March Madness swings into high gear

By Steve Ginsburg

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The frenetic NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament earned its March Madness moniker on Friday with upsets, overtimes and miracle finishes.

West Region number 12 seed Western Kentucky provided the most dramatic moment when Ty Rogers sank a 30-foot shot at the buzzer to stun fifth-seed Drake 101-99 in overtime.

"Got to love the NCAA Tournament, don't you?," said a delighted Western Kentucky coach Darrin Horn. "I think what you just saw out there is why this is the greatest show on earth."

San Diego's De'Jon Jackson provided similar heroics by hitting an 18-footer with 1.2 seconds left to lift number 13 seeded Toreros to a 70-69 overtime victory over fourth-seeded Connecticut in a West Region upset.

In other first-round games, seventh-seeded Gonzaga was bounced by number 10 Davidson 82-76 in the Midwest Region, while two second seeds, Georgetown and Texas, advanced with easy victories over outmanned 15th-seeded opponents.

WILD CELEBRATIONS

Rogers' climactic shot set off wild celebrations by the Hilltoppers, while the crowd in Tampa, Fla., roared its approval.

Point guard Tyrone Brazelton set up the game winner by driving to the basket and tossing the ball back out to Rogers.