TODAY’S GAMES

AT PITTSBURGH

Cincinnati vs. Boston University: This tuneup should add another victory to Cincinnati’s school-record total and provide the Bearcats with a running start before facing UCLA or Mississippi on Sunday. Cincinnati was unranked in the preseason and lost its opener to Oklahoma State, then rattled off 20 victories in a row. All-American point guard Steve Logan, one of three senior starters, averages 22 points. Guard Immanuel McElroy and forward Jamaal Davis are excellent defenders and freshman forward Jason Maxiell provides a spark off the bench. Boston, the America East conference co-champion, will try to slow the tempo and rely on guard Chaz Carr and forward Billy Collins to make shots.

Steve Henson

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AT DALLAS

Oklahoma vs. Illinois Chicago: Not only is Oklahoma a heavy favorite to win its first-round game, it will also be the clear-cut fan favorite of this sub-regional as thousands of Sooner fans drove to Dallas. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s rugged club hopes it is on a collision course with No. 1 seed Cincinnati in next week’s regional final in San Jose. Like many undersized teams, Illinois Chicago relies on the three-point shot, with guards Cedric Banks (14 points) and Jordan Kardos (12.5 points) the most frequent gunners.

Xavier vs. Hawaii: The Musketeers have one of the best, yet unheralded, players in the country in second-team All-American forward David West (18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks). First-year Coach Thad Matta’s conservative suit-and-tie look will be in sharp contrast to the wild, colorful shirts worn by Hawaii Coach Riley Wall.

Newsday