65 teams, 65 storylines

[NewsCopy]

FOX SPORTS 65 teams, 65 storylines

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LOUISIANA

Record: 20-10

Coach: Robert Lee

How they got in: Automatic bid as Sun Belt tourament champs

Go-to guy: Tiras Wade. The 6-6 junior guard has been the leader all season for the Ragin' Cajuns and carried them to their second consectuive NCAA tournament berth.

Big wins: Southern Illinois 63-61 on Jan. 5,

Bad losses: at Vanderbilt 71-44 on Jan. 2, at Arkansas State 86-80 on Feb. 24

The big question: Can the Ragin' Cajuns perform better this year than in their first-round loss last year to NC State? Louisiana @La. jumped out to an early lead over their ACC foes but went cold and bowed out. Will last year's experience help this year's squad to a better fate?

Interesting stat: With the win over Denver, Louisiana @La. clinched the Sun Belt Conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the second straight season — the first back-to-back NCAA appearances for the Ragin' Cajuns since 1982-83.

Famous alum: Ali Landry, former Miss USA and "Doritos girl"

The rest of the story

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LOUISVILLE

Record: 29-4
Coach: Rick Pitino

How they got in: Automatic bid as Conference USA tournament champs

Go-to guy: Francisco Garcia. Garcia will likely forgo his senior season and make the leap to the NBA. So the NCAA tournament will be the last opportunity for Cardinals fans to cheer on the team's leader in scoring, assists and steals.

Big wins: at Stanford 82-67 on Nov. 24; at Florida 74-70 on Dec. 11; at Cincinnati 69-66 on Jan. 15; Cincinnati 77-70 on Feb. 2; Charlotte 94-82 on March 3

Bad losses: at Houston 70-67 on Jan. 5; at Memphis 85-68 on Feb. 9

The big question: Will a case of mono keep Rick Pitino from becoming the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four? Starting point guard Taquan Dean was diagnosed in late February with a non-infectious (fortunately) case of mononucleosis. He's continued to play, but has admitted being "exhausted" during games. If he can't carry the load, backup Brandon Jenkins will have to play a bigger role, but Garcia will also be asked to be more of a point forward.

Interesting stat: Louisville is making its 32nd NCAA tournament appearance, tied with Indiana for fifth most all-time. Only Kentucky (46), UCLA (37), UNC (37) and Kansas (34) have more Big Dance invites.

Famous alum: Howard Fineman ('80) is the chief political correspondent for Newsweek and a contributor to NBC News.

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March 15th, 2005, 12:35 pm #3

texascajun

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Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana Go Cajuns

Famous Alum: Ali Landry?

C'mon.

Quote

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March 15th, 2005, 12:41 pm #4

AlumPecker

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Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana

I wish future hall of famer Brian Mitchell would get some recognition one day.


hell, at least Super Bowl QB Jake Delhomme.

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March 15th, 2005, 12:44 pm #5

Clutch0364

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Louisiana Fan Ragin' Cajuns #1 Fan

Brandon Stokley is no bum either

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March 15th, 2005, 01:01 pm #6

OldBullDog

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Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana Go Cajuns

Former US Senator John Breaux

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March 15th, 2005, 02:51 pm #7

RaginSaintsFan

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Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana

Thank God they didn't put Richard Simmons

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March 15th, 2005, 06:06 pm #8

texascajun

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Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana Go Cajuns

Im going with one of my best friends. Travis Schwartz (MLB, #55). US Marine in Fallujah for the past 4 months.comin home Easter.

keep him in your prayers

Quote

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[texascajun]

Famous Alum: Ali Landry?

C'mon.

[AlumPecker]

I wish future hall of famer Brian Mitchell would get some recognition one day.


hell, at least Super Bowl QB Jake Delhomme.

[Clutch0364]

Brandon Stokley is no bum either

[OldBullDog]

Former US Senator John Breaux

[RaginSaintsFan]

Thank God they didn't put Richard Simmons

[texascajun]

Im going with one of my best friends. Travis Schwartz (MLB, #55). US Marine in Fallujah for the past 4 months.comin home Easter.

keep him in your prayers