The Bradley Braves defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers

MVC stands for Maestro's Victorious on the Court
At the beginning of the NCAA Tournament many of the talking heads sitting in the broadcast booths across "sports-centers" in America questioned whether or not the four teams from the Missouri Valley Conference belonged in the Big Dance. Well now we have our "sweet sixteen" and it appears that at least two of the teams (Wichita State and Bradley) do belong in the Big Dance. I didn't watch Wichita State in action, but I did catch Bradley's win over the favored Pittsburgh Panthers.
Respect
I have always held a personal respect for teams who have their players photo wearing a jacket and a tie instead of the uniform garb we are so used to seeing the players done on the court. Bradley's players wear the red jacket with matching school colored ties.
What's in a name?
Apart from the unique but familiar names such as Tony Bennett (not the old crooner), Ruffin, Patrick O'Bryant and Bradley who all plays for the Bradley Braves the Braves mean business. The cards were stacked against Pitt when they imposed the fouling strategy with 1:03 left in the game because unfortunately for the Panthers, the lowest foul shot percentage on the team (68%) belonged to #13 Patrick O'Bryant. (The 7-footer had 28-points and hit 7 of 8 from the foul line.) Also, the Bushido gives style points to Bradley's flip off of the floor reminiscient of the Karate Kid or perhaps Chuck Norris.
Not official but this is the end of the game as reported by the Bushido.
With 1:03 left on the clock (64-57) Pitt's guard Krauser with an open lane to the basket tried to pass the ball, but threw it to Bradley's Tony Bennett, who was fouled, hitting only 1 of his free-throws. Ramon came back and hit a shot from behind the arc. (65-60)The board was snagged by the 7-footer P.O'B. who was then fouled and demonstrated his flip to the feet a'la Norris, hitting both of his foul shots. Pitt had another turnover and fouled Ruffin an 89% foul-shooter who hit both of his shots from the line.
With 30.6 seconds Pitt's go to guy Ramon hit a three-pointer to bring the score 68-63. P.O.'B was fouled again and went to line hitting both of his free-throws (7/8) the score was 70-63 with 5.6 seconds on the clock. Pitt brought the ball down the court putting it in the hands of the Clutch Krauser who drilled a three (70-66). Krauser fouled #5, who hit both of his three's and Pitt was out of time. Final score 72-66.

Bradley will play Memphis on Thursday.