When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway
When Creighton walked off the court docket on the finish of double-overtime with a hard-earned victory over Oregon, it capped the tip of a surprisingly predictable day.
Each greater seed received on Saturday besides one. Even the exception wasn’t precisely what you’d name a plucky underdog.
No. 5 seed Gonzaga reached its ninth straight Candy 16 by brushing apart No. 4 seed Kansas. The Bulldogs had been truly favored in a sport the place the Jayhawks had been taking part in with out Kevin McCullar Jr.
In fact, “greater seed” consists of the No. 11 seed NC State, who survived time beyond regulation and received previous No. 14 seed Oakland. We’re not saying this bracket seems to be utterly regular. Nonetheless, Saturday did go just about in response to type.
Your huge names are all nonetheless right here: North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Tennessee, Creighton and Illinois.
Will Sunday comply with the identical sample? There are 24 groups remaining, and something can occur.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each sport of the primary day of the lads’s spherical of 32 — and what the outcomes imply for the remainder of the match. Test your bracket right here.
Can anybody cease DJ Burns Jr.? The quick reply: No. Burns scored 24 factors and grabbed 11 boards within the time beyond regulation win, preventing via double and triple groups. When he could not muscle his option to the rim, he handed it out to the shooters freed up by the defensive crush round him and recorded 4 assists. Burns’ double-double was simply his second this season, his first since Dec. 12 towards UT Martin. After the sport, Burns nodded as NC State coach Kevin Keatts described the sport as a “boxing match.” He stated he made a alternative to not get in his emotions when he might’ve gotten annoyed a couple of lack of foul calls, and that made all of the distinction.
What the win means for NC State: Two weeks in the past, the Wolfpack weren’t wherever close to the NCAA match. However this workforce, which completed tenth within the ACC’s common season standings, is Candy 16-bound. The Wolfpack had been sloppy at occasions within the time beyond regulation win, however they confirmed grit in getting previous an upset-minded Oakland workforce that eradicated Kentucky two days earlier. Together with Burns, 4 different Wolfpack gamers completed in double figures, and Mohamed Diarra snagged 11 rebounds. That newfound balanced offense and cohesion, Keatts stated, is the distinction in his workforce profitable eight video games between Jan. 1 and the tip of the common season, and 7 video games in 12 days within the postseason.
What the loss means for Oakland: Coach Greg Kampe stated it greatest earlier than Oakland’s first-round sport: profitable a sport within the NCAA match would change his life, his gamers’ lives, the collective lifetime of the college. Jack Gohlke, a Division II-graduate switch and an unknown identify exterior of Rochester, Michigan earlier than Thursday night time, is March’s latest people hero and NCAA match document holder for many 3-pointers in his first two match video games. Though Oakland’s dance is over, the shine from its first-round win will final endlessly. — Brooke Pryor
From the new seat to the Candy 16: This nearly did not occur. The Wolfpack trailed last-place Louisville at halftime of the primary sport of the ACC match, and the temperature below Keatts’ seat was hotter than ever. However they turned that sport round and ended up profitable 5 video games in 5 days to seize the ACC match championship and the autobid to the NCAA match. Together with that convention match title got here a contract extension and lift for Keatts. And now two extra wins in three days has NC State within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2015. To recap, that is seven wins in 12 days. From the new seat to the Candy 16. Burns has been an enormous a part of that resurgence, however remember Michael O’Connell. The previous Stanford switch had scored in double figures thrice within the first 31 video games of the common season. He is hit that threshold six occasions within the seven-game profitable streak, capturing 54.5% from 3. — Jeff Borzello
Creighton is 80 minutes from this system’s first-ever Remaining 4. Can it get there? After escaping in probably the greatest video games of the 2024 NCAA match, Creighton has a couple of days to recuperate from the double time beyond regulation win earlier than dealing with Tennessee. However the Bluejays ought to really feel assured transferring ahead. Their core quartet of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth is firing on all cylinders proper now. All 4 made large performs towards Oregon, combining for 78 of Creighton’s 86 factors and making a mixed 13 3-pointers. Regardless of their incapacity to cease Jermaine Couisnard (32 factors) and N’Faly Dante (28 factors) on Saturday, their protection stepped up down the stretch. Dalton Knecht and Tennessee will likely be a very totally different activity. And in the event that they get previous the Vols, Zach Edey and Purdue are prone to be ready within the Elite Eight. It is a troublesome highway, however with Creighton’s offensive prowess – and talent to bury groups in a barrage of 3-pointers – they will not be overmatched in both sport.
