AT ST. LOUIS

Kentucky vs. Valparaiso--The Wildcats make their record 43rd NCAA tournament appearance. Valparaiso is making its sixth. Kentucky has stumbled down the stretch, winning only five of its last nine games. The Wildcats have been plagued by off-the-court troubles all season; five players have missed 11 games because of team suspensions and Marvin Stone was dismissed when he failed to return to the team after a Christmas break. In 1998, Valparaiso’s Sweet 16 run ended in St. Louis. The Crusaders hope another run will begin there this year.

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Marquette vs. Tulsa--Marquette depends mightily on its defense, which held opponents to 60.4 points, 40% overall shooting and 31.9% three-point shooting. The Golden Hurricane can counter with guard Dante Swanson, the nation’s most-accurate three-point shooter during the regular season (55.1%), and with three other players who average in double figures. Another difference? None of Marquette’s players has appeared in an NCAA tournament game while the Golden Hurricane is making its third appearance in four years.

Chicago Tribune