Guards under spotlight as La Salle, Boise State prepare for their moment in NCAA's First Four

DAYTON, Ohio – Guard Tyreek Duren received a standing ovation when he walked into his business finance class at La Salle, a way of students celebrating the school's NCAA tournament breakthrough.

The First Four is a time for programs to celebrate long-awaited tournament appearances. In La Salle's case, it's the Explorers' first berth in 21 years.

March also is the time for guards to grab the big spotlight, and there will be plenty of candidates when the Explorers (21-9) play Boise State (21-10) in the wrap-up game of the First Four Wednesday night.

Both teams use four-guard offenses, which is highly unusual these days. La Salle coach John Giannini says he's never seen two more similar teams playing each other during his more than 700 games as a head coach.