If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello
If something, Sunday’s motion taught us that it is actually not over – till it is over. Houston had cruised to what gave the impression to be a straightforward win over Texas A&M earlier than a mixture of dangerous choices, missed pictures and foul bother pressured the Cougars to unravel earlier than they salvaged the sport in extra time. Baylor made a late run in a loss to Clemson. Grand Canyon did the identical in opposition to Alabama and Colorado almost caught Marquette, too.
However Purdue and UConn emerged from the ultimate day of the second spherical as juggernauts within the discipline. Among the different squads that stamped their tickets to the Candy 16, nonetheless, weren’t as convincing. However they’ve survived. And that is what issues.
Scroll to learn our breakdown of each recreation of the second day of the lads’s spherical of 32. Discover our takeaways to the primary day right here. Examine your bracket right here.
Jamal Shead takes over late in OT as Houston avoids collapse vs. Texas A&M
Jamal Shead steps by the lane and scores a giant bucket for Houston because the Cougars thwart Texas A&M’s comeback and advance to the Candy 16.
Is Houston wholesome sufficient to maintain it rolling? A pretty big pink flag appeared for the Cougars on Sunday: foul bother. The Cougars had 4 gamers foul out and one other end one wanting becoming a member of them. Coach Kelvin Sampson traced the blowout loss to Iowa State within the Huge 12 championship to a battered lineup and compressed convention event timetable, however a major pile of fouls and a brief bench virtually despatched the Cougars packing Sunday. There have been occasions when J’Wan Roberts, who Sampson has referred to as “most likely our most vital man,” was limping by performs. Roberts, who has handled a shin damage of late, and Ramon Walker, who has returned to the lineup within the event after coping with a proper knee damage, added simply sufficient depth in a recreation they barely superior previous. Houston watched a 13-point lead with 3:39 to play evaporate, exhibiting simply how skinny their margin of error might be if the whistles come once more, particularly with the in-your-face tenacity the Cougars wish to play with on protection. The backcourt of Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer was defensively disruptive as ordinary they usually had been clean on offense, combining for 41 factors and 14 assists — however they each fouled out. Emanuel Sharp, who additionally fouled out, led the Cougars with 26 factors, together with six 3-pointers.
What the win means for Houston: The Cougars’ (32-4) nice escape and second win over the Aggies this season — they defeated Texas A&M, 70-66, Dec. 16 — means they transfer on to Dallas, the place they may face Duke (26-8) within the Candy 16. Shead’s defensive wizardry — Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams mentioned in Memphis that Shead might “guard anyone in america, irrespective of how outdated they’re, irrespective of how a lot cash they’re getting paid by NIL or by the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation” — is a significant component transferring ahead. Texas A&M level guard Wade Taylor IV was 0-for-6 within the first half Sunday, 5-of-27 for the sport with Shead doing many of the defending. Taylor had seven 3-pointers within the Aggies’ win Friday over Nebraska.
What the loss means for Texas A&M: It took a bit for Williams to seek out the candy spot along with his lineup this season. However when he added Manny Obaseki extra into the combination –Obaseki performed a minimum of 20 minutes in 9 of the ultimate 10 video games — issues bought higher. As soon as the ache wears off of being so near knocking off a No. 1 seed, the Aggies can flip the web page to subsequent season when Obaseki might definitely a giant a part of the plan. Taylor, nonetheless, is a senior and guard Tyrece Radford, who led the Aggies with 27 factors within the loss, has closed out his profession as nicely. — Jeff Legwold
When it was all falling aside, Houston turned to Jamal Shead: Simply when it appeared that Houston was headed to a different Candy 16 after the Cougars had loved a double-digit lead late, Texas A&M made a ridiculous run on the finish of regulation to tie the sport. Andersson Garcia’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer despatched the sport into extra time. And that was the excellent news. A minimum of Houston had extra time. However they did not have extra gamers. In extra time, three Houston gamers had fouled out, together with a pair of gamers (Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer) who’d mixed to attain 50 factors within the recreation. Wade Taylor IV had began 2-for-17 from the sector however he had made large pictures late. Jamal Shead, nonetheless, was fearless, regardless of the circumstances. He hit key free throws and a giant shot within the remaining minute of extra time to ship his crew to the Candy 16. Expertise issues this time of yr. Teaching issues, too. However Houston simply wanted a pacesetter and Shead (21 factors) accepted the position earlier than he ultimately fouled out with 18.2 seconds to play. The maturity on Sampson’s roster helped his squad win the sport after it had unraveled on the finish of regulation. It is not simple to seek out your method once more in these moments. However Houston did with Shead’s assist. — Myron Medcalf
Chase Hunter’s buzzer-beating 3 retains Clemson rolling on the half
Clemson’s Chase Hunter knocks down a runner 3-pointer simply earlier than the halftime buzzer sounds to extend the Tigers’ lead.
