The first game of the Sweet 16 just might be the best matchup so far in the NCAA Tournament. In the only matchup of top ten teams of the Sweet 16, the San Diego State Aztecs battle the Connecticut Huskies today from Honda Center in Anaheim.
The last three seasons have been the best three seasons in San Diego St. school history, as Steve Fisher's gang has gone 85-21 in the last thee seasons. This is the first Sweet 16 in school history for the Aztecs. In addition, this is the first-ever matchup between the Aztecs and Huskies.
Forwards Kawhi Leonard and Billy White have led the way in the first two games of the tournament, wins over Northern Colorado and Temple. Leonard, an All-America candidate, is averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in the tournament, while White is putting up a double-double of 14.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game. Chase Tapley is the other Aztec in double figures in points, averaging 13.0 points, as he has made six three-pointers, including four in Saturday's double-overtime win over Temple.
Senior guard D.J. Gay has struggled so far in the tournament, making just five of his 24 field goals. But he remains confident, as he has been throughout his college career. "If you would have told us we would have been in the Sweet 16 my senior year, I would have told you that I wouldn't doubt it," Gay told reporters on Wednesday. "I thought we would have the opportunity to get there, but there is no greater feeling than to be in my senior year and to have this opportunity. I saw an opportunity here, but it became reality."
Tonight's 4:15 p.m. PDT game will be televised by CBS, with Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery, and Leslie Visser on the call.
More March Madness resources: updated printable 2011 NCAA Tournament bracket ... Sweet 16 bracket and game times ... complete NCAA Tournament coverage