You know about what Florida Gulf Coast did to Georgetown, right? Just checking, because that set the stage nicely for the Kansas scare against Western Kentucky, and Minnesota giving the R.I.P. treatment to UCLA.
The Jayhawks are happy to get out of that game with a win, instead of ending up like the Hoyas. Western Kentucky led 31-30 at halftime and gave the No. 1 seed in the region all it could handle.
Jeff Withey (usually good for 10-15 buckets) had to drop 17 points for Kansas. Ben McLemore and Naadir Tharpe hit free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Kansas is moving on, but they’re going to have to scrap to keep doing so. This South region is as wide open as the West, but not nearly as weak.
Florida, North Carolina and San Diego State all handled up on Saturday night. Each one of their upcoming matchups should be fascinating.
Beating Northwestern State puts the Gators up against Minnesota, which took down a UCLA squad that played like it was ready to go home. These SEC-Big Ten matchups are supposed to be fun after Ole Miss beat Wisconsin though, right?
Tar Heels-Jayhawks means Roy Williams’ group can take down No. 1-seed Kansas for a trip to the Sweet 16. Such a seemingly bitter matchup couldn’t get much sweeter for the observer.
Then there’s San Diego State against that damn Florida Gulf Coast. Good luck, Aztecs. Still, the winner of that game goes to the Sweet 16 and could very well give Florida or Minnesota a run for its money and find a way into the Elite 8.
It’s scrappy out in this here South region.
