Examining the 16 teams in the East region of the NCAA's field of 65:

1. Pittsburgh

Nickname: Panthers. Location: Pittsburgh.

Record: 28-4, 15-3. Bid: Big East at-large.

NCAA history: 18-21 in 20 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Michigan State in second round.

Coach: Jamie Dixon 6-5 in five appearances.

Overview: Long known for their tenacious physical defense, which is still quite good, the Panthers have become a solid offensive team with multiple options, meaning they can outscore teams, too. They shot 48.5% from the field and averaged 78.5 points a game. Levance Fields brings steady and experienced floor leadership at the point, and the inside combination of DeJuan Blair and Sam Young is extremely difficult to handle. This is a very good rebounding team, outboarding foes by more than 10 a game. Foul shooting (67.2%) could be an issue.

Best wins: Connecticut, Syracuse, Florida State

Starters: F Sam Young, 6-6, Sr. (18.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 50.5 FG%); F-C DeJuan Blair, 6-7, So. (15.6 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 59.6 FG%); G Levance Fields, 5-10, Sr. (10.9 ppg, 7.6 apg); G Jermaine Dixon, 6-3, Jr. (9.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 46.5 FG%); F Tyrell Biggs, 6-8, Sr. (6.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 49.1 FG%).

Reserves: G Brad Wanamaker, 6-4, So. (5.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 48.4 FG%); G-F Gilbert Brown, 6-6, So. (5.2 ppg. 3.1 rpg); G Ashton Gibbs, 6-2, Fr. (4.4 ppg).

2. Duke

Nickname: Blue Devils. Location: Durham, N.C.

Record: 28-6, 11-5. Bid: Atlantic Coast champ.

NCAA history: 86-29 in 32 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to West Virginia in second round.

Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, 69-21 in 24 appearances.

Overview: The Blue Devils likely feel like they have something to prove after going 1-2 in the past two NCAA tournaments. Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Greg Paulus all give opponents plenty to fret about on the perimeter, but do the Devils have enough inside strength for a long tournament run? Guard Nolan Smith missed three games with a concussion late in the season, and Krzyzewski retooled the lineup.

Best wins: Xavier, Wake Forest, Florida State

Starters: G-F Gerald Henderson, 6-4, Jr. (16.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 47.9 FG%); F Kyle Singler, 6-8, So. (16.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg); G Jon Scheyer, 6-5, Jr. (14.3 ppg, 2.9 apg, 37.3 3FG%, 83.3 FT%); F Lance Thomas, 6-8, Jr. (5.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 63.6 FG%). G Elliot Williams, 6-4, Fr. (4.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 46.1 FG%).

Reserves: G Nolan Smith, 6-2, So. (8.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 42.5 FG%, 85.0 FT%); C Brian Zoubek, 7-1, Jr. (4.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 56.3 FG%); G Greg Paulus, 6-1, Sr. (5.5 ppg, 1.5 apg, 36.4 FG%)

3. Villanova

Nickname: Wildcats. Location: Villanova, Pa.

Record: 26-7, 13-5. Bid: Big East at-large.

NCAA history: 44-29 in 29 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Kansas in regional semifinals.

Coach: Jay Wright, 7-6 in six appearances

Overview: Versatile and experienced, the Wildcats have a lot of answers. Dante Cunningham, Shane Clark and Antonio Pena can get it done on the inside, and standout scorer/distributor Scottie Reynolds leads a productive group of guards and wing players who are dangerous from the perimeter. Paced by the long-range excellence of Corey Stokes, the Wildcats shot 37% from three-point range but are also tough defensively, holding opponents to 66.7 points a game and 40% shooting. Five regulars shot 71% or better from the foul line.

Best wins: Pittsburgh, Marquette, Syracuse

Starters: F Shane Clark, 6-7, Sr. (5.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 51.3 FG%); G-F Dwayne Anderson, 6-6, Sr. (8.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 43.7 FG%); F Dante Cunningham, 6-8, Sr. (16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 53.7 FG%); G Scottie Reynolds, 6-2, Jr. (15.7 ppg, 3.7 apg, 41.3 FG%, 81.8 FT%); G Reggie Redding, 6-5, Jr. (6.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg).

