Threes Are Wild

#3 seeds are playing in each of the first three games of the day.  Notre Dame looked like they were beginning to pull away from a pesky Northeastern squad late in the second half, extending a 4 point halftime lead to 11.  But down the stretch, Northeastern had Notre Dame frazzled, as the Irish couldn't score or hold on to the ball.  With the lead down to two and 30 seconds remaining, the Huskies seemed desperate to go for the win with a 3, not even attempting to swing the ball low to their big men who had played so well throughout the game.  The result was a turnover with 2 seconds remaining and the Irish iced it on the free throw line for a 4-point victory.

Iowa State was another #3 seed in trouble as UAB definitely came to play.  In fact, UAB led by 3 at the half.  The lead swung several times throughout the second half before Iowa State went on a run to grab a four point lead.  Back came UAB though as they cut it two before missing on a bunch of 3-point attempts.  One had to fall eventually though as a great out-of-bounds play gave the Blazers a 1-point edge.  That would only last for 12 seconds as the Cyclones grabbed the lead back.  15 seconds later, it was the #3 seed trailing once again as UAB hit a jumper from the top of the key.  After a blocked shot at the other end, the Blazers converted two free throws to lead by 3.  The Cyclones got a great look at a tie, but the ball bounced out and a tip in with less than a second remaining left the Big 12 tourney champions a point short.  Start ripping up those brackets as Iowa State is done!

(Congrats to the 6 people who chose UAB!)

Baylor is the third #3 seed to tip-off this afternoon and they only lead by (you guessed it) 3 at the half.