Robert Morris Colonials
Record — 24-10 overall, 15-3 (first place) in Northeast Conference
A who's who of MSU men's hoops tourney opponents
Men's team face Robert Morris first round; play USC or BC with advance
Head coach — Mike Rice (50-18, second year). Named NEC Coach of the Year for second consecutive year.
How they got here — The Colonials beat Mount St. Mary’s 48-46 in the NEC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship on a last-second shot by forward Dallas Green to earn an automatic bid.
Tournament history — This is the sixth time the Colonials have advanced to the NCAA Tournament and the first since 1992.
Who to watch — 6-foot-3 guard Jeremy Chappell leads Robert Morris in scoring (16.9 points per game), rebounding (6.3 per game) and assists (3.2 per game). He also was named the NEC Player of the Year.
Probable starting lineup — Robinson, Green, Chappell, Langhurst, Francisco
Boston College Golden Eagles
Record — 22-11 overall, 9-7 (tied-fifth) in Atlantic Coast Conference
Head coach — Al Skinner (232-148 in 12 years at Boston College)
How they got here — The Eagles earned an at-large bid and had win streaks of nine and five this season before ending the year 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Tournament history — Boston College is making its 18th appearance in March and its seventh in the last nine years.
Who to watch — Guard Tyrese Rice leads the Eagles with 17.1 points a game. He was named to the All-ACC second team after being named to the first team last season.
Probable starting lineup — Raji, Trapani, center Josh Southern, Rice and Sanders
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University of Southern California Trojans
Record — 21-12 overall, 9-7 (tied-fifth) in Pacific Ten
Head coach — Tim Floyd (85-49 in four years at Southern Cal)
How they got here — Southern Cal defeated Arizona State 66-63 in the Pac-10 Tournament Championship to clinch an automatic berth.
Tournament history — This is the 28th time the Trojans have participated in the NCAA Tournament and the third consecutive time.
Who to watch — Forward Taj Gibson leads four Trojans with double-figure scoring averages at 14.3 points per game. The 6-foot-9 forward also leads the team with 9.4 rebounds a game.
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Probable starting lineup — Hackett, guard Marcus Simmons, Lewis, DeRozan and Gibson
