In University Park, #2 seed Maryland faced stubborn, undersized St. John's. In a game that was closer than anyone could have imagined, the Red Storm hung around until the very end, bowing out 81-74. Crystal Langhorne was unstoppable in the post, finishing with 30 points and 9 rebounds. Kia Wright, quondam Husky, was again the star for St. John's with 23 points, nine assists, and three steals.

Maryland now looks to get Shay Doron and Kristi Toliver back on track for their Albuquerque game against Baylor. St. John's will rebuild and remain grateful that some guy named Geno called.

The nightcap at Penn State wasn't nearly as dramatic. Ann Strother had 22 points to lead UConn to a 79-56 win over Virginia Tech. The Hokies were in it early, but in the first half, the Huskies had already pulled ahead; the carnage only got worse in the second half. In the losing cause, Dawn Chriss and Kerri Gardin each had 16.

UConn returns to Connecticut to face Georgia in the Sweet Sixteen. Virginia Tech returns to Blacksburg with five seniors and daunting to-do list.