UConn assistant LaFleur interested in BU opening
PHILADELPHIA - The pace is picking up as Boston University continues its search for a men's basketball coach. The latest name to move into athletic director Mike Lynch's field of vision is Connecticut assistant Andre LaFleur, who received a prime boost from UConn coach Jim Calhoun.
"I called Mike Lynch and talked to him about Andre," said Calhoun yesterday as he prepared the Huskies for today's first-round NCAA Tournament game against Chattanooga. "I think there was some interest."
LaFleur, who has been on Calhoun's staff for eight years, the last five as an assistant coach, said he has not heard from anyone at BU or the Atlanta-based search firm the school has hired.
"I am very interested," said LaFleur, who played at Governor Dummer and Northeastern. "I think I can bring a lot to the table."
Calhoun and UConn associate head coach George Blaney believe LaFleur is ready to take the next step. "He's a great recruiter and he's very aware," said Blaney. "He's more than ready."
LaFleur spent 11 seasons coaching and playing in Australia before Calhoun hired him as director of basketball operations in 2001.
According to sources inside the BU athletic department, Lynch is taking this week to sort out contenders, and could begin the interview process early next week.
Although Lynch has said he will not comment on the search, Louisville assistant coaches Richard Pitino and Walter McCarty have expressed interest in the job, as has Boston College assistant Pat Duquette and former Providence coach Tim Welsh. Now LaFleur has joined the list.
Providence (19-14) got within 4 points with 3:08 to play, but McClinton responded with consecutive 3-pointers to put the game away. Weyinmi Efejuku led the Friars with 16 points.
Virginia Tech 116, Duquesne 108 - At Blacksburg, Va., the Hokies (19-14) scored on their first five possessions of the second overtime to outlast the Dukes. Virginia Tech got 33 points from A.D. Vassallo and 23 from Jeff Allen.
Duquesne (21-13), making its first postseason appearance since the 1994 NIT, closed out its best season since 1971. Aaron Jackson poured in 46 points.
Baylor 74, Georgetown 72 - LaceDarius Dunn and Kevin Rogers each scored 20 points, and Curtis Jerrells (19 points) had a pair of clinching free throws with eight seconds remaining as the host Bears (21-14) held off the Hoyas (16-15).
Florida 84, Jacksonville 62 - The host Gators (24-10) shot 63 percent in the first half to build a 21-point halftime lead, and Chandler Parsons finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds in a rout of the Dolphins (18-14).
Auburn 87, Tenn.-Martin 82 - DeWayne Reed (23 points) hit five of Auburn's season-high 14 3-pointers to help the host Tigers (23-11) win their first postseason game since 2003.
Kansas St. 83, Illinois St. 79 - Jacob Pullen scored 7 of his career-high 32 points in overtime as the host Wildcats (22-11) survived the Redbirds (24-10).
Tulsa 68,
Creighton 73, Bowling Green 71 - P'Allen Stinnett scored 18 points, including two big free throws in the final minute, capping a second-half rally by the Bluejays (27-7) in Omaha.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. 