What it means for Creighton: That is the third Candy 16 look in 4 years for Creighton and the Bluejays are aiming for his or her second straight Elite Eight look. It is a full shift from McDermott’s early years at Creighton, when the Bluejays had been knocked out within the second spherical in three straight years from 2012-14 after which had been upset within the first spherical in two straight years in 2017 and 2018. During the last 5 years, McDermott has constructed his groups to be a lot harder on the defensive finish of the ground, and far of that stems from Kalkbrenner’s means to guard the rim. He struggled towards N’Faly Dante on Saturday, however nonetheless managed to dam 5 photographs and seize 14 rebounds.
What it means for Oregon: Being seconds away from the Candy 16 was by no means a possible final result for Oregon this season. The Geese went 6-8 from mid-January to early March and wanted to win the Pac-12 match to get to the NCAA match – and that is precisely what they did, then following it up with a dominant win over 6-seed South Carolina. The postseason run solidified Dana Altman as one of many higher elimination-game coaches within the nation; had Oregon received tonight, it will have been three Candy 16 runs as double-digits seeds for Altman in Eugene.
Can Creighton tighten up defensively towards Tennessee? Oregon did no matter it wished for a lot of the sport on the offensive finish – in quite simple vogue. Dante would set a excessive ball-screen for Couisnard, who would assault Kalkbrenner in drop protection and both rating himself or go it to Dante, who would end on the rim. The 2 gamers mixed for 60 of Oregon’s 73 factors – and each single second-half level. Creighton must determine one thing out towards Knecht and Tennessee subsequent week. Greg McDermott made a game-changing adjustment late within the first time beyond regulation, sending Kalkbrenner to double Couisnard and power him to eliminate it early. Tennessee will use Knecht in ball-screens as properly, however in addition they wish to let him function in area to isolate defenders – will Creighton be capable of include him? – Jeff Borzello
Dain Dainja elevates for an enormous jam
Illinois’ Marcus Domask hits a reducing Dain Dainja for an enormous jam.
Is Illinois a championship-caliber workforce? The Illini can rating. They will assault an opponent many alternative methods. They’ve huge males who can shoot the three (Coleman Hawkins) and rating from the submit (Dain Dainja). They’ve one of many nation’s main scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages greater than 23 factors per sport on the season. Marcus Domask was the primary participant within the NCAA match to document a triple-double in 5 years, within the first-round win over Morehead State. The highway will get tougher, however the Illini have what it takes to win a nationwide championship.
What the win means for Illinois: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it holds as much as the defensive strain of Iowa State within the Candy 16 in Boston. The Cyclones had been second within the nation in forcing turnovers throughout the season and scored 21 of their 67 factors off turnovers of their second-round win over Washington State. Their defensive strain tends to put on down an opponent. If anybody is provided to deal with that strain, although, it is Illinois, with a veteran level guard in Domask and a scoring risk like Shannon. With a victory over Iowa State, Illinois would doubtless face UConn within the Elite Eight.
What the loss means for Duquesne: By no means ought to the lopsided loss wreck the Dukes’ season. They earned their first journey to the NCAA match in 47 years and received a sport within the match for the primary time in 55 years. These details made the season an unqualified success. — Adam Teicher
Brad Underwood has one other actual shot on the Remaining 4: In 1986, Underwood received his first style of teaching as a graduate assistant at Hardin-Simmons, a Division III faculty in Texas. Then, he climbed the ladder and led Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State to the NCAA match earlier than taking the highest job at Illinois. He has guided the Illini the postseason earlier than, however that is his first journey to the second weekend. This 12 months’s group, has been an offensive power, led by Shannon, who’s averaging 30.5 PPG throughout his workforce’s six-game profitable streak. General, you can make the case that Illinois has performed in current weeks like a 1-seed. Underwood’s squad can have a tricky check forward with an Iowa State workforce that boasts the nation’s greatest protection and a newfound 3-point effectivity. However Illinois can have an opportunity towards any workforce it sees the remainder of the way in which. — Myron Medcalf
Can Tennessee truly shoot? “Whether or not folks consider it or not, I feel we are able to shoot the ball,” Rick Barnes stated, unprompted, after Tennessee’s win over Texas to advance to the Candy 16. Barnes’ religion comes from a honest place, after all — simply not the field rating. The Vols could not get a lot of something to fall Saturday, together with a woeful 3-of-25 efficiency from past the arc. And but it was nonetheless sufficient to win. It felt, Barnes stated, a bit like final 12 months. In 2023’s match, the Vols performed with out Zakai Zeigler and had been compelled right into a makeshift offense that struggled for baskets — they usually nonetheless made the Candy 16. That blueprint could not get Tennessee to the Elite 8 a 12 months in the past, and Barnes is aware of issues should get higher for his title hopes to remain alive. “It looks as if the lid’s been on the basket for the previous two weeks,” Barnes stated. “But when we are able to [shoot], it’s going to give us an opportunity.”
