Eaton lifts Cowboys: Byron Eaton found a clear path to the basket for a three-point play with 7.2 seconds left today, lifting Oklahoma State (23-11) to a 77-75 victory over Tennessee (21-13) in Dayton, Ohio. Tennessee (21-13) got caught flat-footed, allowing Eaton to drive the lane untouched. Tyler Smith came in late and unsuccessfully tried to block the shot, which fell through the net as Eaton tumbled to the floor after the contact.
Hayward powers Golden Eagles: Lazar Hayward scored 26 points, and Marquette (25-9) hit 10 straight free throws down the stretch to hold off Utah State (30-5) 58-57 in Boise, Idaho. The Golden Eagles blew a 14-point lead, then overcame a 49-43 deficit. Hayward spurred the comeback, muscling for key baskets and rebounds and drawing a couple of big fouls.
Orange too strong: Jonny Flynn scored 16 points, and Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku each added 12 and third-seeded Syracuse (27-9) cruised past NCAA first-timer Stephen F. Austin (24-8) 59-44 in Miami for its first tournament victory since 2004. Syracuse ran out to a 20-4 lead over the overmatched Southland Conference champs, who missed 12 of their first 13 shots and started a mind-numbing 0-for-15 from 3-point range.
Collins keys Jayhawks: Sherron Collins scored a season-high 32 points to help defending NCAA champion Kansas (26-7) hold off tournament newbie North Dakota State (26-7) 84-74 in Minneapolis. Ben Woodside played all 40 minutes and scored 37 points for the Bison, which was within three points several times down the stretch but couldn’t clear that last hurdle.
