In courtesy of Yahoo Sports
Monday April 7th, 2025: The Gators rallied from a 12 point deficit to take a 65-63 win over Houston. Florida wins 3rd National Championship in program history and it's their first since 2007. During the 1st half Richard drained a corner three pointer, 21-21. Toward the end of this half Williams Richard knocked down a three point J and it brought Florida within three, 28-31. Look, the Gators from the field (38%) and long distance (4 for 14) had a tough time getting baskets to fall. Their offensive rebounding was weak, and they lost control of the ball (8) way too many times. Now they did damage in the paint (12) and executed at the free throw line (2 for 2). Were excellent on second chance opportunities (7) and delivered good passes. Defensively, they stopped the fast break and shutdown mid range attempts. Took away three pointers by closing out and eliminated second chance opportunities. Florida had 3 offensive rebounds, defense gained 8 assists, and they entered halftime behind 28-31. Switching to the 2nd half Haugh knocked Cryer's three pointers and in transition he sunk a contested one layup while getting fouled for a three point play 42-45. Florida was on an 8-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. With 7:54 left Walter Clayton Jr. hit a layup and was fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 48-48. Florida gets hot at random times of the game, and they've been doing it all tournament long. In conclusion, Aberdeen made two free throws, 65-63. Gators did damage in the paint (16) and made effective shots from the field (10 for 24, 41%). Were solid at charity stripe as well. Now they turned it over and slacked on the fast break (2). They simply made shots down the stretch. Had trouble on second chance opportunities (4) due to bad rebounding. Their defense gave away second chance opportunities and their paint protection lacked. Although, they executed off turnovers and used their quick hands to force takeaways. Denied the fast break and stopped three pointers by running Houston off the line. Made critical stops down the stretch too. Like for most of the 2nd half they forced Houston to take tough outside shots and barely allowed anything on the inside(meaning easy mid range attempts). Florida scored 10 points off turnovers while snagging 28 paint points, won 12 in a row and they moved up to a 36-4 record.
Houston blew their lead, and it led to a 63-65 loss against the Gators. The Cougars suffered a heartbreaking loss and it's back to the drawing board. By the way Houston's 18-Gane win streak ended. Midway into the 1st half Ja'Vier Francis sunk a mid range jumper, 20-16. So far Houston doing good at the point of attack. Then Francis blocked Micah Handlogten's shot attempt which allowed him to find Emmanuel Sharp and in transition he tossed an alley oop to Wilson who threw down the two handed jam, 26-21. Now with 1:37 to go L.J. Cryer buried a mid range jumper, 31-25. At this time Houston had 13 made field goals with 1 turnover. The Cougars for the most part shot the ball poorly from the field (38%) and failed to knockdown three's (2 for 14). They were terrible on the fast break(0) and showed poor execution on second chance opportunities (0) due to bad rebounding. Poor ball movement too. Luckily, they dominated in the paint(16) and kept turnovers (2) in check. Their defense turned away three pointers and shutdown mid range attempts. Also denied the fast break and utilized some of their quick hands(4) mixed in with quality pressure to cause turnovers. Earned points off turnovers too. Now they allowed paint points and couldn't stop second chance opportunities. Houston's defense secured 5 blocked shots, dished out 3 assists and went into halftime leading 31-28. Moving to the 2nd half Cryer laced a three point jumper, 48-42. With over 5 minutes to go Emmanuel Sharp launched a three point jumper, 56-53. Late in this half Cryer knocked down a layup, 62-60. The Cougars weren't shooting the ball all that well from the field(10 for 31, 32%) and couldn't capitalize behind the arc(4 for 11, 36%). They did tremendous on second chance opportunities(6) due to excellent rebounding and capitalized at the free throw line. Were efficient in the paint(10) as well. Their issues were mainly on the fast break(4) and behind the arc (2 for 10). Defending mid range attempts was difficult and they allowed paint points. Making stops down the stretch just wasn't in there favor in the end. Now they limited second chance and fast break opportunities. Restricted three pointers and utilized their pressure to earn turnovers. Houston tallied 24 paint points with 8 second chance scores, had 9 points off takeaways and they fell to a 35-5 record.
