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Texas' post game interview

Posted by Joe at 5:28 PM on Mar 18    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Texas coach Rick Barnes, Kevin Durant and A.J. Abrams after their loss to Southern Cal at the Spokane Arena Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Southern Cal vs. Texas

Posted by Joe at 4:17 PM on Mar 18    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Slideshows

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Game action from the Southern Cal vs. Texas game at the Spokane Arena Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Winthrop post game interview

Posted by Joe at 2:37 PM on Mar 18    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Winthrop's Gregg Marshall, Craig Bradshaw and Torrell Martin after losing to Oregon at the Spokane Arena Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Oregon post game interview

Posted by Joe at 2:15 PM on Mar 18    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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This is a few questions with Oregon's Ernie Kent, Tajuan Porter, Aaron Brooks and Adam Zahn after their win over Winthrop at the Spokane Arena Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Friday action

Posted by Joe at 11:07 AM on Mar 18    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Slideshows

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The real fun in college basketball for me are the sounds. The bands and the athletes putting it all out there for the fans and some glory...good times. This is a collection of images and sound from the first round at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

Kent, Marshall have individual styles

Posted by Jason Shoot at 6:11 PM on Mar 17    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Ernie Kent speaks quickly as if his mouth is a machine gun that never runs out of ammunition.

“I like to feel like I'm still playing,” Oregon's head coach said a day before his Ducks play Winthrop in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship at the Spokane Arena. “So I like to stand and move, although this year with bad shoulders and bad hips, I sat down quite a bit. And now you're at tournament time, I think it's important that you have the intensity that is needed.”

There is no shortage of intensity with Oregon's demonstrative coach.

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Oregon guards force action

Posted by Jason Shoot at 5:42 PM on Mar 17    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Oregon's Bryce Taylor drove the lane and challenged his opponent with a right-handed floater.

Swatted.

In the same game Friday, Ducks teammate Tajuan Porter knifed into the lane and tried to loft a shot over a Miami (Ohio) player.

Rejected.

Same result for Oregon guard Aaron Brooks late in the second half when Miami's Michael Bramos blocked Brooks' layup attempt.

The Ducks (27-7) aren't about to abandon their penchant for attacking the lane, however, when they suit up against Winthrop (29-4) tonight in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship at the Spokane Arena (11:50 a.m., KREM).

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USC clamps down on Hogs

Posted by Greg Lee at 11:02 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

The defense returned for the University of Southern California.
Six days removed from allowing 81 points in their conference tournament title game, the fifth-seeded Trojans bounced back to smother No. 12 Arkansas.

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Southern Cal post game interview

Posted by Joe at 10:20 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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Southern Cal's Tim Floyd, Nick Young and Taj Gibson speak to the media after beating Arkansas at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

Arkansas post game interview

Posted by Joe at 10:14 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A short Q and A with Arkansas' Stan Heath, Gary Ervin and Sonny Weems after losing to Southern Cal at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

New Mexico State post game interview

Posted by Joe at 7:46 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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Post game interview with New Mexico State's Reggie Theus, Justin Hawkins, Martin Iti and Elijah Ingram after losing to Texas in NCAA first round action at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

Texas post game interview

Posted by Joe at 7:43 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Texas' Rick Barnes, A.J. Abrams, Kevin Durant and D.J. Augustin after they bet New Mexico State Friday, March 16, at the Spokane Arena.

Durant, Texas outlast New Mexico State

Posted by Jason Shoot at 7:03 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Kevin Durant was hyped as the marquee player competing at the Spokane Arena this week as part of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.

Friday offered no evidence that the billing was unworthy.

Durant poured in a game-high 27 points to lead fourth-seeded Texas to a 79-67 victory over No. 13 New Mexico State in an East region matchup.

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Oregon post game chat

Posted by Joe at 4:31 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Oregon's Ernie Kent, Aaron Brooks and Bryce Taylor after Oregon beat Miami (Ohio) Friday at the Spokane Arena.

Oregon hangs on, tops Miami (Ohio)

Posted by Jason Shoot at 4:02 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Oregon withstood one 3-point attempt from Michael Bramos. The Ducks' Maarty Leunen then made Bramos' next effort inconsequential.

Third-seeded Oregon fought off stubborn Miami (Ohio) for a 58-56 victory in a Midwest regional showdown in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship at the Spokane Arena.

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Brooks brings back memories

Posted by Mike V. at 3:16 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Watching Aaron Brooks perform his magic among the trees that make up NCAA quality basketball teams brings back memories of watching he and Adam Morrison go mano-a-mano during the 2003 State 4A tournament

Despite being one of the smallest players on the floor his quickness, which stood out when Franklin outscored Mead in their epic contest. He's unintimidated in the paint with an ability to score against much bigger foes and if he doesn't score, finds someone who can.

The difference in this game is that Miami of Ohio is more deliberate than the Panthers were when they chose to run with the Quakers. And the burly Redhawks are hung tough, with a chance to tie with four seconds left after Brooks converted two free throws for a 56-53 lead.

Miami's Michael Bramos missed a hurried 3-pointer, although ironically he ended the game with a half-court make. Oregon had added two free throws by Maarty Leunen with 2.4 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach.

Brooks finished with 18 points and five assists in victory - much like 2003 when his 37 (to Morrison's 38 points) helped Franklin prevail.

