Washington, Syracuse bust into the Final Four

What a day in basketball.

Two teams who have never been to the Final Four before punched their tickets: the University of Washington, and Syracuse University. Who would have thought? From what I was reading online last night, only 15 brackets in ESPN's Tournament challenge had correctly predicted the Elite 8. I'm assuming there is no one left now.

The longshot Washington Huskies made the improbable happen with a Final Four berth, by knocking out Stanford, 85-76.

It was Chantel Osahor driving the Huskies. She had 24 points and 18 rebounds today and was named the regional's most outstanding player.

Osahor uses set-shot threes.

Game points.

They return to campus tonight.

Gallery.

Then Syracuse beat Tennessee, 89-67, behind 29 points from Alexis Peterson, who cried tears of joy at the final buzzer.

They rode a fearless spirit into the Final Four.

Game points.

Gallery.

Tomorrow's games feature:

Connecticut vs. Texas

Oregon State vs. Baylor

Beavers-Bears is especially intriguing. You have two complete teams in every position, with very different styles of play. Both teams are cohesive, skilled and high-energy. Either team could win.

..........Oregon State-Baylor preview.

Hope and courage have helped Oregon State reach new heights.

Baylor is aiming to complete its Final Four mission.

Past losses have fueled the Bears to another Elite 8 appearance.

Baylor isn't done yet.

..........Texas-UConn preview.

Katie Lou Samuelson is coming into her own for UConn.

Texas assistant coach George Washington and UConn point guard Moriah Jefferson go way back.

The Tournament:

One motto is fitting many teams in the Tournament this year.