March 25, 2005 | ESPN.com's NCAA Tournament coverage
There had to be a big smile on the face of Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany on Friday night!
Michigan State upset Duke, and Wisconsin rallied from a 30-21 halftime deficit to knock off NC State. What a glorious moment for Big Ten basketball, placing three teams in the Elite Eight. For much of this season, the Big Ten was assailed as a league of mediocrity. Friday night was a shining one for the league.
The Spartans finally got over the schneid after losing five in a row to the Dukies. Depth was a major plus for Tom Izzo's team, and free throw shooting down the stretch also helped.
Paul Davis had a brilliant performance inside for Michigan State, posting a double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds). He helped get Shelden Williams into foul trouble and again depth played a part. Davis hit key free throws and did a great job establishing position down low.
For Duke, depth finally caught them. The Blue Devils were beaten by the fresher team. Michigan State got body after body on J. J. Redick, forcing the All-America to really struggle. It was a real difference seeing him perform in the regular season and the NCAA Tournament. Fatigue, taking a beating and a pounding game after game, really caught up.
Michigan State did a great job rotating a number of athletic players to guard Redick. Guys like Shannon Brown, Maurice Ager and Chris Hill have different looks slowing down and stopping Redick. It caused a dilemma since Redick could not get clean looks at the basket.
Shelden Williams being in foul trouble after a great start was major as well. Daniel Ewing played his heart out, but in the end, his college career was finished.
It was a brilliant year for Coach K to lead this team to the Sweet 16. It was a masterful job to get this team to its eighth straight Sweet 16. To win the ACC tournament was another major accomplishment.
On Friday night, it was time to celebrate for the Spartans.
Then there was Wisconsin and its coach Bo Ryan. To me, he is the most underappreciated coach in America. He gets the most out of his people.
The Badgers got key performances up front from Alando Tucker and Michael Wilkinson. How many times do you see the veterans step up and come through in clutch time.
Sharif Chambliss was also a plus in the backcourt as the transfer from Penn State made several key plays. It marked the end of Julius Hodge's career.
What was amazing was Wisconsin's rebound after failing to get a single assist in the first half!
Bo Ryan, Jim Delany, Tom Izzo and all the people associated with the Big Ten had to be proud with the events of Friday night. It was the moment to feel the pride and joy of victory.