Why has Clemson abruptly turn into everyone’s event downside? Clemson has an NBA prospect within the publish with PJ Corridor and a willingness to run its offense off the block with others as nicely. Baylor coach Scott Drew had mentioned Saturday “most groups are fortunate to have one to play within the publish, they have 4, 5 guys they will run [into the post].” That already gave the Tigers a barely completely different profile from many groups within the bracket. However when the Tigers (23-11) shoot like they did early on Sunday from past the 3-point line as nicely, that makes them a migraine. They had been 6-of-11 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first half Sunday. Toss within the Tigers’ defensive efforts throughout their two video games in Memphis (held New Mexico to 29.7% capturing within the first spherical, Baylor to 38.9%) and a Clemson crew that got here into the event having misplaced three of its previous 4 video games abruptly has a great deal of confidence. Chase Hunter led the Tigers with 20 factors and Joseph Girard III added 13.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers had been on wobbly legs down the stretch as they virtually let a 15-point lead with 6 minutes, 41 seconds to play slip away, however they’re now within the Candy 16 for the primary time because the 2017-18 season. They transfer on to Los Angeles the place they may face Arizona (27-8) on Friday. Clemson has moved this deep into the bracket with out its ordinary output from Corridor. The 6-foot-10 senior bought into foul bother in opposition to New Mexico within the first spherical and once more in opposition to Baylor, ending with 9 and 11 factors, respectively. If Corridor cranks up the offense to his ordinary output — he led the Tigers in scoring this season at 18.7 factors per recreation — Clemson might give the Wildcats loads to deal with.
What the loss means for Baylor: Drew had spoken on Saturday to the problem of matching the make-up, constant effort and damage luck it takes to get into place to win a nationwide championship. After a troublesome capturing night time ended this yr’s run, Drew might face important roster makeover. Jalen Bridges and RayJ Dennis are seniors and freshmen Yves Missi and Ja’Kobe Walter are on the NBA’s radar as potential first-round prospects. — Legwold
Baylor’s flaws uncovered when the pictures cease falling: Drew’s Baylor squad performed in a Huge 12 this season that was much more aggressive than it had been previously with Houston and BYU becoming a member of the league. However the Bears owned probably the most environment friendly offense within the league and hit 3-pointers at 39.3%, third within the nation. In addition they boasted a pair of projected first-round picks, Walter and Missi. In latest weeks, nonetheless, the 3-pointers stopped falling. Exterior of a stellar effort within the win over Colgate within the first spherical (53%), the Bears entered Sunday with a 15-for-64 success fee in three earlier video games and could not discover a rhythm in opposition to Clemson, both. As soon as they had been now not an elite 3-point capturing crew, Baylor’s defensive stress — they completed on the backside of the Huge 12 in effectivity — was inadequate to cease Clemson, regardless of a late rally. The Bears completed 6-for-24 from past the arc within the loss. It was one other instance of how every part can change quick, for higher or worse, in March. — Medcalf
Nick Pringle throws down two-handed slam in crunch time
Nick Pringle takes the feed from Mark Sears and throws it down with authority for Alabama.
