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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 NCAA TOURNAMENT 
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Big East Dominates Top Seeds

North Carolina joins Louisville, Pitt, UConn at top of bracket heap

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(AP) – Big East powers Louisville, Pittsburgh, and UConn helped the league that was created for hoops become the first conference to earn three No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament in the field announced tonight. North Carolina, the regular-season ACC champ, was the other top seed. The coup comes 24 years after the Big East became the first league to get three teams in the Final Four (Georgetown, Villanova, and St. John's).

"It speaks volumes for what it means to win the Big East," said Louisville coach Rick Pitino, whose Cardinals (28-5) are the tournament's overall top seed and will play in the Midwest, hoping to meet Pitt (East), Carolina (South) and UConn (West) in Detroit for the Final Four April 4 and 6. Last year, all four No. 1 teams made it to the Final Four.

Michigan coach John Beilein, third from left, players, and fans react to Michigan's selection to the NCAA college basketball tournament at Crisler Arena on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Ann Arbor.
Michigan coach John Beilein, third from left, players, and fans react to Michigan's selection to the NCAA college basketball tournament at Crisler Arena on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Ann Arbor.   (Tony Ding)
Louisville coach Rick Pitino motions during the second half against Syracuse in the Big East tournament championship game Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Madison Square Garden. Louisville won 76-66.
Louisville coach Rick Pitino motions during the second half against Syracuse in the Big East tournament championship game Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Madison Square Garden. Louisville won 76-66.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun, center, talks with reporters at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Storrs, Conn. Connecticut was chosen as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament.
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun, center, talks with reporters at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Storrs, Conn. Connecticut was chosen as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament.   (AP Photo/George Ruhe)
Carolina's Wayne Ellington, right, battles Florida State's Solomon Alabi during the ACC tournament in Atlanta on Saturday. FSU won, 73-70, but the Tar Heels earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney.
Carolina's Wayne Ellington, right, battles Florida State's Solomon Alabi during the ACC tournament in Atlanta on Saturday. FSU won, 73-70, but the Tar Heels earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Members of the Villanova basketball team, second row, react while watching the NCAA tournament selection show with friends and family Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Villanova, Pa.
Members of the Villanova basketball team, second row, react while watching the NCAA tournament selection show with friends and family Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Villanova, Pa.   (Joseph Kaczmarek)
Villanova coach Jay Wright watches the NCAA men's college basketball tournament selection show with his wife, Patty, left, and daughter Reilly, 9, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Villanova Pa.
Villanova coach Jay Wright watches the NCAA men's college basketball tournament selection show with his wife, Patty, left, and daughter Reilly, 9, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in Villanova Pa.   (Joseph Kaczmarek)
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