Reserves: G Corey Fisher, 6-1, So. (10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg, 45.6 FG%); G Corey Stokes, 6-5, So. (9.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg. 41.4 FG%, 43.9 3FG%).

4. Xavier

Nickname: Musketeers. Location: Cincinnati.

Record: 25-7, 12-4. Bid: Atlantic 10 at-large.

NCAA history: 15-19 in 19 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to UCLA in regional final.

Coach: Sean Miller, 4-3 in three appearances

Overview: After starting 20-2, Xavier slipped down the stretch, going just 5-5 in their last 10 games. Despite the slide, the Musketeers have lived in the Top 25 all season and do plenty of things well. They hold opponents to 39% shooting from the floor and block a little more than five shots a game. On offense, they can keep up with just about anyone. Three Musketeers — B.J. Raymond, Derrick Brown and Brad Redford — shoot better than 40% from beyond the arc.

Best wins: Memphis, Missouri, Dayton, LSU.

Starters: G B.J. Raymond, 6-6, Sr. (13.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 80.0 FT%); G Dant? Jackson, 6-5, So. (6.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg); C Jason Love, 6-9, Jr. (7.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 57.9 FG%); F Derrick Brown, 6-8, Jr. (13.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 42.7 3FG%); F C.J. Anderson, 6-6, Sr. (10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg).

Reserves: G Terrell Holloway, 6-0, Fr. (5.6 ppg); G Brad Redford, 6-0, Fr. (5.8 ppg, 48.6 3FG%); C Kenny Frease, 7-0, Fr. (5.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Jamel McLean, 6-8, So. (4.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 61.2 FG%).

5. Florida State

Nickname: Seminoles Location: Tallahassee.

Record: 25-9, 10-6. Bid: Atlantic Coast at-large.

NCAA history: 12-10 in 10 appearances. Last: 1998: lost to Valparaiso in second round.

Coach: Leonard Hamilton, 3-3 in three appearances.

Overview: The Seminoles secured their first bid in more than a decade thanks largely to defense and the ability to win close games. They held opponents to 64.5 points a game and 38.6% field-goal accuracy. They won 10 games by five or fewer points. Toney Douglas, the only double-figure scorer, has developed into one of the nation's top players. The presence of freshman Solomon Alabi inside has helped, and Hamilton has done a good job utilizing his bench as there are nine players who averaged better than 13 minutes of playing time a game. There's no tournament experience here, but FSU played an impressive non-league schedule that included Pitt, Cincinnati and Cal.

Best wins: North Carolina, California, Clemson.

Starters: G Toney Douglas, 6-2, Sr. (20.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg; 42.8 FG%, 81.1 FT%); G Derwin Kitchen, 6-4, So. (8.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 41.2 3FG%); F Chris Singleton, 6-9, Fr. (8.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg; 39.5 FG%); F Uche Echefu, 6-9, Sr. (8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 84.5 FT%); C Solomon Alabi, 7-1, Fr. (5.7 rpg, 53.3 FG%, 2.2 bpg).

Reserves: G/F Jordan DeMercy, 6-7, So. (3.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 39.0 FG%); G Luke Loucks, 6-5, Fr. (3.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 39.3 FG%, 2.2 apg)

6. UCLA

Nickname: Bruins. Location: Los Angeles.

Record: 25-8, 13-5. Bid: Pacific-10 at-large.

NCAA history: 98-35 in 42 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Memphis in national semifinals.

Coach: Ben Howland, 17-7 in 7 appearances.

Overview: After losing three players now contributing significantly to NBA teams as rookies, the Bruins lost their stranglehold on the Pac-10 regular-season title and were upset by Southern California in the Pac-10 semifinals. Point guard Darren Collison had a great season and is where everything starts, offensively and defensively. Center Alfred Aboya, a bit player before this season, emerged as an offensive threat. Collison could lift the Bruins for a round or two, but this team is not in the class of Howland's three consecutive Final Four squads.

