Dean Smith's side are one point above the relegation zone with two matches, at home to Charlton and away at Southampton, left to play.

BBC: Survival would be proud moment for Walsall's Butler

"This is a difficult tournament, " said Boeheim, fourth all-time with 50 tournament wins, behind only Mike Krzyzewski (81), Dean Smith (65) and Roy Williams (60).

WSJ: Syracuse's Boeheim a master of focus amid strife

Vinroot played basketball for revered University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith -- a gold star in a state where college basketball is on almost everyone's mind all year.

CNN: Helms departure opens Senate race in N.C.