Were you unable to keep up with the Sweet 16 action this past weekend? You sure did miss some great college basketball action. Here is a region by region recap:
West:
Arizona (1)/San Diego State (4)-
In a back and forth game, Arizona used their tough and gritty defense to come out on top. Nick Johnson put an awful first half behind him, scoring 10 crucial points during a key stretch. The final score of 70-64 was indicative of the intense action.
Wisconsin (2)/Baylor (6)-
The Baylor Bears tried utilizing their zone defenses and athleticism to counter the strength and range of the Wisconsin Badgers. Unfortunately for them, Frank Kaminsky and company proved to be too much. The Badgers came out on top, winning by 17 points.
Arizona (1)/Wisconsin (2)-
This game lived up to the hype any matchup between the top two seeds should. 40 minutes wasn’t enough, as this game needed overtime to decide a winner. Frank Kaminsky came up huge for the Badgers, hitting the eventual game winning jump shot. Yay for the Big 10!
South:
Florida (1)/UCLA (4)-
What happens when an efficient defense plays an efficient offense? The Gators proved they can slow down the offense of the highly effective Bruins, while the Bruins didn’t have enough to outsmart their opponent’s defense. The Gators have been to the Elite 8 for 3 straight years.
Dayton (11)/Stanford (10)-
Who does the glass slipper fit? The Flyers received quality minutes from everyone on their team, and proved too much for the Cardinal. Living up to their name, the Flyers were seemingly everywhere on the court, with endless energy throughout the game. The win sent the whole city of Dayton into a frenzy.
Florida (1)/Dayton (11)-
Dayton gave the Gators all they could handle for a half. Whatever coach Billy Donovan said to his players at halftime was magic, as Florida showed their mixture of talent and chemistry was too much for the Cinderella Flyers. Gators win by 10.
East:
Virginia (1)/MSU (4)-
The Cavalier defense, giving up 55 points per game, hadn’t played a healthy group of Spartans before. Although they gave it their best efforts, it wasn’t enough for the always tough Spartans. This was back and forth all game. Sparty wins, 61-59.
Iowa State (3)/Connecticut (7)-
The Huskies have DeAndre Daniels. The Cyclones don’t. This proved to be the difference in this game. It isn’t unfamiliar to see a player get on fire during a game, or games, and not cool off. Uonn wins, 81-76.
MSU (4)/Connecticut (7)-
This was definitely not the best college basketball game ever. Both teams endured multiple scoring droughts, physical play, and back and forth action. The Spartans were unable to overcome the Shabazz Napier, as her carried the Huskies to the Final Four. The final score was 60-54 in what was a de facto home game for UConn.
Midwest:
Louisville (4)/Kentucky (8)-
You want a rivalry? Here is a classic one for you: both from the Bluegrass State, these two teams absolutely hate each other. This was classic youth versus experience, with the youth of the Wildcats finally meshing together. This is what we call an instant classic.
Michigan (2)/Tennessee (11)-
The Wolverines jumped out quickly, but the Volunteers cut their deficit almost as quickly. The game came down to a questionable call, in favor of Michigan, in the final seconds. They win by 2, 73-71. Go Big 10?
Michigan (2)/Kentucky (8)-
I have to admit after watching MSU lose, I was rooting for Kentucky here. The freshmen of the Wildcats keep coming together when it matters most. Julius Randle and the Harrison proved too much for Stauskas and Company. The Wolverines had the final shot, but fell up short, 75-72.
North Texas will be rocking with Badgers, Gators, Huskies, and Wildcats!
- Brandon -
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