Inside the Box Scores

Let's start with last night's shocker with Portland State prevailing over Gonzaga. Portland State outshot, outrebounded and outassisted (is that a word?) the Zags. It's not something you expect considering the height advantage that Gonzaga has over Portland State. If you didn't know who Jeremiah Dominguez is, you know now. The pint-sized point nailed 7 of 10 from beyond the arc and was a thorn in the side of the slumping Zags.

The tussle between Texas and Wisconsin told us a few things. If you protect the ball and shoot the ball from deep, you can stay in a game but you will not necessarily win. Ultimately, Texas outhustled Wisconsin on the boards and won the game behind huge games from Damion James (18 and 15) and Gary Johnson (16 and 8). What on earth is wrong with Connor Atchley?

Illinois categorically dominated Missouri in their annual rivalry matchup. The Illini shot 57% from the field, 44% from 3-point range, doubled the Tigers in assists and outrebounded the opposition by seven. Meachem and McCarney will get the kudos, but senior point guard Chester Frazier had eight assists, six caroms, and three steals but only two turnovers.

Gordon Hayward was a stat sheet stuffer at Xavier. Hayward, a 6'8", 180-pound freshman only made 4 field goals, but he scored 19 on the strength of 10 made free throws. Add 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals, and you have another unearthed gem playing for Butler.

Kansas is a team in disarray, but they did have assists on 18 of their 22 field goals in a 84-67 loss at Arizona. Chase Budinger had a very quiet night, but Jordan Hill and Jamelle Horne had double-doubles.

Of all games played last night, only one team reached double digits. The UCLA Bruins (113). Has Michael Roll ever scored 25 points in a pickup game?