Round of 32 Matchup

  Earlier today, Gonzaga beat Southern University, 64-58.  Pittsburgh lost to Wichita State today too.  This means Gonzaga will be playing Wichita State in the round of 32.  Pittsburgh is a team who can bring on the pressure.  Many people were expecting Pitt to win.  The reason Pitt won so many games was because of their home court advantage.  The Panthers are not a very good team on the road.  This game was in neutral territory, and Pitt didn't have as much fan support and noise as they did during the regular season.  Wichita State was a team that surprised many people last year.  They are a good team that can grind out any win.  When they are told they can't win, they win, and they make it a big deal.  Gonzaga had an amazing record this season at 31-2.  Their only significant loss was to Butler in the middle of the season.  Butler also won today.  Gonzaga didn't have a very difficult schedule this season, a result of their astounding record.  Still, to only lose two games in one season is impressive no matter who you play.  When Gonzaga plays Wichita State, I think Wichita State will win.  Wichita State is a team that grinds out wins in hostile environments and in important games.  Gonzaga has been celebrating and they will most likely carry that on when they play Wichita State.  This is normal for any team and any player after a big win, especially after a close win.  Wichita State remains calm and keeps their composure, allowing them to comeback from large deficits.  This game will be a hard fought battle though.  Every player's skin will be left on the floor from hustling.

By Ameen I.

NCAA- Day 1

The NCAA's first official day of March Madness has begun. The games that have already occurred include, Witchita State Destroying Pittsburg. Pitt ended up losing 55-73 in a slaughter. Cleanthony Early had a forward for the Witchita State Shockers had 7 rebounds and 21 points off the bench.

Butler had their first game of the tournament against Bucknell and Bucknell was taken down. The final score was 68-56. The Butler Bulldogs' Andrew Smith had 14 points and 16 rebounds. The Bucknell Bison's forward, Joe Willman, had 20 points in the downfall of his team.

Valparaiso Crusaders a 13 seed faced the Michigan State Spartans who were dominant. They won 65-54 lead by Derrick Nix who had 15 rebounds and 23 points and he was the difference maker in this game.

Te rest of the games played today will be covered later.

By David B.

'Cuse Goes Down Again

The Pittsburgh Panthers beat the Syracuse Orange today, with a final score of 65-55. Syracuse was playing without two important players, James Southerland and DaJuan Coleman. Coleman is out with a knee injury, and Southerland is out with eligibility issues. If he played today I think Syracuse could've won. The Panthers bench outscored the Syracuse bench. You have to tip your hats to Pittsburgh though, pulling off an upset against Syracuse. Syracuse was playing sloppy and was outscored 27-25. That would be the halftime score. The Panthers brought their "A game" today. The second half was even worse for Syracuse, being outscored 38-30. Steven Adams, for Pitt, went out in the second half after being poked in the eye. Still, the Panthers won. Michael Carter-Williams fouled out for the Orange with one minute to go. This was an ugly game for Syracuse. Pitt, however, proved that they can beat anyone. C.J. Fair led the way for Syracuse with 20 points and added only three rebounds. Jerami Grant led Syracuse in rebounds, with only five. This is where not having DaJuan Coleman hurt the Orange, rebounds. Michael Carter-Williams leads the country with 8.9 assists per game, and only had 2 assists today. Tray Woodall led the way for the Panthers with 13 points, and added 4 assists and 5 rebounds. He was the only Pittsburgh player who was in double figures. Talib Zanna had 12 rebounds, leading the team. Lamar Patterson had 5 assists, a team lead, and tacked on 7 points and 4 rebounds. I think the reason Pitt won this game was their rebounding. They were grabbing most of the shots put up. Other teams in the Big East should look out, because Pittsburgh is a team that can beat anyone. I also think Syracuse will drop out of the top ten after losing two straight games. Syracuse plays Notre Dame next on Monday. The Panthers are now 18-5. The Orange are 18-3. If Syracuse wants to win, they have to play with much more intensity.

By Ameen I.

Upset Saturday

         

    

          Saturday was an exciting day in College Basketball as 3 top 25 ranked teams lost to unranked opponents today.  Also, all three of the teams beat were Big East teams!
         
          Let's start this thing up.  Our first upset was #15 Georgetown Hoyas coming up 1 point short against the Marquette Goldan Eagles.  It wasn't a very explosive game, with the final score being 49-48, but a great game non the less!  Trent Lockett lead the way for Marquette with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  But, Markel Starks for G' Town kept the game close with 18 points and 7 assists.  Overall, an awesome game in Milwaukee!
                            
           Our next upset is Rutgers skidding past #24 Pittsburgh to hand the Panthers their 3rd loss of the season.  Eli Carter put up 23 points, which really plays a big factor into why Rutgers won.  Pitt will most likley loss their ranking when the new ones come out Monday.  Will Rutgers replace them?  They are 10-3 on the season.
                            

          Last but not least, we have Saint John's getting a win over #14 Cincinnati.  With just under a minute left, Pitt put up a putback to take the lead 52-51.  But then, with 28 seconds left D' Angelo Harrison put up a floter that was nothing but net to take the lead back.  That's how the game would end, with St. John's handing Cincy their first Big East loss. 
                              By: Tarky L.