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Bracket Briefing: The big flop? Big Ten in danger of zero Final Four teams

USA TODAY Sports provides your March Madness therapy

Ohio State Buckeyes coach Thad Matta, center, instructs in a huddle against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half of the finals of the West regional of the NCAA tournament at the Staples Center. (Photo: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights
  • Wichita State shocked Ohio State and advanced to the Final Four on Saturday
  • Syracuse reached the Final Four, while nemesis Georgetown is at home watching
  • The Big Ten Conference had four teams in the Sweet 16 and now only one team remains

    Welcome to another session of Bracket Briefing, our attempt to provide you with essential information on the Big Dance — highlighting the Florida Gulf Coasts of the college basketball world, and forecasting the Wichita State moments before they happen.

    Teams left in the field: 6

    Soundtrack: Before you read any further, take a listen to this morning's jam of the day, which honors the Wichita State Shockers.

    NCAA TOURNAMENT: Updated bracket with scores

    CINDERELLA WATCH: Handing out awards

    The first word: Less than a week ago, the Big Ten Conference was sitting pretty atop the college basketball world — featuring four league teams positioned in each region with a legitimate shot of reaching the Final Four. The scenario seemed unlikely, even though the conference has been strongly considered the toughest in the country based on depth and quality. But Ohio State's stunning loss to Wichita State in the West Regional left Michigan — playing in a 2:20 p.m. clash against Florida — as the only Big Ten remaining, hence putting the league in jeopardy of being shut out from the Final Four. If the Wolverines lose today, as the Buckeyes did Saturday and Michigan State and Indiana did in their Sweet 16 clashes, does that mean the Big Ten's season was a bust? Hardly. Yet with the Big East sending eight teams to the NCAAs and the potential to fit two teams in the Final Four, there's backing to the overrated conference talk that would likely spark up from those outside of Big Ten country. Sure, the league has been lamented in success, but hardly decorated with the most important hardware. The last Big Ten national title? Michigan State's 2000 team. Four teams have reached the national title game since then — Indiana (2002), Illinois (2005), Ohio State (2007), Michigan State (2009) — but they all came up short.

    PREVIOUSLY: Who's the top coach in Elite Eight?

    COACHES WAR: Legendary game unites Coach K, Pitino

    Quote to note: "Last year, we were watching all this on television. Now I'm looking at a hat that says 'Final Four Atlanta' with my team on it. ... It feels good, and it feels even better that I could experience it with these guys who had to struggle so hard to get here." — Cleanthony Early, Wichita State.

