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Powerful programs take over Sweet 16

By Pat Forde
ESPN.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

Don't look now, but the NCAA tournament has become a gated community. The riffraff is out -- some of it kicking and screaming. (Thank you, Siena, for at least going out swinging.) The Sweet 16 is straight blue blood, old money, upper crust. The rich and powerful always take over by the Final Four, but this year they've assumed command earlier than ever. Normally home to the power programs plus a handful of Cinderella strivers from off-brand conferences, the second week of the tourney this ye ...

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