The guy was an illusionist. The woman emerged untouched. It was all a mere parlor trick compared to what happened next.
Their 21st win should give them their fourth NCAA tournament appearance in Alford's five seasons. What will probably be a low seed could improve with a victory over 15th-ranked Arizona Friday in the semifinals, and the Bruins will gain even more momentum if they're able to win the unlikeliest of tournament championships.
"We've been through a lot," said Alford, shaking his head as he sat on a folding chair in a cramped coach's room late Thursday afternoon.