Both Texas and Tennessee started quickly and then had to hold on to defeat Miami and Butler.
Coach Rick Barnes has taught his former assistant well. Frank Haith’s Hurricanes almost completed a miraculous comeback but fell three points short. It took 26 points from AJ Abrams, including some clutch free throws to enable Rich Barnes and the Longhorns to advance.
Texas gets great guard play from Augustin and Abrams, the key to making it to the final four will be can they get enough inside production.
Bruce Pearl had a great game plan. Make Butler beat them off the bounce, not the 3 ball. Everytime Mike Green or AJ Graves drove helpside defenders stayed home. It made them take difficult shots over bigger defenders.
Butler was able to make the game a halfcourt game, but in the end the Vols proved they can get it done in the halfcourt. It was a great run for first year head coach Brad Stevens. Now he must replace Green and Graves in the off-season.
Coaching Note: Indiana will take a long look at Sean Miller from Xavier. If they’re smart they will hire him.
