The Trojans had 27 turnovers and still eliminated the Big East champion and No. 3 seed Boston College on Saturday. This is what happens when you shoot 60 percent. USC matches up with Kentucky athletically and is playing half-court defense well enough to have a chance at slowing Tayshaun Prince. The key to pulling another upset, though, is whether or not players such as Jeff Trepagnier and David Bluthenthal offer hot or cold hands.
Luck is as much a part of advancing as anything else.
There are few teams tougher when mental lapses are kept to a minimum. In two tournament wins thus far, Illinois has held opponents to averages of 57 points and 33 percent shooting. Kansas, though, is a whole different matter and Illinois needs better production from Marcus Griffin, Sergio McClain and Robert Archibald to control the boards. Coaches get tighter during March, but many also employ strategies they normally would frown upon. Still, the zone slowed penetration, allowed the Zags to regain some offensive control and changed the game's face.