March 23, 2006

Congratulations to the LSU Tigers, a young, talented team that really responded down the stretch in a major upset over No. 1 seed Duke.

Brilliant plays by Tyrus Thomas in the last few minutes, blocking shots, converting free throws and a slam-jam-bam helped LSU get to the winner's circle. The Tigers were able to shut down J.J. Redick, and you have to salute the defensive effort of 6-foot-5 freshman guard Garrett Temple. He did not allow Redick to get any open looks as the Duke All-American shot 3-for-18 from the field. It was a frustrating night in his final game.

Temple's dad, former LSU player Collis Temple, had to be proud of his son's performance.

You have to compliment LSU for a great performance. Coach John Brady's kids showed a lot of heart and guts, especially when they fell behind by five points in the second half. You'd have thought a young team would have a tough time responding. That wasn't going to deter LSU from advancing to the Elite Eight.

The Tigers have played solid defense, holding opponents below 41 percent from the floor prior to the win over Duke. In the NCAA Tournament, LSU held Iona to 64 points and Texas A&M to 57.

Yes, it was a brilliant performance by the SEC regular-season champs, who found a way to come through in the final few minutes. Struggling from the free-throw line for most of the night, they came up big in the last three minutes. Temple and Thomas were keys.

Glen "Big Baby" Davis was a factor when he was on the court; foul trouble sidelined him most of the first half. Darrel Mitchell provided leadership and hit several important shots as well.

Duke hit less than 20 percent on 3s. It was that velcro defensive job by LSU that made the difference.

There will be a great celebration down in Baton Rouge. The Tigers are one win away from their first Final Four trip in 20 years. Back in 1986, LSU was a surprise member of the Final Four, getting to Dallas as a No. 11 seed before losing to Louisville.

For Duke, it was a great season but a disappointing end. Shelden Williams played his heart out and had a big game. Unfortunately, it was his last in a Blue Devils' uniform.

A salute to the Tigers, holding Duke to 54 points, 10 fewer than its prior season low (64 vs. Boston University). Brady's team advances!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.