Can Alabama attain the Ultimate 4?: The quick reply: sure. Coach Nate Oats has the Tide enjoying with confidence they usually imagine deeply of their maximum-tempo offense that resulted within the nation’s highest scoring common. What they discovered Sunday was that even after they wrestle to get beauty and end like they’re accustomed to, they will grind issues out in a high-stakes setting. Do not be fooled by Grand Canyon’s lack of historical past. The Lopes play like a excessive main energy and have a number of gamers who will play professionally for a very long time abroad. Even so, a extra convincing win would have impressed extra confidence a couple of potential run however going by this type of a recreation will pay dividends. If guard play is without doubt one of the keys in March, then the efficiency of Mark Sears is especially encouraging. He has been among the finest gamers within the event, scoring 26 factors in opposition to GCU following his 30-point night time in opposition to Charleston.
What the win means for Alabama: Upsets averted; a blue blood awaits. After going by No. 13 Charleston and No. 12 Grand Canyon, the Crimson Tide could have a job reversal because the underdog in opposition to No. 1-seeded North Carolina in Los Angeles. The Tar heels have gained 10 of their previous 11 video games and gained convincingly in opposition to Michigan State on Saturday to advance. It is going to be Alabama’s third journey to the Candy 16 in 4 seasons, however the Tide have only one Elite Eight journey in program historical past (2004).
What the loss means for Grand Canyon: The very best season in class historical past has come to an finish. After recording their first-ever NCAA event win in opposition to No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Friday, the Lopes’ athleticism benefit was now not there in opposition to Alabama. After reaching the event for the third time in 4 years underneath coach Bryce Drew, GCU has established itself as an up-and-coming, mid-major power within the West. The following step for GCU — and this may be troublesome — is to line up a more difficult nonconference schedule, because it would not get sufficient video games within the WAC to actually put together the college for the trials of the event. — Kyle Bonagura
With Mark Sears, Alabama emerges from the chaos: To anybody who watched Alabama for the primary time Sunday night time in its win over Grand Canyon, you didn’t see something new. All season, Alabama has been a crew with phenomenal scoring expertise, ample for a top-five mark in effectivity. However the Crimson Tide even have a sub-100 protection that you would be able to’t belief. That is why Sunday’s win was vital. Alabama has been in these eventualities a number of occasions this season, however it hasn’t at all times survived. But, Mark Sears (26 factors), the Ohio switch, carried this crew to back-to-back Candy 16 appearances whilst every part gave the impression to be working in opposition to the Crimson Tide. Grand Canyon shot 37 free throws. Alabama misplaced Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to a head damage within the first half. And Oats’ squad completed 8-for-31 from the 3-point line. In these circumstances, the Tide needed to discover out if they may lastly win a kind of ugly affairs. On Sunday, they did. — Medcalf
Donovan Clingan’s block turns right into a candy Tristen Newton and-1
UConn’s Donovan Clingan will get up for an emphatic block, and it turns right into a Tristen Newton acrobatic and-1 on the opposite finish of the ground.
Who can play with the Huskies? Northwestern was a crew that took Purdue, a No. 1 seed, to extra time twice and gained a kind of video games. It nonetheless by no means actually stood an opportunity in opposition to UConn on Sunday on the Barclays Middle. The Huskies had been too large, too athletic and too proficient for the Wildcats. It makes you marvel simply who can play with the defending nationwide champs if they create their A-game. The Huskies (33-3) have now gained their final eight video games within the NCAA event by double digits. It is the second-longest streak of all time, one shy of the nice 2000-01 Michigan State crew. Connecticut will probably be heavy favourite within the Candy 16. It must play a complete dud to lose there, with Iowa State (2) or Illinois (3) doubtlessly its solely actual check earlier than the Ultimate 4. With the best way that sophomore middle Donovan Clingan (14 factors, 14 rebounds, 8 blocks) is enjoying, it is doable this UConn crew is definitely higher than final yr’s nationwide champs. That’s bother for everybody else on their highway to a possible repeat.
What it means for UConn: The defending champs stay the heavy favorites to win all of it. They simply waltzed into the Candy 16 whereas barely breaking a sweat in opposition to Stetson and Northwestern. UConn confirmed they will do it in so many alternative methods. They led by as many as 30 in opposition to the Wildcats regardless of hitting simply 3 of twenty-two three-pointers (14%). However the Huskies protection was as soon as once more suffocating. They allowed lower than 60 factors of their first two video games of this event and their dimension is making it robust on everybody. Northwestern’s Boo Buie, the college’s all-time main scorer, did not even file his first made discipline objective till his eleventh try halfway by the second half on Sunday.
