The story line: UConn hasn’t looked that impressive in either of its victories, but in sophomore forward Caron Butler, the Huskies have a genuine standout and a guy SIU isn’t going to be able to stop. The Salukis, meanwhile, are the biggest surprise of the tourney, and their defense could lead to a stunning victory. Look for SIU to attack UConn sophomore power forward Taliek Brown, who can be turnover-prone.

The “X” factor: UConn freshman center Emeka Okafor is a big-time shot-blocker who will be an important part of the Huskies’ interior defense. SIU is small and struggled on the boards in its second-round win over Georgia.