What the win means for Tennessee: The Volunteers transfer on to the Candy 16 for the third straight season, which is fairly candy for Barnes. Beating his former workforce to get there, although? He is not celebrating that. “I have been away 9 years, and that is a very long time, actually,” he stated. Certainly, he is hoping Texas’ transfer to the SEC would be the start of a robust rivalry. So what if Texas let him stroll after 17 years, due, largely, to some early match exits? So what if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, only a day earlier, famous that Barnes was “in all probability underappreciated” by the Longhorns? Barnes insisted he has no room for arduous emotions. In reality, he stated he obtained a slew of textual content messages from former gamers earlier than Saturday’s sport — Longhorns for all times who had been nonetheless wishing their one-time coach one of the best. “There is a love affair there,” he stated. “It is a household, and I am part of that household. And I at all times will likely be.”
What the loss means for Texas: The relentlessness the Longhorns confirmed Saturday was commendable. The Horns’ offense was depressing for a lot of the sport, they trailed by 9 on the half, coughed up 17 turnovers and watched as Tennessee grabbed 14 offensive boards. And but, with six seconds to play, Texas trailed by simply 2. However ethical victories provide little solace, and it is noteworthy that, since Barnes’ departure in 2015, the Horns have made it past the second spherical simply as soon as below three totally different coaches. Maybe Barnes wasn’t the issue in any case. — David Hale
Traditionally poor capturing: It is a mark of Tennessee’s energy that the Volunteers might defeat an opponent nearly as good as Texas whereas capturing 3-of-25 from past the arc. Rick Barnes’ group scratched out a four-point win simply the identical. The 12% 3-point capturing qualifies because the worst effort on at the very least 15 makes an attempt within the NCAA match since at the very least 2011. This was the primary time all season Tennessee didn’t document at the very least 5 made 3s. Tennessee’s protection is great, and in reality the Volunteers held Texas to 58 factors in a 71-possession contest. If Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi rediscover their contact from the perimeter, look out. — John Gasaway
Who’s North Carolina’s secret weapon? Throughout Friday’s shootaround, Harrison Ingram made a prediction to teammate Armando Bacot: “I’ll have a big-time efficiency.” He wasn’t mendacity. That Bacot and senior RJ Davis could be the first playmakers in North Carolina’s quest for a championship was apparent all season — however what’s develop into more and more clear is that Ingram is at his greatest on the largest of levels, together with Saturday’s second-round win over Michigan State. “He was the X-factor,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo stated. Ingram hit 5 3-pointers, scored 17 general, pulled in seven boards and was the spark the Heels wanted after falling behind by 12 early. His greatest video games this 12 months have repeatedly come towards elite competitors, together with 20 factors in a win over Tennessee, 20 in a loss to UConn and 21 in a victory towards Duke. “Video games like this, when it will get actual rowdy and bodily and it is within the trenches,” Bacot stated, “we all know these are Harry video games.”
Harrison Ingram’s fifth trey offers UNC a 12-point lead
Harrison Ingram is fired up after pulling down his fifth triple to offer the Tar Heels a 12-point lead.
What the win means for North Carolina: Maybe the largest query mark dealing with the Heels coming into Saturday’s sport was freshman guard Elliot Cadeau. Within the opener towards Wagner, Cadeau seemed overwhelmed by the second, with 4 turnovers and no factors in 18 minutes of motion. Afterward, he known as the efficiency “horrible.” Saturday’s work, towards a much more gifted backcourt at Michigan State, supplied room for optimism of his continued progress. Cadeau performed 22 minutes and scored six factors with 4 assists and no turnovers. Notably, he was +20 for the sport, tops amongst all Tar Heels.
