5 Do-or-die Big Shots

Along with Duke's J.J. Redick, these top guns are the tournament's best late-game options

SALIM STOUDAMIRE, G, Arizona

The nation's deadliest three-point shooter (an otherworldly 52.5%) with unconscionable range, the Wildcats' 6'1" senior uses that outside prowess to set up the dribble-drive. The upshot: The scorching Stoudamire did in UCLA and Arizona State this season with end-of-game-winners.

CARL KRAUSER, G, Pittsburgh

Pitt's leading scorer (15.6 points a game), the sturdy (6'2", 200 pounds) Panthers junior point guard is utterly fearless in pressure situations. Ask Syracuse, whose hearts Krauser broke on Valentine's Day, draining a decisive trey with 54 seconds left in Pitt's come-from-behind, 68-64 win.

FRANCISCO GARCIA, F, Louisville

Versatile 6'7" Cardinals junior proved his last-second mettle against Marquette: Disdaining a timeout after a Golden Eagles miss, Garcia rammed the ball downcourt and, with 2.6 seconds left, launched the three-pointer that gave Louisville a 64-61 win. He's also an 87.2% free throw shooter.

CHRISTIAN MARAKER, F, Pacific

Supremely prepared (like all Tigers) for last-minute emergencies, sweet-shooting (51.9% from the field) 6'9" junior clinched one of the season's most amazing comebacks--from eight points down with 37 seconds to go versus Utah State--by hitting a foul-line jumper with 2.5 seconds left.

JOHN LUCAS, G, Oklahoma State