Author Archives: Matt Stevens

TAMPA, Fla. — In a rematch of last year’s Elite Eight, No. 4-seed Kentucky slipped past No. 5-seed West Virgina to advance to the Sweet 16.

A loud and sizable pro-Kentucky crowd helped urge John Calipari’s team to the 71-63 win that was sealed when West Virgina’s Jonnie West air-balled a 3-pointer from the baseline with 40 seconds to go.

The Wildcats got a big game from both pf their freshman standouts, especially Brandon Knight. The guard playing in his home state poured in 30 points to lead Kentucky, while his backcourt partner Terrence Jones posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Kentucky will face the winner of the Ohio State-George Mason contest to be played tomorrow.

TAMPA, Fla. — In the first of two games of the Tampa subregional, West Virgina finished the half on an 8-0 run in the last 1:10 to take a 41-33 lead into the locker room.

Despite shooting 56.5 percent and getting 16 points from freshman guard Brandon Knight, “Big Blue” fans — which traveled well — are disgruntled by the halftime deficit.

The matchup is the first of the day, pitting the No. 5 and No 4 seeds of the East Region against one another, as well as two coaching legends: Bob Huggins and John Calipari.

The winner of this game will most likely face the overall No. 1 seed Ohio State in the Sweet 16.

TAMPA, Fla.”“ Behind an outstanding first half, the Bruins edged out Michigan State by the narrowest of margins, clinging to a 78-76 win Thursday night in Tampa.

TAMPA, Fla. ““ Everything’s going right for UCLA in Tampa, and their defense isn’t half bad either.
The Bruins (22-10) methodically built a 42-24 lead against Michigan State (19-14) and went into the halftime locker room with high-fives and smiles.