Best wins: Arizona, California, Washington.

Starters: G Darren Collison, 6-0, Sr. (14.8 ppg, 5.0 apg, 53.6 FG%, 41.9 3FG%, 92.3 FT%); G Jrue Holiday, 6-3, Fr. (8.6 ppg, 3.5 apg); C Alfred Aboya, 6-9, Sr. (10.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 58.0 FG%); F Nikola Dragovic, 6-9, Jr. (9.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg); F Josh Shipp, 6-5, Sr. (14.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 51.2 FG%).

Reserves: G Michael Roll, 6-5, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 53.3 3FG%); F Drew Gordon, 6-8, Fr. (3.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G Malcolm Lee, 6-5, Fr. (3.2 ppg).

7. Texas

Nickname: Longhorns. Location: Austin.

Record: 22-11, 9-7. Bid: Big 12 at-large.

NCAA history: 32-28 in 26 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Memphis in regional final.

Coach: Rick Barnes, 18-16 in 16 appearances.

Overview: Point guard D.J. Augustin exited from last year's Elite Eight team, and with him went the Longhorns' mojo on offense. They're among the Big 12's worst shooting (43.9%), three-point (31.8%) and free throw (67.2%) teams. A.J. Abrams is their only perimeter threat, Dexter Pittman their only low-post scorer. The 'Horns are deep and can bite you when Abrams catches fire, as he did in an upset of Blake Griffin-less Oklahoma, but this figures to be a shorter NCAA stay.

Best wins: UCLA, Villanova, Wisconsin, Okla.

Starters: G/F Damion James, 6-7, Jr. (15.9 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 31.0 3FG%); C Dexter Pittman, 6-10, Jr. (9.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 61.0 FG%); G Dogus Balbay, 6-0, So. (3.2 ppg, 3.2 apg, 36.4 FT%); G A.J. Abrams, 5-11, Sr. (16.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 steals, 38.8 FG%, 38.9 3FG%, 83.7 3FG%); G Justin Mason, 6-2, Jr. (6.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 steals, 52.8 FT%).

Reserves: F Gary Johnson, 6-6, So. (11.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, ); F/C Connor Atchley, 6-10, Sr. (5.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 blocks, 38.6 FG%, 28.4 3FG%, 84.4 FT%).

8. Oklahoma State

Nickname: Cowboys. Location: Stillwater.

Record: 22-11, 9-7. Bid: Big 12 at-large.

NCAA history: 37-20 in 22 appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Arizona in Sweet 16.

Coach: Travis Ford, 0-1 in one NCAA appearance.

Overview: You're gonna love these guys. Maybe not for long — size is an issue — but their scrap and shooting eye gave opponents fits over the last month. A four-guard lineup, featuring a big-time talent at the point in Byron Eaton, can create difficult matchups. This is the Big 12's most accurate (39.2%) and prolific (9.5 made per game) three-point shooting team and the league's best at the free throw line (74.2%). But oh, for a little length.

Best wins: Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas State.

Starters: F Marshall Moses, 6-6, So. (6.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 59.1 FT%); G James Anderson, 6-6, So. (18.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 42.7 3FG%, 83.7 FT%); G Terrel Harris, 6-5, Sr. (14.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 36.5 3FG%); G Keiton Page, 5-10, Fr. (9.1 ppg, 1.3 apg, 41.4 3FG%); G Byron Eaton, 5-11, Sr. (14.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.1 steals, 30.4 3FG%).

Reserves: G Obi Muonelo, 6-5, Jr. (12.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 41.2 FG%, 40.8 3FG%); F Anthony Brown, 6-8, Sr. (2.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 59.4 FT%); G Nick Sidorakis, 6-4, So. (1.3 ppg, 40.6 FG%, 35.7 3FG%).

