USA TODAY International Edition
100TH SEASON OPENER
BY THE NUMBERS 49
Total of the remaining seeds in the NCAA men’s basketball bracket, tying 2009 for the lowest number and closest to chalk the tournament has had since seeding began in 1979.
2
Times since 1979 all of the 1, 2 and 3 seeds reached the Sweet 16, this year and 2009.
19-0
The record of No. 1 seeds against No. 12 seeds since 1979, according to Marc Lawrence of Playbook.com. Virginia plays No. 12 Oregon on Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky.
2-1
Odds against Duke winning the national title, according to oddsmaker Danny Sheridan. Gonzaga and Virginia are next at 4-1, followed by North Carolina 6-1, Kentucky and Michigan State 10-1 and Michigan 12-1.
He’s still a very young man. It wouldn’t shock me if he has a change of heart, if he feels great and he decides that he wants to play football.”
Drew Rosenhaus, agent for
newly retired Rob Gronkowski, admittedly speculating to ESPN there is always a chance the 29-year-old Patriots tight end would want to play football again.
MASTERS PREVIEW/ GOLF GEAR GUIDE
Explore Augusta National holes 4, 5 and 6, which include a maze of greens, bunkers and obstructions that can be a “deathtrap.” Also, advice from the pros on how to play the course, and closer looks at Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Patrick Reed and others who could win the Masters Tournament. Plus, top amateur women get their shot at Augusta, and a look at shoes, clubs and gadgets to make you better. Available on newsstands or at sportsspecials.usatoday.com.