NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT / EAST REGIONAL : Duke Looking for Traditional Victory Over St. John’s Today

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, fresh off a milestone 300th coaching victory, talked of tradition in schoolboy tones.

Fifteenth-ranked Duke (25-8) against St. John’s (24-9), and UCLA (21-10) against fifth-ranked Kansas (30-4). Thirty-one Final Four appearances represented today in the East Regional in Atlanta.

“It sends chills through you as far as tradition goes,� Krzyzewski said Saturday. “I think it will be a special afternoon. We’re proud to be a part of it.�

St. John’s Coach Lou Carnesecca is more concerned about the here and now.

“I’m a very poor student of history,� Carnesecca said. “I don’t know if history has anything to do with this tournament.�

He was more concerned with Duke’s defense than Duke’s tradition. Carnesecca has his own description of the Blue Devils’ pressure defense.

“First, they’re in your pocket,� he said. “Second, if you try to take out change, they’re in the way. And, if you try to deposit it at the bank, they meet you at the vault.