March 16
What a classic it was when the Irish and Blue Devils locked horns in a thrilling second-round matchup Saturday. The pupil -- Mike Brey -- vs. the mentor -- Coach K.

Brey served on Mike Krzyzewski's staff for eight years, and he was there as the Dukies made six trips to the Final Four. But Saturday, Brey had the Irish prepared to face his former team, and they came out with an unexpected determination, scrapping and clawing all the way. It was anyone's game, baby!

In the end, it was a brilliant performance by Daniel Ewing off the bench that sparked Duke to a 84-77 victory. Ewing is a lock for my All-Rolaids team. You wanna talk about relief? This kid provided relief with a capital R, knocking down four big trifectas -- and the Blue Devils needed everyone of them.

Duke was down seven points with six minutes to go -- and the margin seemed larger. The Blue Devils were really on the ropes. Ewing was the star of stars, but veteran leaders Mike Dunleavy and Carlos Boozer provided balance, each scoring 13 points. Duke shot 12 for 30 from beyond the arc, and you better believe those 12 big trifectas made a big-time difference in this one.

Veteran Irish players stepped up big Saturday. Matt Carroll knocked down 20 points, shooting 7-of-14 and grabbing 12 rebounds. Senior David Graves was dynamite on the wing, scoring 20. Inside, Ryan Humphrey was The Man. Sure, he only shot 7-for-23, but he was a major factor inside -- passing the rock, grabbing key rebounds, and nabbing 15 points. Unfortunately for the Irish, diaper dandy Chris Thomas could not find the hole -- he was only two for 14, with six turnovers.

When it was all said and done, Coach K's Duke Blue Devils did what we see them do so often -- they found a way to win. The Dukies march on to the Sweet 16, while Mike Brey walks away having gained significant respect. Brey is a young man who's stock is on its way up.

How sweet it could have been if the selection committee would have given other small-conference schools like Bowling Green and Butler a chance to dance. These teams have everything necessary to play with the big boys. They lack only the opportunity to get in the game.