March 17, 2007

Here is a look at my nightly awards for Saturday:

PLAYER OF THE DAY: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
He got rid of the mask that had bothered him in the ACC tournament. Hansbrough has been a warrior and he remained aggressive inside against the Spartans, scoring 33 points while grabbing nine boards.

TEAM OF THE DAY: Vanderbilt
The Commodores had to work through double-overtime to get past third-seed Washington State. Vanderbilt used a barrage of trifectas in the second half to rally.

COACH OF THE DAY: John Thompson III, Georgetown
The Hoyas had a hard-fought win over a veteran Boston College squad. Roy Hibbert had a big second half and clearly the Hoyas adjusted the offense to get the ball inside to their big man.

SHOCK OF THE DAY: Butler over Maryland
I was surprised to see Gary Williams' Terps beaten here. Give Todd Lickliter credit as his team has been a surprise all season after being picked sixth in the Horizon League preseason poll.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE DAY: Edgar Sosa, Louisville
He kept the Cardinals in the game against Texas A&M, scoring a career-high 31 points in a losing effort.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.