DATE=03/14/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=MEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW (S-ALT)

NUMBER=287578

BYLINE=DAVID BYRD

DATELINE=WASHINGTON, DC

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Action continues today (Friday) in the U-S men's college basketball tournament at the M-C-I center here in Washington. As V-O-A's David Byrd reports, four games are on the schedule, including East Region top-seed Maryland taking on Siena, and North Carolina State playing Michigan State.

TEXT: The Maryland Terrapins made it to the N-C-Double-A tournament semi-finals last season, only to be ousted by the Duke Blue Devils in the final four (95-84).

This year, the Terrapins are top seeds in the East Regional, and play a Siena Saints team that made it to the 64-team field by scoring an 81-77 win over Alcorn State in the play-in game Tuesday night.

Also Friday, the University of Connecticut Huskies face the Hampton Pirates. Connecticut is coming off last Sunday's (75-65) double overtime win over Pittsburgh to take the Big East Conference championship. Caron Butler of Connecticut says the win boosts his team's confidence headed into the national tournament.

/// BUTLER ACT ///

It really helped us, momentum-wise. We are just rolling right now. Now, the tournament is coming, and, hopefully, we can just keep rolling. It is a big confidence booster as well.

/// END ACT ///

Other games in the East Region Friday have North Carolina State taking on Michigan State, and Saint John's facing Wisconsin. Friday's winners advance to the regional semifinals Sunday, also here at the M-C-I Center. (SIGNED)

NEB/SPTS/BYRD/PARKE/TW