Today’s Games

AT CHICAGO

Illinois vs. Creighton: The teams are coming off vastly different first-round experiences. Creighton, seeded 12th, needed double overtime and every ounce of energy to upset Florida. Fourth-seeded Illinois cruised to a 29-point victory over San Diego State. Fatigue could be a factor for Creighton stars Kyle Korver and Terrell Taylor. Korver played 37 minutes against Florida before fouling out, and Taylor, who made the game-winning three-point shot, played 40 minutes. No Illinois starter played more than 30 minutes. Illinois played like a Final Four team in its destruction of San Diego State, and star guard Frank Williams continued his fine play of late, scoring 25 points. It will be interesting to see whether Creighton’s Taylor, who scored 28 points against Florida, can rebound with another clutch performance. The junior guard is a streaky player and has become a mini-celebrity since his Michael Jordan-like performance at the United Center. Will the adulation go to his head?

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AT DALLAS

Mississippi State vs. Texas: Third-seeded Mississippi State can thank big man Mario Austin for making it to the second round. The 265-pounder powered his way to 14 consecutive first-half points to lift the Bulldogs out of their slumber and lead his team to a 12-point victory over McNeese State. Mississippi State’s defense used tremendous pressure to hold McNeese scoreless for the last 6:45 of the first half. The Bulldogs are expected to receive a stronger challenge from sixth-seeded Texas. Freshman point guard T.J. Ford played more like a senior in the Longhorns’ 70-57 first-round victory over Boston College. Ford, usually content to get his teammates involved, finished with 20 points. He also had seven assists. Mississippi State is a few hurdles from matching its 1996 run, when it advanced to the Final Four.

Chris Dufresne