What the loss means for Michigan State: Izzo had stated he hoped this might be one other “patented run” within the match for his Spartans, and thru 10 minutes it seemed like extra of that March magic was at play. After that, nothing felt typical. Michigan State’s guard play, which had been elite within the opening-round win over Mississippi State, struggled, with A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins combining for simply 5-of-22 capturing. The reality is, that is likely to be what’s typical now. Michigan State has gone out by Spherical 2 in six of its final eight match appearances. “We felt we might make a run,” Hoggard stated. “We positively thought we had an opportunity. We simply did not end how we thought we had been going to.” — David Hale
A possible rebuild set to start in East Lansing? It should be a really attention-grabbing offseason for Izzo and Michigan State. Tyson Walker and Malik Corridor, two fifth-year seniors who had been mainstays within the Spartans’ rotation for the previous few seasons, are each out of eligibility. Hoggard is a senior, however nonetheless has one 12 months of eligibility — will he make the most of it? And can he accomplish that at Michigan State? Mady Sissoko, who began 26 video games this season, can also be a senior with one 12 months of eligibility left. Former touted recruits Xavier Booker and Coen Carr had up-and-down freshman seasons, with Booker beginning gradual and ending robust and Carr’s function diminishing within the second half of the marketing campaign. Three ESPN 100 prospects are set to enter this system, led by guard Jase Richardson. However how snug is Izzo counting on his present freshmen and the incoming class? Will he choose to hit the switch marketplace for a pair skilled items to assist Akins? Keep watch over the portal within the coming weeks. That can dictate how a lot Izzo has to do that offseason. – Jeff Borzello
Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3 for Iowa State
Iowa State’s followers are excited after Milan Momcilovic sinks a 3-pointer.
What’s Iowa State’s ceiling? The Cyclones will be inconsistent on offense. On this match, they made their first 9 photographs within the first spherical towards South Dakota State however missed their first 9 towards Washington State. In addition they will not have the homecourt benefit going ahead like they did taking part in so near campus within the first two rounds in Omaha. However they’ll additionally play smothering protection and are ok to get to the Remaining 4 — in the event that they make some photographs.
What the win means for Iowa State: It will get the winner of the later sport in Omaha between Illinois and Duquesne. The doubtless matchup towards Illinois is an attention-grabbing one. The Illini common 84 factors per sport, and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is likely one of the high scorers within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors per sport. Defending nationwide champion UConn would doubtless await if the Cyclones can prevail there. Beating the Huskies in Boston could be a tricky activity, however Iowa State performs protection properly sufficient to offer them some issues.
What the loss means for Washington State: The Cougars made their ultimate season within the Pac-12 a memorable one. They made the NCAA match — their first since 2008 — and as soon as there received an in depth sport after overcoming a late deficit within the first spherical towards Drake. No disgrace in dropping to second seeded Iowa State, notably when the sport was performed in an enviornment crammed with Cyclones followers. — Adam Teicher
Iowa State is greater than only a sizzling protection: Whereas Tennessee and Houston have largely been mentioned as the highest defensive groups all season, Iowa State has owned that honor since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com. However a fast uptick in 3-point capturing is the explanation why T.J. Otzelberger’s squad might make the Remaining 4. One way or the other, a Cyclones squad that shot simply 32.4% from 3 throughout Massive 12 play (tenth within the league) — which features a 1-for-14 effort towards Kansas State within the first spherical of the convention match — has related on 47% of its photographs from past the arc (37-for-79) over its final 4 video games. Fluke? We’ll see. However that sharpshooting is the explanation this group will likely be a problem for any opponent the remainder of the way in which — if the development continues. — Myron Medcalf
Simply how good is Gonzaga? This a lot is thought: the Bulldogs turned it up at precisely the appropriate time. They put collectively a 23-4 run over a 7-minute stretch within the second half to drag away, utilizing their dimension and deft capturing — they shot 53.3% from 3 — to place the sport out of attain for Kansas. The Zags’ means to place a mixture of 6-foot-9 Graham Ike, 6-10 Ben Gregg and 6-10 Braden Huff on the court docket collectively at any given time, complimented by 6-8 senior ahead Anton Watson, could make the Zags a tricky matchup down the stretch in March. Have they got what it takes to make a second Remaining 4 in 4 seasons? That is but to be seen, however they’re taking part in a few of their greatest ball when it issues most.
