Tulsa Clings to a Slim Chance

Part of the battle against the Duke Blue Devils is believing it’s possible to win.

“As good as they are, they have been beaten this year--although it was on a freak play,” said Tulsa Coach Bill Self, whose team faces top-seeded and No. 1-ranked Duke today in the second round of the NCAA East Regional at Charlotte, N.C.

Duke’s only loss was to Cincinnati, 77-75, in the Great Alaska Shootout in November. Cincinnati scored on a dunk off a length-of-the-court play in the final seconds, and Duke scored what would have been the tying basket right after the buzzer.

“Last night I said that Duke may be the best team since the Wooden era and our players listened,” Self said. “They think Duke is good, but believe we can pull a monumental upset. If I have to play a No. 1 seed, I would just as soon it be Duke. It can do a lot for our recognition and how we are viewed nationwide. This gives us an opportunity to be heard.”

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At Tennessee, men’s basketball takes a backseat to football and women’s basketball as well.

Even the Volunteer players didn’t grow up dreaming of playing basketball at the school.

“I didn’t really like Tennessee growing up,” forward C.J. Black said.

“I didn’t like Tennessee, either,” guard Tony Harris said. “I was always into my hometown school, the University of Memphis.”