MIDWEST REGIONAL
No. 5 Florida vs. No. 12 Creighton
Tipoff: 11:30 a.m. Friday, United Center.
Quick look: Gators struggled down stretch, going 6-6 in last 12 regular-season games and falling to Mississippi State in Southeastern Conference quarterfinals–but six of their eight losses were by five points or less. If center Udonis Haslem can stay out of foul trouble, Gators will be hard to beat. Creighton is led by league MVP Kyle Korver. Brody Deren, a transfer from Northwestern, starts at forward for the Bluejays.
Florida turning point: Gators hope to regroup in NCAA tournament after bowing out in SEC tourney quarterfinals.
Creighton turning point: In the MVC tournament, Bluejays defeated Southern Illinois, which had beaten Creighton twice during regular season, for automatic bid.
Did you know? Florida’s Brett Nelson sustained a broken right cheekbone in practice earlier this week but is expected to play Friday. . . . Despite a starting lineup that has no seniors, Creighton qualified for its fourth straight NCAA tournament.
Gary Reinmuth.
No. 4 Illinois vs. No. 13 San Diego State
Tipoff: 1:52 p.m. Friday, United Center.
Quick look: Co-Big Ten champion Illinois has been on a roll since overcoming a 13-point first-half deficit Feb. 7 at Michigan. The Illini’s 68-60 victory over the Wolverines was the catalyst for nine victories in their last 10 games. Aztecs won seven of their last 10, including an upset of UNLV in the Mountain West tournament championship game, to clinch their first NCAA berth since 1985. San Diego State coach Steve Fisher grew up in Downstate Illinois and coached high school ball at Rich East.
Illinois turning point: Illini overcame a 13-point first-half deficit at Michigan on Feb. 7 for 68-60 victory and went on to win their last eight games of the regular season and a share of their second straight Big Ten crown.
SDSU turning point: After a 2-6 start in Mountain West play, the Aztecs bounced back to win seven of their last 10, including an upset of UNLV in the title game of the league tournament.
Did you know? Three of Illinois’ last eight regular-season victories were by two points or fewer (Purdue 69-67, Michigan State 63-61, Minnesota 67-66). . . . Fisher, a native of Herrin, once interviewed for a job as former Illinois coach Lou Henson’s assistant (he didn’t get it).
Gary Reinmuth.
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