In courtesy of AZCentral
Sunday March 30th, 2025: Houston picked up a 69-50 Victory, over Tennessee. The Cougars win streak hit 17 straight and their going to the Final Four for the first time since 2021. During the 1st half L.J. Cryer drained a layup and it gave Houston a 15-4 lead. Houston was on an 11-2 run due to quick defensive stops and the offense capitalized in transition. As time was dwlinding down Terrance Arceneaux buried a three pointer, 22-6. The Cougars from the field(41%) off good ball movement got shots to fall effectively and did damage in the paint(16) as players cut to the rim. Capitalized on second chance opportunities(11) due to excellent rebounding and did great at the free throw line(1 for 1). Low turnovers(1) too. Too bad they showed poor execution behind the arc(3 for 10) and struggled on the fast break(0). Defensively, they put a strain on mid range and three point attempts. Took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Not to mention their paint protection was excellent due to clogging lanes. Houston tallied 6 assists, earned 8 offensive rebounds and they went into halftime leading 34-15. Heading to the 2nd half Joseph Tugler on a Cryer pass dropped a layup, 41-23. 7:43 left Cryer sunk a one handed mid range jumper, 50-38. The ultimate dagger came when Sharp delivered a three point jumper, 62-44. Cougars made effective shots from the field(13 for 30, 43%) and attacked the paint(14). They also exceuted great ball movement and took advantage of their second chance opportunities(8) due to good rebounding. Low turnovers(2) and capitalized at the free throw line(3 for 3). Now they had a difficult time on the fast break(0) and slacked beyond three point territory(5 for 13, 33%). Defense stopped three pointers by running Volunteers off the line and reduced the fast break. Put a strain on second chance opportunities and restricted mid range attempts. They also used their quick hands (4 steals) to cause turnovers. Now they got punished in the paint but that was about it. Houston added 30 points in the paint with 3 total turnovers, were 9 of 25 from long distance while snagging 19 second chance buckets and they moved up to a 33-4 record.
Tennessee took a gut-wrenching 50-69 loss facing Houston. The Volunteers have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and their 3-Game win streak ended. So in the middle of the 1st Chaz Lanier sunk a mid range jumper but they Tennessee trailed 8-22. Pushing to the end of this half Zakai Ziegler would bury a three pointer, 15-34. This was the Volunteers first three pointer of the half. Volunteers from the field(21%) shot the ball poorly and they slacked behind the arc(1 for 15). Were poor on second chance opportunities(4) and lacked on the fast break(0). Were weak in the paint(6). Luckily they had great ball protection(4) and their offensive rebounding was good. Defensively, they got ridged in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. Allowed second chance opportunities too. Now they found ways to limit the fast break and denied three pointers. Tennessee was 2 of 4 at the free throw line, had 5 assists with 6 offensive boards and they entered halftime trailing 15-34. Now in the 2nd half Tennessee cut Houston's lead to 16 after Lanier knocked down a three, 20-36. Now with 1:36 to go Lanier drilled a three point jumper, 50-65. Volunteers had issues getting shots to fall from the field(9 for 24, 37%) and three point territory(4 for 14). Lacked on the fast break(0) and struggled on second chance opportunities(4) due to bad rebounding. Had poor ball protection(5) too. Luckily they dominated in the paint(10) and did much better at the free throw line. Defense had trouble containing mid range attempts and allowed paint points. Surrendered second chance opportunities as well. They did find ways to restrict the fast break. Now Volunteers did allow some three pointers but overall they did a good job of closing out effectively and forcing missed buckets. Tennessee had 16 paint points while turning it over 9 times, finished 5 of 29 beyond three point territory and they fell to a 30-8 record.
In courtesy of Gainesville Sun
Saturday March 29th, 2025: The Gators rallied late and took an 84-79 Victory, over Texas Tech. Florida won 10 straight and advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2014. In the 1st half Haugh knocked down a three point jumper, 13-11. This would be the Gators first lead. Then Haugh in transition off a steal hammered down the one handed jam, 32-31. Florida was getting good shots off. Late in this half Martin made two free throws, 40-35. Florida made effective shots from the field(45%) and attacked the paint(16). They also exceuted great ball movement and did solid at the free throw line(10 for 10). Rarely turned it over(3) and did well on second chance opportunities(5) due to quality rebounding. Too bad they slacked on the fast break(0) and three pointers weren't dropping(4 for 11). Their defense gave away second chance opportunities and their paint protection lacked. Allowed three pointers because they closed out slowly. You need to be able to takeaway those perimeters and make sure the shooter has no time to get the ball off. Doesn't help ethier that they couldn't defend mid range attempts. Luckily they stopped the fast break. The Gators tallied 8 assists, picked up 2 blocks and they went into halftime leading 40-37. So halfway into the 2nd Florida took the lead after Clayton Jr. sunk two free throws, 51-50. Eventually, Florida came within 3 after Haugh nailed a three pointer, 72-75. In the end, Richard made two game ending free throws, 84-79. Florida made solid shots from the field(12 for 28, 42%) on good ball movement and attacked the paint. Were excellent at the free throw line. Simply got shots to drop in crunch time. Now their ball protection was poor and they struggled behind the arc(5 for 13, 38%). Again they got some three's to drop but their percentage was bad. Defense closed out three pointers by running Louisville off the line and put a strain on the fast break. Although, they surrenderd second chance opportunities and gave up paint points. Had issues defending mid range attempts as well. Florida tallied 30 paint points, lost the ball 9 times and they moved up to a 34-4 record.