What it means for Northwestern: Their season as soon as once more involves an finish earlier than the Candy 16. That has been the case in every of the college’s solely three event appearances, the primary being in 2017 after coach Chris Collins took over. There isn’t a disgrace in shedding to Connecticut although. Be part of the membership. The Huskies had been the higher crew, and that confirmed from begin to end. The Wildcats (22-12) had been fully out of kinds offensively till halfway by the second half after successful a troublesome first-round recreation over FAU in extra time. Northwestern’s high two scorers, Buie and Brooks Barnhizer, mixed to shoot 0-for-14 within the first half in opposition to UConn. The Wildcats will probably be a unique wanting crew subsequent season with out Buie and grad switch Ryan Langborg. — Jordan Raanan
Historical past and the Huskies: UConn is attempting to turn into the primary crew to win two consecutive nationwide championships since Florida defended its title in 2007. By making it so far as the Candy 16, the Huskies have already outperformed most champions of the final 17 years. 5 defending champions since 2007 have reached a regional semifinal: Kansas in 2009, Duke in 2011, Louisville in 2014, the Blue Devils once more in 2016 and now UConn. No defending champion has superior to the Elite Eight because the Gators in 2007.
The Huskies have additionally averted one other pitfall. Of the 4 post-2007 champions that earned No. 1 seeds the next yr, three had been upset within the Spherical of 32: Villanova misplaced to Wisconsin in 2017, Baylor fell to North Carolina in 2022 and Kansas was defeated by Arkansas final yr. — John Gasaway
San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away for a hammer dunk
After a steal, San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee breaks away to the basket and throws down an enormous dunk.
Can Jaedon LeDee maintain carrying the Aztecs?: In his first 4 seasons of school basketball at Ohio State (2018-19), TCU (2019-20, 20-21) and SDSU (2022-23), Jaedon LeDee scored a complete of 601 factors. Recent off his 26-point efficiency within the win in opposition to Yale, LeDee is at 754 simply this season. Few gamers ever have made this type of year-over-year leap. He is a posterchild for growth in school basketball. School basketball legacies, nonetheless, are actually made this time of yr. That is the primary time SDSU has ever reached back-to-back Candy 16s, so it’s already in rarified air. LeDee will at all times be related to that. If the Aztecs win once more? That ensures legendary standing.
What the win means for San Diego State: After reaching the championship recreation final yr, this can be a stage of the event that the Aztecs anticipated to succeed in — particularly as soon as Yale upset Auburn. However now the stakes are raised: SDSU has to journey to Boston to play UConn, the event’s No. 1 total seed and the crew that beat them to win the nationwide title. Historical past repeats. Final yr, SDSU was a No. 5 seed, beat the No. 12 (Charleston), then a No. 13 (Furman) earlier than squaring off with the event’s No. 1 total seed (Alabama). For that motive, it might be foolish to put in writing off the Aztecs.
What the loss means for Yale: Yale bought its second. Its gamers will bear in mind the win in opposition to Auburn perpetually, a win that’s arguably the very best in program historical past. Towards SDSU, the Bulldogs had an off night time in opposition to a greater crew that was on its recreation. A nightmare mixture. They’ll take solace in the truth that as their recreation wound to a detailed there was solely 17 groups remaining within the tournaments. They will proceed to be a power within the Ivy League, which has proven nicely within the tournaments the previous two years. — Bonagura
Can San Diego State pull off a repeat of final season? San Diego State is in the identical precise spot within the bracket as final season. High-left area, 5-seed, about to play in opposition to the general 1-seed within the Candy 16. Final time round, the Aztecs erased a nine-point second-half result in topple Alabama and made a run all the best way to the nationwide championship. On Thursday, San Diego State could have a rematch in opposition to the crew that beat them in that title recreation as total 1-seed UConn awaits in Boston. Sunday’s win over Yale offered some optimism that the Aztecs’ vaunted protection hasn’t completely disappeared. Getting into the weekend, San Diego State ranked No. 73 within the nation in adjusted defensive effectivity over its previous six video games — a far cry from the top-10 models which have repeatedly been produced underneath coach Brian Dutcher. However on Sunday, SDSU held Yale to 37% capturing and 57 factors, their greatest defensive efficiency in weeks. — Jeff Borzello
Jared McCain nails 8 treys to assist propel Duke to Candy 16
Jared McCain scores 24 of his 30 factors from past the arc as Duke defeats James Madison 93-55.
