EAST REGION NOTE BOOK

ALBANY – When Boston College and Seton Hall did not receive at-large berths to the NCAA Tournament, Auburn became the target of a lot of skeptics. The Tigers went 20-11 overall, 8-8 in SEC play and faced a soft non-conference schedule

“The talk with regards to that should be over,” said Auburn coach Cliff Ellis. “The players have done their talking on the court. The talking outside the court, it’s settled. If you’re in the Sweet 16, that’s done.”

* The severity of Oklahoma guard Hollis Price’s groin injury, which he suffered in the Big XII title game, remains a mystery. Price, who usually plays all 40 minutes, has played just 41 in the Sooners’ first two NCAA Tournament games. Price said he was 99.9-percent healed. But Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson, who referred to the injury as a tear, had a much different assessment.

“He’s probably not where we would like him to be, but that’s how it is this time of the year,” said Sampson. “In the tournament you have to be good and lucky. It’s a little hit for us.”

* Syracuse point guard Gerry McNamara will not play with a bandage over his right eye against Auburn and he will have the six stitches removed after the game. McNamara sustained a gash when he collided with Oklahoma State’s Victor Williams in Sunday’s 68-56 win. He won’t play with a bandage over the wound today.

* Butler center Joel Cornette’s brother Jordan plays for Notre Dame, which took on Arizona last night in a West Region Sweet 16 game. “From what I understand, my dad is out in Anaheim about to see the Fighting Irish get their win over Arizona and my mom is on her way to the great city of Albany,” said Cornette. “After the Notre Dame victory, my dad is going to fly out here.”