West Region – Second Round: Two powerhouse programs clashed in Chicago, as No. 1 Kansas defeated No. 8 Kentucky 88-76 to clinch a Sweet 16 berth. As Michael Jordan looked on, Kansas shot 56.6 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from deep. Julian Wright led the Jayhawks with 21 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Rush was also en fuego for the Jayhawks, as he was 6-of-7 from three-point range and had 19 points. Mario Chalmers had 16 points, eight assists, and four steals. Randolph Morris did his best to hold off the Jayhawk onslaught, leading Kentucky with 22 points and eight rebounds. The Jayhawks will play No. 4 Southern Illinois next.
No. 4 Southern Illinois became the second mid-major program to reach this year’s Sweet 16, joining the Horizon League’s Butler, after beating No. 5 Virginia Tech 63-48. More than half of the team’s field goals came from three-point range as the Salukis hit 12-of-21 of their deep shots. Senior Jamaal Tatum led Southern Illinois with 21 points, which included six three-pointers. With senior Coleman Collins in foul trouble for Virginia Tech, the Salukis’ junior Randal Falker was dominant in the post with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Jamon Gordon led the Hokies with 16 points and eight rebounds. [3/19/07]