    HIGHLIGHTS: BEST ACTION FROM ELITE EIGHT

    Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.
    Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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    Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.
    Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.
    Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State's Demetric Williams, right, celebrates after topping Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.
    Wichita State's Demetric Williams, right, celebrates after topping Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Wichita State players celebrate on the bench in the second half of the West Regional final vs. Ohio State. The Shockers won 70-66 to advance to the Final Four.
    Wichita State players celebrate on the bench in the second half of the West Regional final vs. Ohio State. The Shockers won 70-66 to advance to the Final Four.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State guard Aaron Craft is defended by Carl Hall (22) and Cleanthony Early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Ohio State guard Aaron Craft is defended by Carl Hall (22) and Cleanthony Early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State's Aaron Craft shakes hands with teammate Shannon Scott early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Ohio State's Aaron Craft shakes hands with teammate Shannon Scott early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
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    Wichita State's Carl Hall is elbowed in the chin by Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas as he attempted a shot in the second half.
    Wichita State's Carl Hall is elbowed in the chin by Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas as he attempted a shot in the second half.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State head coach Thad Matta reacts during the first half. Wichita State led 35-22 at the break.
    Ohio State head coach Thad Matta reacts during the first half. Wichita State led 35-22 at the break.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Ohio State's Aaron Craft and Wichita State's Cleanthony Early look to get a handle on a loose ball in the first half.
    Ohio State's Aaron Craft and Wichita State's Cleanthony Early look to get a handle on a loose ball in the first half.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State's Carl Hall shoots over Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas.
    Wichita State's Carl Hall shoots over Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot on Ohio State's Amir Williams in the first half.
    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot on Ohio State's Amir Williams in the first half.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas (1) and center Amir Williams (23) defend against Wichita State's Carl Hall in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas (1) and center Amir Williams (23) defend against Wichita State's Carl Hall in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot over Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas in the first half.
    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot over Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas in the first half.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
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    Wichita State's Ron Baker goes up for a layup against Ohio State's Evan Ravenel in the first half of their Elite Eight matchup in Los Angeles.
    Wichita State's Ron Baker goes up for a layup against Ohio State's Evan Ravenel in the first half of their Elite Eight matchup in Los Angeles.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead dribbles the ball in front of Ohio State forward Evan Ravenel (30) and Shockers forward Carl Hall (22) in the first half.
    Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead dribbles the ball in front of Ohio State forward Evan Ravenel (30) and Shockers forward Carl Hall (22) in the first half.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas shoots against Wichita State's Ehimen Orukpe in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas shoots against Wichita State's Ehimen Orukpe in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
    Related story Fullscreen
    Wichita State's Tekele Cotton (32) and Ohio State's Aaron Craft go after a loose ball in the first half.
    Wichita State's Tekele Cotton (32) and Ohio State's Aaron Craft go after a loose ball in the first half.  Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Ohio State's Amir Williams gets the opening tipoff against Wichita State's Cleanthony Early to start the West Regional final in Los Angeles.
    Ohio State's Amir Williams gets the opening tipoff against Wichita State's Cleanthony Early to start the West Regional final in Los Angeles.  Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim cuts down the net after the Orange defeated Marquette 55-39 to win the East Regional and advance to the program's first Final Four since 2003.
    Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim cuts down the net after the Orange defeated Marquette 55-39 to win the East Regional and advance to the program's first Final Four since 2003.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse's C.J. Fair celebrates with teammates after defeating Marquette 55-39 in Washington to advance to the Final Four.
    Syracuse's C.J. Fair celebrates with teammates after defeating Marquette 55-39 in Washington to advance to the Final Four.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas celebrates with fans after defeating Marquette in the East Regional final.
    Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas celebrates with fans after defeating Marquette in the East Regional final.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Syracuse players hold up the East Regional trophy after defeating Marquette 55-39 at the Verizon Center in Washington.
    Syracuse players hold up the East Regional trophy after defeating Marquette 55-39 at the Verizon Center in Washington.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Jim Boeheim holds the East Regional trophy after the 55-39 win over Marquette.
    Jim Boeheim holds the East Regional trophy after the 55-39 win over Marquette.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Syracuse's C.J. Fair, left, celebrates with Michael Carter-Williams after topping Marquette 55-39 in the Elite Eight, earning a trip to the Final Four.
    Syracuse's C.J. Fair, left, celebrates with Michael Carter-Williams after topping Marquette 55-39 in the Elite Eight, earning a trip to the Final Four.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse players celebrate after beating Marquette 55-39 in the East Regional final in Washington to earn the program's first Final Four berth since 2003.
    Syracuse players celebrate after beating Marquette 55-39 in the East Regional final in Washington to earn the program's first Final Four berth since 2003.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    East Regional final (Washington): Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams (1) and forward James Southerland (back) celebrate in the final seconds of the Orange's 55-39 win.
    East Regional final (Washington): Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams (1) and forward James Southerland (back) celebrate in the final seconds of the Orange's 55-39 win.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse's Brandon Triche goes up for a layup in the second half while Marquette's Jamil Wilson tries to defend.
    Syracuse's Brandon Triche goes up for a layup in the second half while Marquette's Jamil Wilson tries to defend.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim reacts during the first half at the Verizon Center.
    Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim reacts during the first half at the Verizon Center.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Marquette 's Chris Otule is defended by Syracuse's James Southerland (43) and center Baye Keita (12) in the second half.
    Marquette 's Chris Otule is defended by Syracuse's James Southerland (43) and center Baye Keita (12) in the second half.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette coach Buzz Williams reacts during the second half.
    Marquette coach Buzz Williams reacts during the second half.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette's Steve Taylor Jr. and Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams hold onto a jump ball in the first half.
    Marquette's Steve Taylor Jr. and Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams hold onto a jump ball in the first half.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
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    President Obama acknowledges the crowd at the Verizon Center in Washington during the Syracuse-Marquette Elite Eight game.
    President Obama acknowledges the crowd at the Verizon Center in Washington during the Syracuse-Marquette Elite Eight game.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette's Davante Gardner shouts in the first half against Syracuse.
    Marquette's Davante Gardner shouts in the first half against Syracuse.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette guard Trent Lockett scoops up a loose ball under pressure from Syracuse center Baye Keita in the first half.
    Marquette guard Trent Lockett scoops up a loose ball under pressure from Syracuse center Baye Keita in the first half.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen
    Syracuse's Jerami Grant grabs a rebound in front of Marquette's Jamil Wilson in the first half.
    Syracuse's Jerami Grant grabs a rebound in front of Marquette's Jamil Wilson in the first half.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette's Chris Otule and Davante Gardner react in the first half against Syracuse.
    Marquette's Chris Otule and Davante Gardner react in the first half against Syracuse.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
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    Marquette's Vander Blue drives as Syracuse forward C.J. Fair falls to the ground during the first half of their Elite Eight matchup.
    Marquette's Vander Blue drives as Syracuse forward C.J. Fair falls to the ground during the first half of their Elite Eight matchup.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
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    Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams leads his team out of the tunnel before the Elite Eight game vs. Marquette at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
    Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams leads his team out of the tunnel before the Elite Eight game vs. Marquette at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.  Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
    Related story Fullscreen

    Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:
      Replay
      • Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall celebrates cutting down the net after beating Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.
      • Wichita State's Carl Hall, left, celebrates winning the West Regional final 70-66 over Ohio State.
      • Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall hoists the West Regional trophy after the Shockers topped second-seeded Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
      • Wichita State players celebrate after topping Ohio State 70-66 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to advance to the Final Four.
      • Wichita State's Demetric Williams, right, celebrates after topping Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final to advance to the Final Four.
      • Wichita State players celebrate on the bench in the second half of the West Regional final vs. Ohio State. The Shockers won 70-66 to advance to the Final Four.
      • Ohio State guard Aaron Craft is defended by Carl Hall (22) and Cleanthony Early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
      • Ohio State's Aaron Craft shakes hands with teammate Shannon Scott early in the second half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
      • Wichita State's Carl Hall is elbowed in the chin by Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas as he attempted a shot in the second half.
      • Ohio State head coach Thad Matta reacts during the first half. Wichita State led 35-22 at the break.
      • Ohio State's Aaron Craft and Wichita State's Cleanthony Early look to get a handle on a loose ball in the first half.
      • Wichita State's Carl Hall shoots over Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas.
      • Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot on Ohio State's Amir Williams in the first half.
      • Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas (1) and center Amir Williams (23) defend against Wichita State's Carl Hall in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
      • Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead tries to shoot over Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas in the first half.
      • Wichita State's Ron Baker goes up for a layup against Ohio State's Evan Ravenel in the first half of their Elite Eight matchup in Los Angeles.
      • Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead dribbles the ball in front of Ohio State forward Evan Ravenel (30) and Shockers forward Carl Hall (22) in the first half.
      • Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas shoots against Wichita State's Ehimen Orukpe in the first half of the West Regional final at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
      • Wichita State's Tekele Cotton (32) and Ohio State's Aaron Craft go after a loose ball in the first half.
      • Ohio State's Amir Williams gets the opening tipoff against Wichita State's Cleanthony Early to start the West Regional final in Los Angeles.
      • Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim cuts down the net after the Orange defeated Marquette 55-39 to win the East Regional and advance to the program's first Final Four since 2003.
      • Syracuse's C.J. Fair celebrates with teammates after defeating Marquette 55-39 in Washington to advance to the Final Four.
      • Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas celebrates with fans after defeating Marquette in the East Regional final.
      • Syracuse players hold up the East Regional trophy after defeating Marquette 55-39 at the Verizon Center in Washington.
      • Jim Boeheim holds the East Regional trophy after the 55-39 win over Marquette.
      • Syracuse's C.J. Fair, left, celebrates with Michael Carter-Williams after topping Marquette 55-39 in the Elite Eight, earning a trip to the Final Four.
      • Syracuse players celebrate after beating Marquette 55-39 in the East Regional final in Washington to earn the program's first Final Four berth since 2003.
      • East Regional final (Washington): Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams (1) and forward James Southerland (back) celebrate in the final seconds of the Orange's 55-39 win.
      • Syracuse's Brandon Triche goes up for a layup in the second half while Marquette's Jamil Wilson tries to defend.
      • Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim reacts during the first half at the Verizon Center.
      • Marquette 's Chris Otule is defended by Syracuse's James Southerland (43) and center Baye Keita (12) in the second half.
      • Marquette coach Buzz Williams reacts during the second half.
      • Marquette's Steve Taylor Jr. and Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams hold onto a jump ball in the first half.
      • President Obama acknowledges the crowd at the Verizon Center in Washington during the Syracuse-Marquette Elite Eight game.
      • Marquette's Davante Gardner shouts in the first half against Syracuse.
      • Marquette guard Trent Lockett scoops up a loose ball under pressure from Syracuse center Baye Keita in the first half.
      • Syracuse's Jerami Grant grabs a rebound in front of Marquette's Jamil Wilson in the first half.
      • Marquette's Chris Otule and Davante Gardner react in the first half against Syracuse.
      • Marquette's Vander Blue drives as Syracuse forward C.J. Fair falls to the ground during the first half of their Elite Eight matchup.
      • Syracuse's Michael Carter-Williams leads his team out of the tunnel before the Elite Eight game vs. Marquette at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
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        Why Wichita State can outdo George Mason, VCU: Florida Gulf Coast was this tournament's Cinderella. But Wichita State is the tourney's shocker, no doubt. It doesn't present the same shock factor as George Mason (2006) and Virginia Commonwealth (2011) — two CAA teams — taking down giants on their Cinderella runs. But as ESPN analyst Jay Bilas told USA TODAY Sports recently, Wichita State is absolutely not built like a typical Cinderella team. The Shockers will face the winner of Duke-Louisville, a national title game in itself. Should WSU face Louisville, it's important to note that the Cards didn't look all too comfortable in non-conference wins against Missouri Valley teams Illinois State and Northern Iowa. Wichita State hasn't done anything spectacular that evokes Dunk City pandemonium. But the Shockers are, as Ohio State coach Thad Matta put it, "playing the best of any team" right now.

