East Region – First Round: It wasn’t easy for freshman phenom Kevin Durant and No. 4 Texas, but the Longhorns took care of business against No. 13 New Mexico State 79-67 to advance into the second round. Durant started to build his NCAA Tournament legacy with 27 points and eight rebounds. He hit 15-of-16 free throws as the Longhorns missed only one of 26 free throw attempts to deny the upset-minded Aggies. New Mexico State took a lead a couple of times in the second half before running out steam. Senior Elijah Ingram led the Aggies with 16 points.
No. 5 USC completed a relatively shocking feat by becoming the fourth No. 5 seed of the tournament to advance to the second round. The much-heralded 5/12 upset failed to materialize this year. Junior Nick Young helped ensure that the Trojans wouldn’t be the first and only No. 5 to lose in this tournament by scoring 20 points. USC shot 50 percent from the field while the Trojans’ defense held the Razorbacks to 36.8 percent. Freshman Patrick Beverley showed that Arkansas’ best days remain ahead in leading the team with 15 points. Like the rest of his team, Beverley struggled from the field, however, shooting 4-of-13. [3/16/07]
