Spring Break
The Daily OrangeUnpopular tourney consolation games long gone
By Ethan Ramsey
Posted: 3/22/05, 12:34 AM EST Section: Sports
There is the idea that perhaps mid-major schools would enjoy another tournament game, seeing how their appearances are few and far between.
But at least in one case today, that is not true. Butler assistant coach Brad Stevens said the 12th- seeded Bulldogs were devastated after falling to top-seeded Oklahoma in a 2003 Sweet 16 game. Stevens said he couldn't imagine playing another game, and he probably isn't alone.
"One of the beautiful things about the NCAA Tournament is the deal that if you win, you move on, and if you don't, you go home," Stevens said. "I think it's one of the neatest events in sports because of that.
"I'm not sure what would be gained at all from third-place games."
(1) NORTH CAROLINA (-10) VS. (5) VILLANOVA
FRIDAY, 9:57 P.M., CBS
Along with Illinois, the Tar Heels were among only a few of the favorites who dominated in their first two games. The Wildcats' slim hopes were extinguished Monday when it was learned forward Curtis Sumpter was out for the remainder of the Tournament with a torn knee ligament.
PICK: UNC 86, 'NOVA 72
(6) WISCONSIN (PICK 'EM) VS. (10) NC STATE
FRIDAY, 7:27 P.M., CBS
The Wolfpack's Julius Hodge returned to school to avenge last year's second-round loss to Vanderbilt, and did he ever in hitting the game-winning shot against Connecticut on Sunday. He leads them to another win, meaning Tobacco Road detours through Syracuse on Sunday.
PICK: NC STATE 62, WISCONSIN 57
(2) OKLAHOMA STATE (-5) VS. (3) ARIZONA
THURSDAY, 9:57 P.M., CBS
While this one seems like the marquee Sweet 16 matchup, it's not. As if the Cowboys don't have enough senior weapons in guard Jon Lucas III and forward Joey Graham, forward Ivan McFarlin turned in a career day in OSU's win over Southern Illinois with 31 points. No stopping them here.
PICK: OSU 78, ARIZONA 68
(1) WASHINGTON (-3) VS. (4) LOUSVILLE
THURSDAY, 7:10 P.M., CBS
Many pools all across the country have the disputed No. 1 seeded Huskies falling in this game, but that will not be the case. Little Nate Robinson, all of 5 feet, 7 inches, was 10-for-14 from the floor in scoring 23 points against Pacific. You can only hope to contain him. Huskies at the buzzer.
PICK: UW 82, LOUISVILLE 81
(6) TEXAS TECH (+5) VS. (7) WEST VIRGINIA
THURSDAY, 9:40 P.M., CBS
Red Raiders' head coach Bobby Knight is in his first Sweet 16 since 1994. He won't like his stay. The red-hot Mountaineers will march on provided they don't lose their shooting prowess. Struggling for much of the season, center D'or Fischer is a force once again both inside and outside.
PICK: WVU 69, TEXAS TECH 57
But at least in one case today, that is not true. Butler assistant coach Brad Stevens said the 12th- seeded Bulldogs were devastated after falling to top-seeded Oklahoma in a 2003 Sweet 16 game. Stevens said he couldn't imagine playing another game, and he probably isn't alone.
"One of the beautiful things about the NCAA Tournament is the deal that if you win, you move on, and if you don't, you go home," Stevens said. "I think it's one of the neatest events in sports because of that.
"I'm not sure what would be gained at all from third-place games."
(1) NORTH CAROLINA (-10) VS. (5) VILLANOVA
FRIDAY, 9:57 P.M., CBS
Along with Illinois, the Tar Heels were among only a few of the favorites who dominated in their first two games. The Wildcats' slim hopes were extinguished Monday when it was learned forward Curtis Sumpter was out for the remainder of the Tournament with a torn knee ligament.
PICK: UNC 86, 'NOVA 72
(6) WISCONSIN (PICK 'EM) VS. (10) NC STATE
FRIDAY, 7:27 P.M., CBS
The Wolfpack's Julius Hodge returned to school to avenge last year's second-round loss to Vanderbilt, and did he ever in hitting the game-winning shot against Connecticut on Sunday. He leads them to another win, meaning Tobacco Road detours through Syracuse on Sunday.
PICK: NC STATE 62, WISCONSIN 57
(2) OKLAHOMA STATE (-5) VS. (3) ARIZONA
THURSDAY, 9:57 P.M., CBS
While this one seems like the marquee Sweet 16 matchup, it's not. As if the Cowboys don't have enough senior weapons in guard Jon Lucas III and forward Joey Graham, forward Ivan McFarlin turned in a career day in OSU's win over Southern Illinois with 31 points. No stopping them here.
PICK: OSU 78, ARIZONA 68
(1) WASHINGTON (-3) VS. (4) LOUSVILLE
THURSDAY, 7:10 P.M., CBS
Many pools all across the country have the disputed No. 1 seeded Huskies falling in this game, but that will not be the case. Little Nate Robinson, all of 5 feet, 7 inches, was 10-for-14 from the floor in scoring 23 points against Pacific. You can only hope to contain him. Huskies at the buzzer.
PICK: UW 82, LOUISVILLE 81
(6) TEXAS TECH (+5) VS. (7) WEST VIRGINIA
THURSDAY, 9:40 P.M., CBS
Red Raiders' head coach Bobby Knight is in his first Sweet 16 since 1994. He won't like his stay. The red-hot Mountaineers will march on provided they don't lose their shooting prowess. Struggling for much of the season, center D'or Fischer is a force once again both inside and outside.
PICK: WVU 69, TEXAS TECH 57