        "Cinderellas are usually done at this stage," Wichita State coach Marshall said after the thrilling victory. "If you get to this stage, you can win it all." (via USA TODAY Sports)

        MUST-FLIP PHOTO GALLERY: NCAA basketball players you love to hate

        Shockers join all-time shock list: Ninth-seeded Wichita State earned a trip to the Final Four on Saturday night, upsetting No. 2-seeded Ohio State. Here's a look at the lowest seeds to reach the Final Four since seeding began in the NCAA tournament in 1979.

        — 2011: No. 11 seed Virginia Commonwealth lost in the Final Four
        — 2006: No. 11 George Mason lost in the Final Four
        — 1986: No. 11 lost in the Final Four
        — 2013: No. 9 seed Wichita State To Be Determined
        —1979: No. 9 seed Penn lost in the Final Four

        Remember when: Syracuse lost embarrassingly to archrival Georgetown 61-39? Now, the Orange are Final Four-bound. The Hoyas got bounced in the second-round to darling FGCU, continuing a disastrous NCAA tournament faring in the past few seasons.

        RELATED: Marquette player takes scary fall

        Underestimated: Yes, there's the vaunted 2-3 zone, stifling opponents who are shooting just 29% against it in the NCAA tournament. Yes, there's the East Regional final's most outstanding player, Michael Carter-Williams, playing his best basketball of the season a week after finding out a fire destroyed his family's home. But this also is the same team that lost four of its final five regular-season games and limped into the Big East tournament.

        "It's unbelievable and so sweet because it was not expected," Juli Boeheim, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim's wife, told USA TODAY Sports minutes after Syracuse cut down the nets. "Toward the end of the season, things got so rocky. I'm kind of ashamed I underestimated this team." via USA TODAY Sports college basketball beat writer Nicole Auerbach.

        On deck: Sunday's Elite Eight game slate. (All times Eastern).

        Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) celebrates the overtime victory over the Kansas Jayhawks during the semifinals of the South regional of the NCAA tournament at Cowboys Stadium. (Photo: Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)

        — No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 3 Florida, 2:20 p.m. (CBS): This sounds like a football game, doesn't it? Michigan seeks its first Final Four appearance since the Fab Five led the way in 1993, while Florida tries to get over the hump after falling in the Elite Eight the last two seasons. Burke bounced back from a scoreless first half to score 23 points, including a long, never-a-doubt three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, and Michigan rallied to beat Kansas 87-85 in overtime in the South Regional semifinals Friday night.

        ***Star Watch: Trey Burke resurrected his national player of the year abilities in a dominant second-half that featured a highlight-reel game-tying three-pointer and his aforementioned 23 second-half points. Florida standout Kenny Boynton could use a breakout performance of his own, averaging a mere 8.3 points per game in the tournament. Luckily, the Gators' offense is a well-balanced machine.

        • Elite Eight Preview Analysis: Florida vs. Michigan
        • Must-read Piece: Florida, Michigan coach's sons roommates at summer camp
        • Sports on Earth: Michigan, Florida still talking pick-and-roll

          — No. 2 Duke vs. No. 1 Louisville, 5:05 p.m. (CBS): Two of the great coaches in college hoops history square off with a trip to the Final Four on the line. The last time they met in a regional final, that whole Christian Laettner shot happened. Louisville's Russ Smith has lit it up with 27 points a game, while Duke's Seth Curry has averaged 24 ppg, looking to reach the Final Four in his senior campaign. It won't get much better than this matchup.

          ***Star Watch: Louisville's Smith, fresh off a 31-point performance in the Cards' last win over Oregon, takes on another hot-handed player in Duke sharpshooter Curry, who poured in 29 points in the Blue Devils' Sweet 16 victory over Michigan State.

          • Elite Eight Preview Analysis: Duke vs. Louisville
          • Must-read Piece: Duke in unusual territory
          • Sports on Earth: Is it possible to beat Louisville? Or Duke?

            Outside the Dance: Andy Enfield, coach of Cinderella Florida Gulf Coast and husband to former supermodel Amanda Marcum, is being hotly courted by Southern California, among other schools.

            Kickin' it old school: The vintage clip of the day goes to ...

            George Mason shocks the hoops world.