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Sweet 16 News and Notes By The Associated
Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The East Regional is being held
about 2 hours from Syracuse's campus in upstate New York. But the Orangemen
are downplaying any appearance of a home-court advantage.
``We don't make the brackets,'' freshman Carmelo Anthony
said. ``We just go and play where the committee tells us to play. When I
found out we were in Albany, I shut off my phone. I didn't want to talk
about tickets.''
Coach Jim Boeheim called the venue irrelevant.
``We had the majority of the fans in Boston and when it was
27-10 (in favor of Oklahoma State) I didn't see those fans helping,''
Boeheim said. ``If you don't play well, fans won't help at all.''
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Wisconsin's 63-57 loss to Kentucky
ended Kirk Penney's career.
Penney has been the focal point of the Badgers' offense and
was the main reason Wisconsin led for most of the first half. He went
4-for-6 from 3-point range and scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half.
``I've been honored to play with these guys all year long,
especially the young guys stepping up this year,'' Penney said. ``They came
in and contributed so well and so hard for us. The season we had, it's just
a pity that it has to come to an end.''
SAN ANTONIO (AP) The South Regional has earned the
nickname ``Region of Champions.''
Of the four teams still playing, three have won the national
championship within the last five seasons. Connecticut won in 1999, Michigan
State in 2000 and Maryland last season.
The only team without a national title on its resume is
top-seeded Texas.
``I think people have short memories. If you do it once, you
need to do it again,'' Texas coach Rick Barnes said. ``That's what really
makes great programs. Perception is reality, so if you experience a great
deal of success at this time of year, then the perception is one of a
successful program.''
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson
knows his top-seeded Sooners are facing a sentimental favorite in No. 12
Butler at the East Regional semifinals. The Bulldogs are the lowest-seeded
team still playing in the NCAA tournament.
``It's a tough game,'' Sampson said. ``I don't expect the
fans to be pulling for us, but a lot of people weren't pulling for us at
Texas or Texas Tech.''
The Sooners won at Texas Tech but lost at Texas during the
regular season.
``You can only control the things you can control,'' Sampson
said. ``We're more worried about defending (Butler's players) than the
fans.''
SAN ANTONIO (AP) Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun can
sympathize with Gary Williams.
Connecticut won the national title in 1999 and Calhoun said
his team was marked by opponents the following season.
``So much happens initially,'' Calhoun said. ``Suddenly
you're on David Letterman or throwing the first pitch out at Fenway Park.
You say 'This is really good.' Then you realize there's this big bull's-eye
painted on your back. I think that year we had more celebrations at
halfcourt when teams beat us.''
Williams coached Maryland to the title last season.
``That second year is tough,'' Calhoun said. ``Gary and I
have talked a little bit about it, but you can't describe it until it
happens to you.''
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Butler's backcourt of Brandon
Miller and Darnell Archey go way back.
``The first time I met Darnell was in first and second grade
when we played against each other,'' Miller said. ``We have played together
for our whole lives. We grew up together. He is one of my best friends. It
has been very special for me to be able to share my college basketball
experience with one of my best friends.''
Miller and Archey both grew up in New Castle, Ind.
``The first time I was with Brandon, I was at the YMCA with
my dad when I was seven years old,'' Archey said. ``I was goofing around and
my dad said, `Look at that kid.' Brandon was over there doing ballhandling
drills. So from that point on, I knew that he was going to be a competitor.
I was always trying to be a competitor to try to beat Brandon.''
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Cliff Ellis knows Syracuse
freshman Carmelo Anthony is the player in the East Regional that everyone is
talking about. But the Auburn coach thinks Marquis Daniels deserves some
attention too.
``Daniels is a premium player,'' Ellis said. ``You are going
to see a guy who can play at the next level. He is the epitome of the
college athlete. He is going to get his degree this year. He is an
all-around great athlete and student. Everyone is in for a treat tomorrow.''
Daniels led Auburn with 18.1 points per game. He scored in
double figures in every game this season and is the school's career steals
leader with 206, including a record 76 this season.
``He is an older guy who knows the system,'' teammate
Derrick Bird said.
``He knows Coach Ellis very well. Daniels is a great leader.
He brings experience to the team and overall he is a great individual.''
Copyright 2003
Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
02/23/2007 10:46:56 AM
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