West Regional Semifinals: No. 1 Kansas has fallen to mid-majors the past two years, but No. 4 Southern Illinois was unable to upset the Jayhawks this year, as Kansas won 61-58. The Salukis imposed their will on the pace of the game with their stifling defense, but the athleticism of Kansas was simply too much for them to handle in the end. Sophomore Brandon Rush had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Kansas in all three categories. Senior Jamaal Taturm, playing in his final game for Southern Illinois, had 19 points, 17 of them coming in the second half, when he hit several big shots. Freshman Julian Wright clanked two free throws at the end of the game for the Jayhawks, but a long three-point attempt by Southern Illinois missed.
A defensive battle was decided at the free-throw line as No. 2 UCLA made 23 of their 26 foul shots and beat No. 3 Pittsburgh 64-55 in the West Regional semifinals. Sophomore Arron Afflalo made all 10 of his free throws and scored 17 points for the Bruins, who advance to play Kansas Saturday. Despite shooting 36 percent from the floor, the Panthers were down just five in the game’s final moments after a late push. However, freshman Michael Roll made a jumper for UCLA to put the game away at 58-51 with 51.5 seconds left. Sophomore reserve Ronald Ramon led Pitt with 12 points. [3/22/07]
