That's a particularly apt metaphor, actually -- UNLV had just 10 players in uniform to start the game, and had two starters foul out with around nine minutes remaining in the game.
(12) Villanova 84, (13) Siena 72: Villanova was one of the last teams to make the NCAA Tournament. Now they're one of the last sixteen teams standing.
The Wildcats were far from a sure thing to reach March Madness. A win over Syracuse in the Big East tournament probably put Jay Wright's club over the top -- and sent Jim Boeheim's to the NIT.
But they're like bad houseguests, these Wildcats. Once they get in the door, it's hell to get 'em to leave. They're in the Sweet Sixteen now for the third time in four years.
Excellent guard play can take you a long way in the NCAA Tournament, and excellent guard play is Villanova's trademark. Scottie Reynolds -- who might be the biggest star of this tournament were it not for Stephen Curry's heroics for Davidson -- led 'Nova in points (25) boards (8) and assists (5).
(3) Wisconsin 72, (11) Kansas State 55: Michael Beasley seemed well on his way to yet another stellar performance, with 17 points at the half. But the Badger defense clamped down on him in the second, limiting everyone's choice for top pick in the NBA draft to six points. Wisconsin sophomore Trevon Hughes tied his career high with 25 points in the win.
Even with the pedestrial (for him) scoring total, Beasley moved into third place all-time for scoring by a freshman. His 866 points trail only Kevin Durant's 903 -- posted last year -- and Chris Jackson's 965 as a freshman at LSU in 1988-89. (NBA fans may remember Jackson by his Muslim name, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
(10) Davidson 74, (2) Georgetown 70: Memo to Seth Greenberg: if you signed Stephen Curry, you'd probably still be playing right now.
According to various reports, Curry wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps and play at Virginia Tech. But Hokies coach Seth Greenberg would only offer him a spot as a walk-on. Now Curry and his Davidson Wildcats are headed to the Sweet Sixteen -- while Greenberg's Hokies are on the outside looking in. Alanis Morisette might call that ironic.
Curry actually had a quiet first half, but roared to life in the second, scoring 25 of his 30 points and helping the Wildcats overcome a 17-point deficit. Georgetown was uncharacteristically careless with the ball, coughing up 20 turnovers.
The Wildcats will face Big 10 champion Wisconsin in the round of 16.
