Sports

EAST: Florida State won’t fail with its ‘D’

The hammer Florida State dropped on North Carolina earlier this year in Tallahassee, Fla., was no fluke. The Seminoles proved that by beating the Tar Heels for a second time yesterday.

TOURNAMENT BRACKET

Those who know Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton know this: His teams are always tough-minded and nasty on defense. The Seminoles, third seed in the East region, have a big man in Bernard James to hurt No. 1 Syracuse inside.

But most of all, Hamilton has four senior starters who think defense is beautiful.

Best Player: Ohio State F Jared Sullinger — Few are better at working down low.

Unsung Hero: The Seminoles — It’s part of their charm.

Best Second-round Matchup: No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia — The Zags should be loose. Gonzaga could use Sam Dower or Elias Harris to guard Mountaineers star Kevin Jones.

Second-round Upset: No. 9 Southern Miss over No. 8 Kansas State — Call this the matchup of intense coaches. The Golden Eagles are led by Larry Eustachy, last seen having a meltdown in the 2000 regional finals. Wildcats coach Frank Martin’s 1,000-yard stare has obtained legendary status.

Sleeper: No. 5 Vanderbilt — They can be patient, so if they get No. 4 Wisconsin in a third-round game, the pace shouldn’t be a shock.

OK Corral: Vandy’s John Jenkins leads the nation in 3-pointers made (3.9 per game).

CHAMPION: Florida State — Hamilton’s senior-laden team helps him finally get some credit.