Today’s Games

AT ALBUQUERQUE

Missouri vs. Ohio State: Missouri forward Kareem Rush’s lip is still badly swollen after requiring 21 stitches when he took an elbow in the first-round victory over Miami. “I’m 100%,” he said. “You know, it’s just a busted lip.” The Tigers, playing their best basketball of the season after entering the tournament as a 12th-seeded team, must try to slow Ohio State guard Brian Brown, who scored a career-high 33 points in the Buckeyes’ victory over Davidson. The only Ohio State player to score more points in an NCAA tournament game was Jerry Lucas, who scored 36 against Western Kentucky in 1960. Ohio State was 2-0 against Illinois and 3-0 against Iowa. Missouri lost to Illinois and split with Iowa. “They’ve beaten some people who beat us,” Missouri guard Clarence Gilbert said.

*

Wyoming vs. Arizona: Wyoming is the giant killer of the moment after slaying Gonzaga. The Cowboys, one of the nation’s top 10 rebounding teams, like the way they match up with Arizona too. “With a good point guard and a couple of good post players, I think we can match up well and play the game,” said forward Josh Davis, who blocked five shots, grabbed 14 rebounds and scored 11 points against Gonzaga. Wyoming had 12 blocks and its defense contributed to Gonzaga’s season-low 26.8% shooting. Donta Richardson, responsible for much of the defense that hounded Gonzaga’s Dan Dickau into a seven-for-24 shooting game, figures to be on Jason Gardner. Arizona forward Luke Walton’s brother Chris played against Wyoming for San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference. “I talked to him on the phone, but we’re going to let our coaches do the scouting,” Luke said. “I’m not going to listen to what he says.” Wyoming Coach Steve McClain, 39, once attended Arizona Coach Lute Olson’s basketball camp when Olson was coach at Iowa.

*

Robyn Norwood