9. Tennessee

Nickname: Volunteers. Location: Knoxville.

Record: 21-12, 10-6. Bid: SEC at-large.

NCAA history: 13-17 in 16 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Louisville in the Sweet Sixteen.

Coach: Bruce Pearl, 7-5 in five appearances.

Overview: The Volunteers stumbled through the nation's toughest non-conference schedule but rebounded in conference play to win the SEC East title. The team finished second in the SEC in scoring and third in field-goal percentageand can certainly put some points on the board. But the defense has been porous at times. They allowed opponents to shoot 44.4% from the field to rank ninth in their league and 224th in the nation. If they are to be successful in the tournament, the offense must run through the post as the Vols shot just 31.5% from beyond the arc. For that to happen, Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith must be involved and attacking the rim.

Best wins: Marquette, Siena, Florida.

Starters: C Wayne Chism, 6-9, Jr. (13.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 47.3 FG%); F Tyler Smith, 6-7, Jr. (17.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.6 apg); G J.P. Prince, 6-7, Jr. (9.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 56.8 FG% 3.1 apg); G Scotty Hopson, 6-7, Fr. (9.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg); G Bobby Maze, 6-2, Jr. (8.6 ppg, 3.2 apg)

Reserves: C Brian Williams, 6-10, So. (5.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 53.8 FG%); G Josh Tabb, 6-4, Jr. (3.3 ppg, 44.4 3FG%); G Cameron Tatum, 6-6, R-Fr.(7.4 ppg).

10. Minnesota

Nickname: Golden Gophers. Location: Minneapolis.

Record: 22-10, 9-9. Bid: Big Ten at-large.

NCAA history: 7-6 in six appearances. Last: 2005, lost to Iowa State in first round.

Coach: Tubby Smith, 29-13 in 14 appearances.

Overview: The Gophers don't have a senior in their rotation, and could be a year away from having an impact in postseason play. Smith emphasizes pressure defense but his young team has been inconsistent. The Gophers opened with 12 consecutive wins but finished 9-9. Forward Damian Johnson, a powerful shot blocker, was named to the Big Ten's all-defensive team.

Best wins: Louisville, Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin.

Starters: F Damian Johnson, 6-7, Jr. (9.4 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 48.6 FG%, 2.07 blocks); F Ralph Sampson III, 6-11, Fr. (6.4 ppg., 4.2 rpg., 50.3 FG%); C Colton Iverson, 6-10, Fr. (5.7 ppg., 3.7 rpg., 59.5 FG%); G Lawrence Westbrook, 6-0, Jr. (12.4 ppg., 42.5 FG%, 35.4 3FG%, 88.0 FT%); G Al Nolen, 6-1, So. (6.9 ppg.).

Reserves: G Blake Hoffarber, 6-4, So. (6.8 ppg.); F Paul Carter, 6-8, So. (5.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg.); G Devoe Joseph, 6-3, Fr. (5.2 ppg.).

11.Virginia Commonwealth

Nickname: Rams. Location: Richmond, Va.

Record: 24-9, 14-4. Bid: Colonial champ.

NCAA history: 5-8 in eight appearances. Last: 2007, lost to Pittsburgh in second round.

Coach: Anthony Grant, 1-1 in one appearance.

Overview: After upsetting Duke in the 2007 first round, the Rams are back with another good chance of advancing. The star of that 2007 squad — guard Eric Maynor — is now a senior, and his all-around game is the team's heartbeat. Sophomore Larry Sanders has emerged as a threat in the paint with his shot-blocking prowess. Otherwise, the Rams are vulnerable on the boards but try to make up for a lack of size with defensive quickness, averaging nearly eight steals a game. Offensively, they do most of their damage inside the three-point line.

Best wins: George Mason, New Mexico.

