I'm in Janesville, Wisconsin, to cover the Whitworth Pirates in the Division III Sweet 16 in nearby Whitewater. Here's a link to my preview of the Pirates' game against Virginia Wesleyan, and a previous story on the role of Whitworth's bench.

I arrived at 2 a.m., but got up this morning just in time to witness a possible NCAA record for most basketball players crammed into one Holiday Inn continental breakfast room.

More than two doezen players from Wheaton (Ill.) and Virginia Wesleyan battled for shots into the toaster, then hit the glass as they found the juice machine. It was a polite game, but I'm sure they expended some energy in the process.

Minutes later, the Whitworth team arrived in the lobby and quickly set off for a nearby Perkins. We'll find out later today  if this is a difference-maker. Tipoff is at 3:30 p.m. Pacifiic Time in nearby Whitewater.

The winner will face either Wheaton or host Wisconsin-Whitewater, whose players probably had dorm food.

All which makes Whitworth the early favorite.

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