5. Butler’s ability to make another run » The Bulldogs have a nice program, a very nice one in fact. But making the Final Four two years in a row? And after losing their best player to the NBA? No way. And yet everyone underestimated their veteran leadership and the improved performance of players such as Matt Howard.
4. Kyrie Irving’s return » The point guard was supposed to elevate the Blue Devils to the best-team-in-tourney category. Irving played well in the loss to Arizona, but there’s no doubt his return forced a major role adjustment by others. But the reason Duke lost? A front line that was not athletic enough.
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3. Ohio State’s dominance » The Buckeyes are good enough that they can shoot 32.8 percent from the field in a game against an excellent team — and still have a chance to win at the buzzer. But they proved a point, too: Every team is fallible, especially when its shots aren’t falling. And Kentucky had a big man to make it more difficult for Jared Sullinger.
2. UConn is too tired » Yes, the Huskies were going to be gassed from their five-wins-in-five-days Big East tournament title run. But the Huskies had several days to rest their legs, making that a moot point. They also have one of the best players in the country playing his best ball at the most important time.
1. Bracket strength mattered » Pitt had the easiest path followed by Duke. That’s what everyone believed Selection Sunday. Then Kansas’ path turned into a supposed cakewalk thanks to upsets. And guess what? None of these three survived.
