Leading Off

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Photograph by John W. McDonough

High Step over UTEP

Bryant Markson and Utah flew past Texas--El Paso in a 60--54 NCAA tournament first-round victory in Tucson last Thursday. Two days later the sixth-seeded Utes knocked off third seed Oklahoma to earn their fourth Sweet 16 berth since 1996 (page 58).

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Photograph by Bill Frakes

Open House

George Washington forward Anna Montañana had 13 points, eight steals and one nifty pass out of trouble during the Colonials' thrilling (though sparsely attended) 60--57 comeback win over Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA women's tournament at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Sunday.

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Photograph by John W. McDonough

Tech Sector

Sixth-seeded Texas Tech stood its ground in Tucson, blocking the path of Josh Shipp (12) and 11th seed UCLA in a 78--66 first-round NCAA tournament win last Thursday, then beating back third seed Gonzaga 71--69 on Saturday to send coach Bob Knight to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 11 years.