“Increased security at RCA Dome”

Fans attending NCAA Tournament games at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis will be greeted by extra security measures.

All fans and items entering the dome are subject to search and fans will not be allowed to enter, leave and then re-enter during any given session.

On-site security personnel have the option of prohibiting any items they consider a potential security risk.

Items not allowed inside the RCA Dome are as follows:large bags, backpacks, large purses, firearms, explosives and any weapons, cans, coolers and any containers except in case of medical need as certified by a physician, artificial noise makers, large signs, flags, poles, banners, laser pointers, video cameras and food and drink from outside vendors.

“CBS considers switching games to other networks in case of war”

CBS, the network that televises all games of the NCAA Tournament, has plans in place to move games to other networks in case CBS needs more airtime to broadcast coverage of war in Iraq.

The network is run by Viacom and if there is a switch, tournament games would be to another Viacom-owned network such as ESPN, MTV, UPN, BET or TNN.

“No. 6 seed Creighton to take on No. 11 Central Michigan”

The other Missouri Valley Conference team in the tournament, Creighton, received a No. 6 seed in the West bracket and will have to face No. 11 Central Michigan in the first round Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City.

The Bluejays have a record of 29-4 and won the MVC Tournament, but the Chippewas are no slouches as they boast a mark of 24-6 and won the Mid American Conference Ttournament to get into the Big Dance.

Central Michigan center Chris Kaman is considered a big-time NBA prospect. The 7-feet, 255-pounder averaged 22.7 points and 12.3 rebounds a game and should pose problems for Creighton as Bluejays center Brody Deren measures in at just 6-feet-8.

If Creighton gets past Central Michigan, their likely second round opponent will be No. 3 seeded Duke. The Blue Devils are not the power they have been in recent years but boast talented players such as Dahntay Jones, J.J. Redick and Chris Duhon.

SIU head coach Bruce Weber said he believes Creighton can play with Duke, but they are going to have to be on their game.

“They can beat Duke, but it’s not going to be easy,” Weber said. “I’ve said on many radio shows that I think they can be the type of team that maybe gets to the Sweet 16 and then maybe if they get lucky on some matchups get to the Elite Eight.”

It will be difficult for the Bluejays to get too far as the West Regional boasts such powerhouse teams as Arizona, Kansas, Illinois in addition to Duke.

Creighton will be relying once again on seniors Kyle Korver, who was named a second team All-American by ESPN, and Larry House to lead the Bluejays to victory.

“Sweet 16 experience versus Elite Eight ties”

Last season the Salukis were able to make it to the Sweet 16 as a No. 11 seed after upsetting No. 6 Texas Tech and No. 3 Georgia.

However, their first round opponent this year, Missouri, was a No. 12 seed last season and advanced all the way to the Elite Eight after upsetting No. 5 Miami, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 8 UCLA.

Weber had hoped their experience last year would be a benefit this time around, but the Tigers more than matched the Salukis performance of a year ago.

“When you look at matchups you had hoped that would be an advantage for us,” Weber said. “But they’ve been through just as much as we have if not more.”

“Times and venues for Midwest Regional”

Games in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Tournament are scheduled at four different sites on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis No. 3 seed Marquette will face No. 14 Holy Cross at 11:20 a.m. and No. 6 Missouri will face No. 11 seed SIU at 1:50 p.m.

At the Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash., No. 5 Wisconsin will play No. 12 Weber State while No. 4 Dayton plays No. 13 Tulsa at 8:45 p.m.

On Friday at the Gaylord Center in Nashville, Tenn., No. 1 Kentucky will take on No. 16 IUPUI in the early game at 11:30 a.m. and No. 8 Oregon will face No. 9 Utah at 1:50 p.m.

Finally in the Fleet Center in Boston No. 2 seeded Pittsburgh will face No. 15 Wagner starting at 6:10 p.m. while No. 7 Indiana takes on No. 10 Alabama at 8:30 p.m.

Reporter Jens Deju can be reached at [email protected]