Related Links: Auburn squeaks by Creighton 72-69 Iowa State wakes up in time to hold off Central Conn. State Check out all the brackets Complete Midwest coverage Forum: Who will win the region?
	T O P   N E W S

But with the score tied at 69 with 6:13 remaining in Thursday's first-round game against Central Connecticut State, Eustachy didn't panic.

"I'm not big on taking timeouts," he said. "Players win games, not coaches."

The player who helped win this one was guard Jamaal Tinsley. He broke the tie with a layup and went on score nine of the Cyclones' final 19 points. He also had an assist and a steal during that stretch.

In an 88-78 victory, Tinsley finished with 26 points, six assists and six rebounds, playing the entire game.

"When adversity sets in, he plays through it, which he didn't do earlier in the year," Eustachy said. "He's an all-league player and possibly an NBA player some day. We don't win the game without him."

All-American Marcus Fizer had a game-high 27 points, but only one came after the score was tied.

Still, Tinsley said he'll happily defer to the team's star.

"It doesn't make a difference," Tinsley said. "He's my teammate. I love him to death. And he earned it. Nobody knew about him last year. He has some guys this year who can make him better. We're here for him like he is for us."

6.2 seconds of fame

Jimbo Tolbert , the Auburn student manager who was added to the roster earlier in the week, entered the game against Creighton with 12.7 seconds remaining.

And he almost opened the door to a stunning comeback by the Bluejays.

"It was my shining moment," Tolbert said. "I wish I could have it back."

A second-team all-city player in high school at Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic, Tolbert, a sophomore, was added to the team by coach Cliff Ellis after injuries and the ineligibility of Chris Porter. He had practiced at times during the season, but never dressed for a game.

He entered Thursday's game with 12.7 seconds remaining, when a pair of free throws gave Auburn a 72-63 lead. After a three-pointer by Creighton with 7.6 seconds left, Tolbert took the ball out of bounds and made a bad pass for a turnover.

Ellis took him out of the game immediately. Then, with 3.8 seconds left, Creighton made another three-pointer, cutting the lead to 72-69.

Auburn had yet another turnover on the ensuing inbounds pass, a length-of-the-court throw that went out of bounds without touching anyone. The ball returned to Creighton under the Bluejays' basket. But Mamadou N' Diaye blocked a potential game-tying shot, and the clock ran out.

Tolbert, an accounting major, was relieved after almost being a goat, but he was also happy for the experience.

"He started calling my name out, and I think I ripped my shooting shirt off before he even finished saying my name," Tolbert said. "No question, I was nervous. That one turnover led to a three. Fortunately, we handled the situation. I wish I had it back, but unfortunately you can't get it back. But there's another day."

Ellis is unlikely to be so bold in the future.

"I think putting him in there was probably a little letdown," Ellis said. "I think we felt very comfortable -- they needed three possessions in 12 seconds. But we held on, and I'm glad he had his moment. I'm glad we were able to survive."

Cyclones in the stands

Iowa State had thousands of fans packing the stands, something Eustachy expects will help in Saturday's second-round game against Auburn.

"When we were 15-15 last year, they were the same way," Eustachy said. "This crowd is special. It's why I made a commitment to 10 years here. As long as they'll have me, I'll stay. They pull you through the hard moments. There's a big advantage over the opponent to be this close and have this many fans."

No moral victory

Central Connecticut State coach Howie Dickenman didn't want to hear too much about how well his team played, although victories by No. 15 seeds are extremely rare.

"We didn't want to talk about David and Goliath or Cinderella and the slipper," Dickenman said. "We're vastly disappointed we didn't win this game today."

First-round winning streak over

Before losing to Auburn, Creighton had won its previous two first-round games in the NCAA Tournament. The Bluejays upset New Mexico State in 1991 and Louisville last year.