5 Minute Guide

STREAKS AND MILESTONES

Bob Knight is the new Dean
The alternately brilliant and boorish coach needs just 10 victories to surpass Dean Smith for the most wins in men's NCAA history (879).

Blake Ahearn's numbers game
Missouri State's senior guard could become first player to lead the nation in a statistical category (free throw percentage) for four straight years.

Arizona's march to March
The Wildcats should extend their streak of consecutive NCAA tournament appearances to 23, second alltime behind North Carolina (27).

Tubby Smith's drought in Lexington
If Kentucky fails to make it to Atlanta, it will mark the longest stretch (nine years) the school has gone between Final Four appearances.

Baylor win might come Sooner
The Bears have lost 24 straight to Oklahoma, but with Kelvin Sampson's departure from Norman, Baylor should have the upper hand.

THIS YEAR'S GEORGE MASON

HOFSTRA
With Loren Stokes (17.4 ppg) and Antoine Agudio (17.2 ppg) in the backcourt, the Pride beat George Mason twice last year.

WINTHROP
After winning six Big South titles in eight seasons, the Eagles have fast become the Gonzaga of the South.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Trying to earn a sixth straight NCAA tournament bid, the Salukis have their top eight scorers returning.