NCAA TOURNAMENT : TONIGHT’S GAMES

EAST REGIONAL

* Texas Tech forward-center Darvin Ham got even more mileage than he expected out of ripping down that rim in the Red Raiders’ 92-73 second-round victory over North Carolina. “More people want to talk to me about that than about beating North Carolina,” Ham said. “But I don’t think Georgetown is going to care too much about that.” Probably not. The Hoyas haven’t shattered any backboards yet, but they’re regulars on SportsCenter because of their play. Georgetown’s physical frontcourt and overall depth might be more than Texas Tech can handle, and Hoya guard Allen Iverson likes the pace quick. “Allen is very talented, and they attack you,” Red Raider point guard Jason Martin said. “I think I’m going to need some help.”

* As if Massachusetts hasn’t had enough close calls this season. Entering a news conference at the Georgia Dome on Wednesday, UMass’ standout guard, Carmelo Travieso, slipped while walking off an elevated platform and injured his lower back. However, team officials said the three-point specialist is expected to play today. Coach John Calipari’s team has lived through similar tense moments all season. “There is very little crisis management with this group,” Calipari said. “That is very unusual in this day and time.” Arkansas plays up-tempo, and that worked well in the early rounds. But can the Razorbacks keep pace with the Minutemen? And will their four freshmen starters keep cool if the top-ranked Minutemen start hot?