining), the Ducks controlled the game as of halftime and never looked back. A solid 75-61 win and an interesting matchup with the winner of UNLV/Wisconsin awaits Ernie Kent's crew (who is playing great basketball at the perfect time). Right now, Oregon may be as dangerous a team that Florida could face en route to Atlanta.

5:15 pm - UNLV downs the highest-seed thus far, #2-seeded Wisconsin, as Lon Kruger's bunch is in the Sweet 16. Missing Butch, Wisconsin should blame this loss on their second straight slow start AND inconsistent, spotty shooting from Taylor/Tucker for most of the game. It's too hard to turn great play on late in games against quality opponents. Runnin' Rebs now have their first two victories since Tark left.

6:30 pm - Sorry for the break. Va. Tech could never handle the Salukis as Southern Illinois returns to the Sweet 16. Each and every time the Hokies got close, one of the Salukis drained a three near the conclusion of the 35 second shot clock. This team could easily upset the defending champs next week. USC is up double digits on Texas at the half. Where is Augustin (0-5 fgs) and can Durant/Abrams score all of the Longhorn points in a comeback effort? Probably not. Memphis is keeping Nevada within a 5-9 point barrier. If they continue making free throws, I doubt the Wolfpack will cut the lead down against the Tigers. Meanwhile, Kentucky is making plenty of threes...but getting killed in transition by Chalmers and Brandon Rush's sleek perimeter play. Kansas may only be up 5, but it feels like 15.

7:05 pm - USC is nearly up 20 on Texas with only 6 minutes to go. That Durant vs. Terry matchup I wanted won't be seen. However, USC's total team effort makes me believe they have a small chance to scare the Heels. 26-34 from the charity stripe is a revelation for Memphis, although Douglas-Roberts has a minor ankle sprain (which looked like a terrible cramp by his pain-filled reaction). Either way, Memphis has extended their lead to a baker's dozen with only a minute to go. Good bye Nick Fazekas. You will be missed in college basketball. Kansas up 17, just as mere seconds before Kentucky had it back under double-digits. If Julian Wright can develop a 12-16 footer, he'll rise up the lottery even more than he has already. Memphis has closed out Nevada and is lined up for a dynamic Sweet Sixteen matchup with A&M (in San Antonio). I can't wait for that one. Back with the rest of the finals shortly.

7:30 pm - USC finishes off Texas in a game they controlled for nearly the entire 40 minutes. Meanwhile, Kansas outguns Kentucky. Both of these teams put up impressive victories that they hope will silence a few critics before key matchups next week.

Alright guys, hope you enjoy the updates this weekend. I'm done for the day.