Starters: G Eric Maynor, 6-3, Sr. (22. 4 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.6 rpg, 46.1 FG%); F Larry Sanders, 6-10, So. (11.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 51.5 FG%, 2.6 bpg); GJoey Rodriguez, 5-10, So. (9.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.6 apg); G Bradford Burgess, 6-5, Fr. (7.2 ppg, 46.6 FG%); F Kirill Pishchalnikov, 6-8, Jr. (5.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 53.4 FG%)

Reserves: G Brandon Rozzell, 6-2, So. (6.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg); G Ed Nixon, 6-4, So. (4.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg)

12. Wisconsin

Nickname: Badgers. Location: Madison.

Record: 19-12, 10-8. Bid: Big Ten at-large.

NCAA history: 19-13 in 14 appearances. Last: 2008, lost to Davidson in Sweet 16.

Coach: Bo Ryan, 10-7 in seven appearances.

Overview: The Badgers went 2-6 in January but recovered to tie for fourth place in the Big Ten. Ryan's teams are known for their stingy man-to-man defense. Although there were defensive lapses during the January slump, overall opponents average only 58.9 points. That's the 10th best scoring defense in Division I. In the regular season, Wisconsin went 14-1 when limiting teams to 60 points or less. Marcus Landry is a tough post defender, and the Badgers are effective with their perimeter defense, as opponents shot 31.9% on three-pointers. The Badgers have a tendency to sputter on offense. Landry is the only consistent double-digit scorer. Wisconsin is in the tournament for the 11th straight season and has been to the Sweet 16 four times in that span.

Best wins: Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan.

Starters: G Trevon Hughes, 6-0, Jr. (11.9 ppg., 3.2 rpg.); G Jason Bohannon, 6-2, Jr. (10.2 ppg., 3.1 rpg., 81.5 FT%); F Joe Krabbenhoft, 6-7, Sr. (8.8 ppg., 6.7 rpg., 84.2 FT%); F Marcus Landry, 6-7, Sr. (12.7 ppg., 4.5 rpg., 50.0 FG%, 62.1 FT%); F Jon Leuer, 6-10, So. (9.2 ppg., 3.9 rpg., 60.6 FT%).

Reserves: F Keaton Nankivil, 6-8, So. (4.2 ppg., 2.4 rpg); F Tim Jarmusz, 6-6, So. (3.3 ppg); G Jordan Taylor, 6-1, Fr. (1.7 ppg).

13. Portland State

Nickname: Vikings. Location: Portland, Oregon.

Record: 21-9, 11-5. Bid: Big Sky champion.

NCAA history: 0-1 in one appearance. Last: 2008, lost to Kansas in first round.

Coach: Ken Bone, 0-1 in one appearance.

Overview: The Vikings started by winning their first four games and finished the same way. The Vikings won nine of their last 13 games and ledthe Big Sky in scoring offense averaging 73.8 points a game. They have a balanced offense with seven players averaging more than six points. Led by senior guard Jeremiah Dominguez, first team All-Big Sky, Portland State was able to win their second consecutive conference title. The Vikings lead the conference in steals with 7.47 a game.

Best wins: Gonzaga, Seattle, Montana.

Starters: G Jeremiah Dominguez, 5-6, Sr. (12.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 40.8 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 43.7 3FG%); F Phil Nelson, 6-7, So. (11. ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 41.2 FG%, 84.1 FT%); G Andre Murray, 6-2, Sr. (11 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 69.6 FT%, 35.8 3FG%); F Jamie Jones, 6-7, Jr. (8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 58.5 FG%, 64.8 FT%); F Kyle Coston, 6-8, Jr. (6.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 33.7 FG%, 63.1 FT%)

Reserves: G Dominic Waters, 6-1, Jr. (11.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46.4 FG%, 80.7 FT%, 46.2 3FG%); F Julius Thomas, 6-5, Jr. (7.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 64.3 FG%).

14. American

Nickname: Eagles. Location: Washington D.C.

Record: 24-7, 13-1 Bid: Patriot champion.

NCAA history: 0-1. Last: 2008, Lost 72-57 to Tennessee in first round.

Coach: Jeff Jones, 0-1 in one appearance..