Is Jared McCain the very best freshman within the event? He is a minimum of within the dialog, and would possibly even be on the high of the record after Colorado’s Cody Williams bought despatched dwelling Sunday. McCain, a 6-3 guard, got here into the event as Jonathan Givony’s Twentieth-ranked prospect for the 2024 NBA draft. If something, he has improved his inventory, particularly with the primary half he had in Sunday’s second-round blowout of a superb James Madison crew. McCain scored 22 factors within the first half in opposition to the Dukes, hitting 7 of 11 pictures and 6 of 8 3-pointers. He completed with 30 factors, going 8-of-11 from past the arc, regardless of sitting the ultimate seven-plus minutes. It was fairly the efficiency, probably the most factors by any participant through the first half of this yr’s event. It got here on the heels of a 15-point, six-rebound efficiency within the opening spherical in opposition to Vermont. McCain was just a few inches from that being a giant scoring night time as nicely. He had two or three 3-pointers midway down earlier than they popped out in that contest. That is what the Blue Devils want from McCain to make a giant run within the event.
What it means for Duke: The Blue Devils reached their twenty ninth Candy 16 because it formally started in 1975. Solely North Carolina (31) has extra. Duke goes into the Candy 16 with confidence after blitzing James Madison with a dominant effort, led by McCain. Nevertheless it was greater than that. Duke outrebounded the Dukes 21-13 within the opening half, moved the ball nicely whereas aiding on 11 of 17 discipline objectives and performed suffocating protection that resulted in 5 steals. That continued within the second half because the Blue Devils’ lead ballooned to as a lot as 38. A few of that was from hitting 14 of 28 from past the arc on this recreation. If this model of Duke reveals up the remainder of the best way, it is most likely able to successful a nationwide championship.
What it means for James Madison: The Dukes’ dream season concludes with 32 wins. That they had their second 14-game win streak of the yr finish Sunday within the second spherical of the event by the hands of a nationwide powerhouse. From the beginning, nothing went proper for James Madison. Main scorer Terrence Edwards Jr. picked up two fouls within the opening two minutes. Though the Dukes (32-4) failed to succeed in their first-ever Candy 16, this stays one in all their most profitable seasons in class historical past. — Raanan
Duke reveals youth can nonetheless win in 2024: When Kentucky was upset by Oakland within the spherical of 64, Wildcats head coach John Calipari mentioned the game of school basketball has modified. “Swiftly, it is gotten actually outdated,” he mentioned. “So we’re enjoying groups — our common age is nineteen. Their common age is 24 and 25.”
Calipari was appropriate in saying UK was younger this yr, with a mean age weighted for minutes of 20.7 years.
Coincidentally, Duke is similar age: 20.7. The Blue Devils are going to the Candy 16 two years after reaching the 2022 Ultimate 4 with a mean weighted age of 20.0.
Youth is now not the default method within the portal period. However when a rotation is each younger and proficient, it could possibly nonetheless win in March. — John Gasaway
Zach Edey drops a first-half double-double in Purdue’s rout
Zach Edey’s 23-point, 14-rebound efficiency powers Purdue to a blowout win over Utah State.
Is Purdue constructed for a deep run? The Boilermakers are greater than middle Zach Edey. Certain, Edey had a monstrous opening weekend and one other 20-point, 10-rebound efficiency Sunday. However Purdue additionally knocked down a ton of pictures from behind the arc. Purdue was 11-of-23 on its 3-point capturing. Myles Colvin hit three 3s coming off the bench and guards Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith and Lance Jones every had a minimum of one 3-pointer, together with the one Jones banked in proper earlier than halftime. That sort of capturing will maintain groups sincere as they fight to determine methods to cease Edey, who has been as dominant as marketed.
