Louisville Wins Big East

(NEWSER) - Louisville, UNC, Oklahoma, and Michigan are all headed to the Elite Eight after an occasionally ugly night of basketball. Here’s how it went down:

• In a night of lopsided victories, no one dominated more than Louisville. The Cardinals demolished Arizona 103-64, one of the most crushing blowouts the Sweet 16’s ever seen.
• UNC didn’t have much more trouble dispatching Gonzaga. A 17-point first half from Ty Lawson helped lead the Tar Heels over the Zags, 98-77.

Conference hasn't lived up to its reputation in recent years

(NEWSER) - With March Madness upon us, the hype machine is cranking up again about the Big East, with powers like Louisville, Connecticut, and Pittsburgh. Mike Celizic covered the conference’s period of dominance in the 1980s, but he’s no longer convinced, he writes for NBC Sports. The league has won only two NCAA basketball championships this century, fewer than the Atlantic Coast Conference and tied with the Southeastern. More»

(NEWSER) - Along with the obligatory madness, March always brings along a slew of detestable teams and characters. This year, thankfully, Billy Packer is gone, but Josh Levin, writing for Slate, still has plenty to disparage. The list starts, as always, with:

• Duke: This isn’t the most deplorable squad ever, but Coach K’s “basketball as leadership seminar” style always evokes a bit of vitriol.
• Jim Calhoun: The Connecticut coach’s “classlessness and self-aggrandizing bring shame to a shameless profession.”

No. 18 Louisville squeaks by Pitt; No. 21 Irish outshoot 'Cuse

(NEWSER) - Xavier extended its winning streak to 10 games, including six straight on the road, with a 57-51 win over struggling Dayton. The No. 10 Musketeers, 12-1 in conference play, are assured of at least a tie for the Atlantic 10 title, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. Senior Josh Duncan was the only one in double figures for Xavier with 14 points. Elsewhere: More»

Louisville's Gorgui Dieng dominates in game against Michigan State

(AP) - Louisville figured its game against Michigan State to be low-scoring, a natural expectation with two of the nation's best defenses butting heads. The Cardinals had one big advantage: Gorgui Dieng. Dominating inside, Dieng blocked seven shots and altered several others to anchor a stifling defense that helped Louisville knock off top-seeded Michigan State 57-44 last night in the West Regional semifinals. Louisville is in the regional final for the third time in six years, meaning a trip to New Orleans and the Final Four is within its sights. More»