Sweet Sixteen - Thursday Thoughts

UConn looks really good right now.

Stanley Robinson completely came out of his shell during the 6 OT game and has scored in double digits in each of the last four games. He had 4 double digit point games all season before that.

Connecticut had to deal with the trouble circulating around the team about recruiting violations and rumors of the possible retirement of Jim Calhoun and they still came out and dominated.

I like Purdue though. All five of their starters will be back next year. Their three best players (Hummel, Johnson and Moore) will be juniors next season. With the Big Ten as bad as it is, these guys should be a serious national title contender next year.

--------------------------

Missouri presents an interesting matchup for UConn. Mike Anderson brings the 40 Minutes of Hell style he learned from Nolan Richardson and used to make a run with UAB in 2004.

They didn't just beat Memphis, they slaughtered them. Memphis has great athletes but they couldn't keep up.

Did you see those two shots Marcus Denmon made at the end of the first half? The first one went off the glass but was only a 2-pointer because his foot was on the line. The next time Denmon left no doubt, nailing a 70-footer.

--------------------------

Villanova also blowing out Duke. They kept it close in the first half scoring only 26 points, but nearly doubled that output putting up 51.

Duke shot only 27% and 19% from the 3-point line.

--------------------------

And finally the game of the night, Pittsburgh over Xavier.

Last week I said they were a flawed team that could be beaten, but I also said I liked them because of Levance Fields and his ability to get a basket when they need it.

And did he ever deliver. Onions! That was one of the biggest shots of the tournament so far. 56 seconds left, down 2. If he misses that, likely best case scenario they get it back with 20 - 25 seconds still down by 2.

And then before Xavier can do anything he steals the ball and pretty much seals the game with a layup.

And in case anyone was wondering, he definitely needed to take that layup. If he pulls it out he only kills about 5 or 10 extra seconds before he gets fouled. And he could miss a free throw. Smart play, great player. And the Big East is guaranteed at least one spot in the Final Four.

If Kansas and Louisville win the Big East and Big XII will have 7 of the 8 teams left.