V-RECAPS: Sweet 16 | March 22
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EAST REGION
(2) Connecticut 71, (11) So. Illinois 59: The Southern Illinois. The Huskies shut down the Salukis' perimeter game, contained them and forced them to shoot 1-for-14 from the trifecta -- that certainly played a big role in their victory.

Bruce Weber's club fought hard, scrapped and clawed, but the Huskies were too much.

Tony Robertson, who has played well in the NCAA Tournament, tallied 10 points. But it was backup "Gentle" Ben Gordon, off the bench with 12 points, who sparked the Huskies. Caron Butler, one of the most brilliant sophs in America, was the star of stars, scoring 19 points to lead the Huskies to the Elite Eight.

For the Salukis, who made a superb effort getting to the Sweet 16, Rolan Roberts was a monster on the interior with 24 points and 11 rebounds (11-of-15 from the field), but he didn't get enough help. Bruce Weber's club fought hard, scrapped and clawed, but the Huskies were too much.

This is a happy, joyous time in the Big East. They're jumping for joy in Storrs, Conn.!

(1) Maryland 78, (4) Kentucky 68: Maryland Terps coach Gary Williams had a tough task against the Kentucky Wildcats' fight for redemption after a season of turmoil. The 'Cats battled and battled but were no match for the balance of the Terps.

Juan Dixon, who in my estimation is the best second guard in America, scored 19 points, followed by Lonny Baxter with 16 points and his buddy Chris Wilcox, on the interior, with 15 points. Byron Mouton, who struggled in the first two games with only eight points, scored 14 to give the Terps a balanced attack. That's four guys in double figures, and orchestra leader Steve Blake directing.

With only 12 turnovers, Maryland did a solid job defensively against Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince.

After winning 16 of their past 17 games (only suffering one upset in the ACC semifinals, when the Terps fell to North Carolina State), Maryland marches on to face the UConn Huskies for a spot in the Final Four.