Notre Dame post game interview

Posted by Joe at 2:38 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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Notre Dame's Mike Brey, Tory Jackson, Luke Harangody and Rob Kurz talk to the media after losing to Winthrop at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

Winthrop post game interview

Posted by Joe at 2:35 PM on Mar 16    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few words with Winthrop's Gregg Marshall, Craig Bradshaw, Torrell Martin and Michael Jenkins after beating Notre Dame in first round NCAA action at the Spokane Arena Friday, March 16, 2007.

Kevin Durant

Posted by Colin at 7:41 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Video

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With media in tow, Texas Longhorn sensation Kevin Durant arrived for a short practice session in the Spokane Arena Thursday.

Arkansas coach Stan Heath

Posted by Joe at 6:22 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Arkansas coach Stan Heath Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Arkansas players

Posted by Joe at 6:12 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Arkansas players Steven Hill and Gary Ervin Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Kids just want to have fun

Posted by Mike V. at 6:04 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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With six freshmen playing prominent roles on the Texas Longhorns, coach Rick Barnes during Thursday's press conference was asked if this year's team had exceeded his expectations.

"I'm not sure if I knew what to expect," he said. "We just knew we wanted to get back to this tournament some way, some how."

Texas did it by keeping things simple and allowing the youngsters to play with a little "reckless abandon," he said.

"They're not afraid to shoot the ball," Barnes said. "I've said all along that I think about the innocence (by which) this team has approached this season. They've been a loose group of guys. I don't know if I've ever been around a team that's as loose."

It showed during Thursday's shoot around when willowy 6-foot-9 frosh wunderkind Kevin Durant repeatedly launched shots with a 20-foot arc to see if they'd come straight down through the basket (one did).

And it didn't always mean, as youngsters are wont, that they played smart, said their coach. But Barnes' approach that allowed their natural talent to be put on display paid off in 24 wins and tomorrow's game against New Mexico State a year after graduating most of 2006's Elite Eight team.

New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus

Posted by Joe at 5:45 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

New Mexico State players

Posted by Joe at 5:38 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with New Mexico State players Elijah Ingram and Justin Hawkins Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

USC coach Tim Floyd

Posted by Joe at 4:57 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with USC coach Tim Floyd Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

USC players

Posted by Joe at 4:42 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with USC players Nick Young, Lodrick Stewart and Gabe Pruitt Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Texas coach Rick Barnes

Posted by Joe at 4:10 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
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A few minutes with Texas coach Rick Barnes Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Texas players

Posted by Joe at 3:56 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Texas players A.J. Abrams, D.J. Augustin and Kevin Durant Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Jackson matures in extended role

Posted by Jason Shoot at 3:26 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

This wasn't the way Notre Dame coach Mike Brey expected to promote Tory Jackson into the starting lineup.

Plans changed in late December when Notre Dame officials suspended point guard Kyle McAlarney for the rest of the school year following McAlarney's arrest for marijuana possession. That thrust Jackson – a true freshman – into the starting five after he had averaged fewer than 16 minutes a game through the Irish's 12 non-conference contests.

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Notre Dame Players

Posted by Joe at 3:15 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Notre Dame players Rob Kurz, Colin Falls and Russell Carter Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Oregon coach Ernie Kent

Posted by Joe at 2:08 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Oregon coach Ernie Kent Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Notre Dame coach Mike Brey

Posted by Joe at 1:16 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Notre Dame coach Mike Brey Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

A few minutes with Miami (Ohio) players

Posted by Joe at 12:29 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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A few minutes with Miami (Ohio) players Doug Penno, Nathan Peavy and Tim Pollitz Thursday at the Spokane Arena.

Winthrop coach Greg Marshall

Posted by Joe at 12:03 PM on Mar 15    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane, Multimedia
Tags: Audio

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This is from Thursday morning's press conference with Winthrop coach Greg Marshall at the Spokane Arena.

Wednesday night sighting

Posted by Ryan at 9:01 PM on Mar 14    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

Texas Longhorns like their Ben & Jerry's. Just sayin'.

Long road to Spokane

Posted by Amy Cannata at 10:56 AM on Mar 14    Comments (0)
Filed under: Spokane

It's a long flight from Rock Hill, SC, to Spokane, but just imagine the drive.

Actually, you don't have to imagine it.

Rock Hill Herald Sports Editor Gary McCann and reporter Andrew Dys decided to pass on air travel in favor of a road trip to see Winthrop play Notre Dame here on Friday.

The two are blogging the trip, which is turning out to be farther than either imagined. At least they got to see South Dakota's Corn Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Posted by S-R at 6:09 PM on Mar 12    Comments (0)
Filed under: Zags, Cougs, Spokane

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the NCAA tournament in Spokane and Sacramento, on tickets, open practices and game times:

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Welcome to the tourney blog

Posted by Ryan at 6:01 PM on Mar 11    Comments (0)
Filed under: Zags, Cougs, Spokane

There's might not be a lot to see right now, but with the Cougs and Zags headed to Sacramento and some solid teams headed here to Spokane, there will be plenty to cover in the week ahead.

For now, we'd love it if you'd leave a comment here on stories and coverage you'd like to see. Or check out the Zags fan forum, where there's a ton of NCAA talk right now.

And be sure to scroll down just a bit, where we've got video intros for all of this year's Cougs.