Chicago Regional Recap (Round 1 Day 1)

(12) Wisconsin Milwaukee 83 - (5) Alabama
Alabama did not look like the team that was a formidable foe all year long. They looked lost out on the court. 58% 3 point shooting from UW-Mil. Insane shooting. McCants and Tucker were just too much for Alabama to defend. Surprise, surprise, another 12 seed moves on once again.

(4) Boston College 85 - (13) Penn 65
Boston College clearly looked the best of all the top teams in the early games. They were in control the entire game. Boston College was too quick, too deep and too good for Penn. Even though Penn is not the best that the Ivy league has offered up in a while, Boston College deserves credit for a terrific performance.

(9) Nevada 61 - (8) Texas 57
One of the best games of the night. Texas missed 5 of their last 6 shots over the last 3 minutes to doom them. Texas was also letting Nevada get great offensive penetration for short jump shots over the same period. Texas proved that teams that are not playing good leading into the tourney have short stays. Very disappointing ending for Texas's season after a great start. Give Nevada credit. 2 straight visits to the second round. They now have a chance to beat a struggling Illini team for 2 straight Sweet 16 visits. Are they the new Gonzaga?

(3) Arizona 66 - (14) Utah St. 53
As widely expected the Utah St. defense and deliberate pace give Arizona fits. A big second half by Frye doomed Utah St. Arizona is a dangerous team with all their weapons. Utah St found out just how many weapons Arizona has. Frye, Stoudamire, Adams and Rodgers all had big games. Expect Arizona to be playing next week.

(1) Illinois 67 - (16) Fairleigh-Dickinson 55
Admit it Illini fans, you were scared to death (I know I was). You know how I know, the most popular page was the Fairleigh-Dickinson team page. I guess people were trying to figure out who those guys were (it wasn't curious people from around the country, most hits were from the Champaign area). Honestly I have no clue who they are. Here is what I do know, 27% 3-point shooting won't get it done. If you can't shoot from the outside, can't get the ball to the inside and let your opponent control the middle (like Fairleigh did in the 1st half) you will lose. This is the absolute last time Illinois can play like this and still win. Augustine was the man on the boards (15 reb), he needs to play better interior defense against Nevada to make it to the Sweet 16.

(11) UAB 82 - (6) LSU 68
LSU just got destroyed. This was just a good ole fashioned whoopin'. UAB didn't do anything special, LSU just self-destructed. Lets look at LSU's stats. 34% field goal shooting. 18% from beyond the arc (6-32, WOW!). 6 assists vs 15 turnovers. No more analysis needed.