What the win means for Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are again within the Candy 16 for a ninth straight season, tying Duke for the second-longest streak in NCAA match historical past. They will face the winner of Purdue and Utah State in Detroit subsequent weekend, with a spot within the Elite Eight on the road. In a season that began with the Zags ranked eleventh within the preseason AP high 25, they placed on a clinic Saturday, dismantling Kansas for a straightforward second-round win.
Gonzaga pulls away late behind dominant 3-point capturing
Gonzaga will get sizzling from the behind the arc and buries a barrage of 3-pointers to drag away from Kansas within the second half.
What the loss means for Kansas: For a second straight 12 months, the Jayhawks went residence after their second sport of the match, capping an underwhelming season. Earlier than Feb. 17, the Jayhawks had simply six losses. Since Feb. 17, they have not been in a position to determine issues out, and it price them Saturday. A 23-11 season ended with a 2-5 stretch. With three seniors within the beginning lineup, Kansas will start the method of regrouping for subsequent season. — Josh Weinfuss
Making historical past: The Zags are in choose firm. For the reason that area expanded to 64 groups in 1985, reaching 9 consecutive Candy 16s has occurred simply thrice: North Carolina superior to 9 straight regional semifinals from 1985 to 1993. Duke did the identical between 1998 and 2006. And now Gonzaga. Any true Tar Heel will let you know UNC truly made an unbelievable 13 straight Candy 16 appearances between 1981 and 1993. That’s right, and previous to 1985 these fields had been smaller. In annually from 1981 via 1984, Dean Smith’s workforce arrived within the regional semifinals after profitable one sport. — John Gasaway
Does Arizona have what it takes to takes to make the Remaining 4? The Wildcats confirmed Saturday morning in Salt Lake Metropolis that they’ll take somebody’s greatest punch and never get knocked down. Dayton hung round and chipped away anytime Arizona prolonged its lead into the double digits, however the Wildcats by no means let the Flyers tie the sport or take a lead.
What the win means for Arizona: Redemption. A 12 months after getting bounced within the first spherical in an upset by then-No. 15 Princeton Tigers, the Wildcats confirmed that they’ve the expertise, dimension, expertise and depth to make a splash throughout the second weekend of the match. Between 7-footer Oumar Ballo and 7-2 freshman Motiejus Krivas patrolling the lane, the likes of Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell, KJ Lewis, Pelle Larsson and Jaden Bradley dealing with the perimeter, and Keshad Johnson doing every part else, Arizona has the depth to keep away from fatigue within the match. And with Love and Johnson’s Remaining 4 expertise at North Carolina and San Diego State, respectively, the Wildcats can depend on them for the kind of poise wanted within the Candy 16 and, probably, the Elite Eight. Arizona will play the winner of Baylor and Clemson, who sq. off Sunday, within the Candy 16 in Los Angeles. The quick journey from Tucson will doubtless flip into a house sport, with an opportunity for a real residence sport — the Remaining 4 is in Glendale, Arizona — on the road.
Jaden Bradley rips DaRon Holmes II’s shot
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley snatches DaRon Holmes II’s shot try late within the second half.
What the loss means for Dayton: By all measurements, this season was a significant win. Coach Anthony Grant led Dayton again to the NCAA match for the primary time since his first season in 2017. And the Flyers’ second-round exit was their greatest exhibiting within the match since 2015, once they misplaced within the Candy 16. Dayton, which completed 25-8 this season, offered probably the greatest moments of the primary spherical once they erased a 17-point deficit to keep away from an upset and beat No. 10 Nevada to advance to Saturday’s assembly with Arizona. Nonetheless, the Flyers could not come again from this 17-point deficit. — Josh Weinfuss
Arizona’s turnover woes uncovered: The Wildcats gave the ball away on simply 15% of their possessions in Pac-12 play this season. That fee elevated towards the Flyers, nevertheless, because the Wildcats gave the ball away 15 occasions in 72 possessions. Committing a turnover on 21% of your journeys down the ground is not customary for Tommy Lloyd’s workforce. Credit score Dayton, which turned up its defensive strain late within the first half — the press deployed by the Flyers compelled Arizona out of its consolation zone. Opponents dealing with the Wildcats from right here on out would possibly contemplate following the Flyers’ instance. — John Gasaway