What the win means for Purdue: On Sunday, the Boilermakers confirmed what that they had been saying all weekend in Indianapolis. That is certainly a greater crew than final yr’s group that misplaced within the first spherical as a No. 1 seed. Purdue completely dominated a Utah State crew that thumped TCU within the first spherical. Now, the Boilermakers will advance to the Candy 16 and face a troublesome fifth-seeded Gonzaga crew in Detroit.
What the loss means for the Utah State Aggies: On Saturday, Purdue coach Matt Painter praised first-year Utah State coach Danny Sprinkle for his crew’s communication. Painter initially referred to as Sprinkle among the finest younger coaches within the recreation earlier than eradicating the age qualifier. The consensus seems to be that Utah State’s program is in good arms with the 47-year-old after successful its first NCAA event recreation in 23 years. — Ben Child
Sprinkle’s subsequent job will probably be …: Although the ultimate recreation of the season will not be remembered fondly, Sprinkle produced an unimaginable first-year teaching efficiency at Utah State. The Aggies did not return a single level per recreation from final season, however Sprinkle led them to their first Mountain West regular-season title in program historical past after which their first NCAA event win since 2001. This was Sprinkle’s third consecutive journey to the Huge Dance, after he went back-to-back with Montana State. Nevertheless it’s more likely to be solely a one-year layover in Logan for Sprinkle. He has been strongly linked to the emptiness at Washington, though athletic director Troy Dannen departing for Nebraska might depart the door open. If Sprinkle does depart, can Utah State strike gold once more with its subsequent teaching rent? The Aggies’ previous three hires had been Craig Smith, Ryan Odom and Sprinkle — who all led this system to the NCAA event in a short time and had been pursued by greater faculties virtually instantly. — Borzello
Tyler Kolek weaves by the paint and hits a clutch bucket
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek races across the protection and drops in a clean shot over Colorado’s Eddie Lampkin.
Is Tyler Kolek the very best guard within the nation? Maybe. When Marquette wanted a spark within the second half, it went to Kolek each time. As Colorado clawed again from an 11-point halftime deficit and compelled the Golden Eagles to take the lead again, Kolek assisted or scored on almost each journey down the ground. He completed with 21 factors and 11 assists, his second double-double in as many video games this weekend. If Kolek is scoring and creating at this degree, Marquette will probably be in each recreation for the remainder of the event.
What the win means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles are headed to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2013. For the second straight yr, Marquette was a 2-seed within the event. This time, nonetheless, coach Shaka Sensible’s crew averted being bounced through the first weekend. Marquette will face 11-seed NC State within the Dallas Regional and can attempt to cool off the Wolfpack, who went on a run to win the ACC event and at the moment are attempting to be the most recent double-digit seed to wreak havoc on the bracket.
What the loss means for Colorado: The Buffaloes had been just a few buckets away from reaching the Candy 16 for the primary time within the trendy period. Freshman Cody Williams, who battled accidents all yr, is probably going headed to the NBA as a possible lottery choose. But when KJ Simpson returns for an additional season, Colorado could have an vital participant for a possible tourney run in 2025. — Ben Child
Marquette’s guards give them an opportunity to get to Phoenix: There won’t be a pair of guards within the nation enjoying higher than Kolek and Kam Jones. Jones has been on an unimaginable offensive run over the previous month, averaging 23.8 factors and capturing 52.2% from 3-point vary in his previous 10 video games — together with three 30-point outings. Within the first half Sunday, he scored 16 factors in 14 minutes earlier than foul bother pressured him to the bench. However that merely allowed Kolek to take over. His second half was a masterclass in manipulating the protection, attending to his spots and consistently discovering methods to make use of his left hand for finishes within the lane.
The six video games Kolek sat due to an indirect damage have been massively useful; he is averaging 19.5 factors and 11.0 assists in his two NCAA event video games. If Kolek and Jones proceed enjoying like this, they will get Marquette to its first Ultimate 4 since Tom Crean and Dwyane Wade managed the feat in 2003. A Kolek vs. Jamal Shead battle within the Elite Eight could be a matchup between the 2 greatest level guards within the nation. — Borzello