WEST VIRGINIA is lemon meringue pie

An acquired taste, sometimes sour, often bitter. How else could you describe Bob Huggins, who has all the looks and personality of a cop on an HBO drama? The Mountaineers are back in the tournament after a two-year layoff, but they must face Kentucky. Good luck.

• The baker: Huggins, eighth year at West Virginia

• The skinny: 25-9, No. 5 seed Midwest, beat No. 4 Maryland and No. 12 Buffalo. Will play No. 1 Kentucky on Thursday.

• Carb-loaded: Grit — All Huggins-coached players that advance this far have a little hair on their chest.