V-RECAPS: Elite Eight | March 24
ESPN.com's NCAA Tournament coverage

MIDWEST REGION: (1) Kansas 104, (2) Oregon 86
Fans across America saw Sunday why Kansas has been picked by many to win the national championship.

The numbers Kansas coach Roy Williams has posted are staggering -- almost 28 wins per season over 14 years.

The Jayhawks dominated inside and on the glass -- how about a 63-34 rebound advantage, including an amazing 26 offensive rebounds.

Kansas' ability to take advantage of second-chance opportunities frustrated Oregon. The Jayhawks totaled 66 points in the three-second area.

Kansas coach Roy Williams' club features great balance inside and outside while also enjoying a tremendous 1-2 punch on the baseline. Oregon coach Ernie Kent found out firsthand about Drew Gooden and Nick Collison.

The Jayhawks' dynamic duo put on quite a show ... just check out these combined numbers, baby: 43 points, 35 rebounds, 19-of-33 from the floor. They could almost win a game by themselves with those numbers!

Gooden and Collison were not alone. Keith Langford had another brilliant performance off the bench, scoring 20 points, grabbing eight boards. The freshman has been sensational and he has bright future. Aaron Miles was the orchestra leader while also playing solid defense. Kirk Hinrich and Jeff Boschee are factors on the wing.

Kansas is primed to win it all. The "Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk" group is back in the Final Four for the first time since 1993. This marks the third trip for Williams.

Maybe some of the critics can stop screaming at Williams. I can hear people in Lawrence, Kan., complaining that he can't win the big one. If Kansas had stubbed its toe in the semifinal against Illinois, there would have been more cries about not winning a national title.

The numbers Williams has posted are staggering -- almost 28 wins per season over 14 years.

It was still a great season for the Ducks. Led by the Cool Hand Lukes -- Luke Jackson and Luke Ridnour -- along with Frederick "The Great" Jones, Oregon won the Pac-10 regular-season title and made the Elite Eight. Remember, the Ducks didn't even get a point in the preseason ESPN/USA Today coaches poll.

It was a special athletic year in Eugene. Oregon won the Pac-10 title in football and basketball in the same academic year. That is simply awesome with a capital A!

The Kansas defense shut down the high-flying Ducks. Jackson and Ridnour combined to shoot 7-of-29 from the floor. The game's tempo was reminiscent of several great Jayhawks' performances of the past. After struggling against the Illini in the regional semifinal, Kansas looked like the team that rolled through the Big 12 with a perfect 16-0 regular-season mark.

Here's a salute and tribute to Williams and his Jayhawks as they chase the gold trophy in Atlanta.