Overview: Guards Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer lead an explosive and efficient offense built around high-percentage shots and avoiding turnovers. Factor in a strong bench with a fundamentally solid defensive squad, and you have a team that has only lost once since Dec. 22. But like most guard-driven offenses, they can run into trouble if shots stop falling or defenses stymie their dribble-penetration. Lack of size figures to be a problem.

Best wins: Holy Cross, Navy.

Starters: G Derrick Mercer, 5-9 Sr. (11.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 47 FG%, 41 3FG%) G Garrison Carr, 5-11 Sr. (17.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 40 FG%, 48 3FG%) G Frank Borden, 6-4 Sr. (3.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 33 FG%) F Brian Gilmore, 6-8 Sr. (1.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 53 FG%, 42 3FG%) F Jordan Nichols, 6-5 Sr. (5.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg, 51 FG%).

Reserves: G Nick Hendra, 6-3 So. (6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 48 FG%, 38 3FG%) F Stephen Lumpkins, 6-8 Fr. (3.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 47 FG%).

15. Binghamton

Nickname: Bearcats. Location: Binghamton, N.Y.

Record: 23-8, 13-3. Bid: America East champ.

NCAA history: First appearance.

Coach: Kevin Broadus, first appearance.

Overview: Binghamton is riding an 11-game winning streak and hasn't lost since Jan. 28 to Maryland-Baltimore County, a loss it avenged to win the NCAA berth. D.J. Rivera led the conference in scoring and was second-team all-conference along with Emanuel Mayben. The Bearcats were 3-0 in overtime this season and had four other wins by one or two points. Binghamton is quick and athletic but was outrebounded by 1.6 a game this season. The Bearcats go eight deep in their rotation but the bench produces fewer than 10 points a game.

Best wins: Vermont, Rutgers, Tulane.

Starters: G Emanuel Mayben, 6-3, Jr. (11.7 ppg); G Malik Alvin, 6-0, Jr. (11.6 ppg 82% FT); G Chretien Lukusa, 6-2, So. (4.4 ppg); F D.J. Rivera, 6-4, Jr. (20.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg); F Reggie Fuller, 6-6, Sr. (9.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg).

Reserves: G Brandon Herbert, 6-0, So., (3.1 ppg), C Kyrie Sutton, 6-9, Fr., (1.7 ppg)

16. East Tennessee State

Nickname: Buccaneers. Location: Johnson City, Tenn.

Record: 23-10, 14-6. Bid: Atlantic Sun champion.

NCAA history: 2-8 in seven appearances. Last: 2004, lost to Cincinnati in first round.

Coach: Murry Bartow, 0-2 in two appearances.

Overview: ETSU is athletic and likes to push the tempo at both ends. The Buccaneers led the conference in scoring (78.4 points a game) and scoring margin (plus 8.3). Atlantic Sun first-teamer and tournament MVP Kevin Tiggs is one of six players in the country to average at least 20 points while shooting 50% or better. He led the league in scoring while Courtney Pigram was third and Mike Smith ninth. ETSU has won five in a row and averaged 89.4 points during that span. The Bucs scored more than 75 points in 19 of 23 wins.

Best wins: Chattanooga, Belmont, Jacksonville.

Starters: F Kevin Tiggs, 6-4, Sr. (21.5 ppg, 35.6 3FG%, 2.2 spg); G Mike Smith, 6-6, Jr. (15.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 37.1 3FG%); G Courtney Pigram, 6-1, Sr. (17.6 ppg, 1.8 spg, 4.2 apg); F Greg Hamlin, 6-7, Sr. (5.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg); F Isiah Brown, 6-8, Fr. (4.5 rpg, 67.3 FG%).

Reserves: G Adam Sollazzo, 6-6, Fr. (3 rpg, 2 apg); G Jarvis Jones, 6-2, Fr. (3.4 ppg, 30 3FG%); G Micah Williams, 6-4, So. (4.5 ppg, 40.5 3FG%).