Unlike years past, every game of the 2011 NCAA Basketball Tournament can be found on television somewhere. You just have to know where to look. No worries, we've got you covered all day long and into the weekend. Ohio State doesn't play until tomorrow, but that doesn't mean there isn't solid action in the East Region today. Here's the when and where of Thursday's East Region tournament action:
12:15PM et: (12)Clemson Tigers(22-11) Vs. (5)West Virginia Mountaineers(20-11) - CBS
The first game of the weekend comes to us from Tampa, Florida, when Clemson, fresh off their First Round win over UAB on Tuesday night takes on Bob Huggins and the No. 5-seed West Virginia. For the Tigers, Tuesday's win was the first for the program in the NCAA Tournament in 14 years. Their prize is a 36-hour turnaround to face the Mountaineers.
Coach Brad Bownell knows the Tigers need to take advantage of the opportunity:
"It was difficult, but you know, it's the NCAA tournament. It's a tremendous opportunity, so I'm not talking about the negatives," Brownell said. "We're going to be ready at 12 o'clock, and we're going to lace them up and be ready to go."
Meanwhile, a well-rested West Virginia squad isn't taking the Tigers lightly. In fact, Huggins thinks it might be a bit of advantage for Clemson.
"Kids today, they play at two, and they go get a hamburger and french fries and a chocolate shake and they come back and play at six," Huggins said. "It's kind of a different breed of athletes, I think. I think they'll be fine."
MY PICK: West Virginia - The Tigers didn't get to Tampa until 5AM yesterday morning. That is going to be a factor. West Virginia will pull away in the 2nd Half.
2:45PM et: (13)Princeton Tigers(25-6) Vs. (4)Kentucky Wildcats(25-8) - CBS
The champions of the Ivy League take on the SEC Champs in the 2nd game from Tampa today, the only other action in the East Region today.
It's a matchup that features Princeton's seasoned upperclassmen and Kentucky's talented freshmen -- experience against youth, veterans versus rookies.
It will be interesting to watch how the youth of Kentucky handles Princeton - a team known for its frustrating style of play. The Wildcats will need to stay patient and wear the Tigers down. If not, Kentucky could find itself in a dogfight down the stretch - and out of the Tournament much earlier than expected.
MY PICK: Kentucky - While all the experience is on the side of Princeton, there is just too much talent in Kentucky blue.