Man, the Buckeyes just keep playing with fire. Down 20 in the first half, they stormed back early in the second and were able to sneak past the Volunteers to advance to the Elite Eight. You have to like the “sticktoitiveness” they’ve shown over the last two games, but if they get down big against Georgetown, Florida or Kansas, it’s doubtful that those teams will let them back in the game.
Two other top seeds – #1 Kansas and #2 Memphis – dodged bullets as well. If not for two blown (moderately contested) layups by Texas A&M, the Aggies would be facing the Buckeyes on Saturday. I thought this would be a 8-10 point win for A&M, but the Tigers showed some poise in crunch time despite having a regular season schedule where only six games were decided by fewer than 10 points.
Southern Illinois gave Kansas a great run, and it just goes to show how a stout defense will keep you in games. Hats off to Chris Lowery, who will probably get a few job offers after his team’s march into the Sweet Sixteen.