Texas Tech blew a 10-point lead and it led to a 79-84 loss facing the Gators. The Red Raiders were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and their 4-Game win streak ended. Midway into the 1st half Darrion Williams drained a layup and gave Texas Tech the lead, 21-19. Few possessions later Hawkins hit a step back three, 24-19. Texas Tech was on a 8-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Now with a 1:32 left Darrion Williams launched mid range jumper, 35-36. Texas Tech did damage in the paint(14) and made effective shots from the field(40%). Got quality three pointers(7 for 16, 44%) to drop and kept turnovers minimal.(3) Simply found the open seems and got better shots off. Also capitalized on second chance opportunities(13) due to good rebounding. Now they showed poor execution on the fast break(0) and had trouble at the free throw line(2 for 6). Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. Allowed second chance opportunities as well. They did takeaway the fast break and shutdown three pointers. Ran Florida off the line. Texas Tech dished out 7 assists, earned 2 steals and they gogged into halftime trailing 37-40. Transitioning to the 2nd half Texas Tech evened the score after Darrion Williams made a mid range jumper, 42-52. Minutes later, Darrion Williams delivered a three point jumper, 45-42. Texas Tech was on a 8-0 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Texas Tech started pulling away a little after Williams got a one handed mid range jumper to fall, 61-55. Red Raiders were on an 11-2 run thanks to the defense to making stops and the offense capitalized in transition. Toward the end of this half Williams buried a layup, 77-75 with 1:18 to go. The Red Raiders got effecient shots to fall from the field(17 for 37, 45%) and generated space off excellent ball movement. Turnovers(4) were protected and dominated on second chance opportunities due to great rebounding. However, they remained terrible at the free throw line and lacked on the fast break(0). Defensively, they were tormented in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. At least they took away three pointers by closing out effectively and stopped second chance opportunities. Denied the fast break too. Just couldn't make stops down the stretch. Texas Tech gained 23 second chance buckets with 7 turnovers, had 38 points in the paint while finishing 10 of 27 behind the arc and they dropped to a 28-9 record.
In courtesy of Detroit Free Press
Friday March 28th, 2025: Ole Miss blew their 10-point lead and it led to a 70-73 loss to Michigan State. The Rebels were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and they still have 0 Elite Eight appearances in program history. In the middle of the 1st half Murray hit a three point jumper which gave Ole Miss an 18-11 lead. Ole Miss was on an 8-1 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. After that, Murray knocked down layup, 20-14. Rebels made solid shots from the field(42%) on good ball movement and attacked the paint(18). Capitalized on second chance opportunities(7) due to good rebounding and executed at the free throw line(3 for 4). Rarely turned it over(4) too. Three's weren't dropping(29%) and they struggled on the fast break(0). Their defense had trouble reducing mid range attempts and let three pointers drop. Allowed paint points as well. Luckily they found ways to deny second chance and fast break opportunities. Used their quick mixed in with some defensive pressure to cause turnovers. Also gained points off turnovers. Ole Miss defense had 5 steals, earned 7 assists while securing 9 points off takeaways and they enetred halftime up 33-31. During the 2nd half Brate over Carr hit a mid range jumper, 37-35. Halfway into the 2nd Pedulla delivered a three point jumper, 53-53. Then at the buzzer Murrell drilled a three pointer, 70-73. The Rebels for the most part shot the ball poorly from the field(13 for 33, 39%) and failed to knockdown three's(5 for 13, 38%). Matched Michigan State basket for basket too. Now they took advantage of their second chance opportunities(6) due to excellent rebounding and executed on the fast break(11). Hardly turned it over(4) and they made it count at the free throw line. Did damage in the paint(12) Defense had trouble defending mid range attempts and got beat down in the paint. Now they restricted three pointers by running Minnesota off the line and shutdown second chance points. Kept the fast break low. Just couldn't make critical stops down the stretch. Ole Miss had 30 total paint points with 13 second chance buckets, finished 9 of 27 behind the arc and they fell to a 24-12 record.
Michigan State in a nail-biter defeated Ole Miss 73-70. The Spartans moved on to the Elite Eight and it's their 2nd trip since 2023. Halfway into the 1st Fiddler made a contested layup and in the process got fouled for a three point play, 17-22. Now with 3:36 left Richardson drained a three point jumper, 22-29. Later on Jaden Akins would bury a three point jumper, 31-33. Firstly, Spartans buried mid range(44%) attempts (44%). Attacked the paint(10) and executed at the free throw line(6 for 8). They found the seems due to Arkansas's slow closing. They were able to find the seems and get better shots off. Too bad they had trouble on second chance opportunities(4) due to bad rebounding and slacked on the fast break(0). Lost control of the ball too(7). Defensively, they were tormented in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. Surrendered second chance scores as well. At least they stopped the fast break and denied three pointers. Michigan State tallied 9 assists, snagged 3 offensive rebounds and they jogged into halftime behind 31-33. So in the 2nd half Jase Richardson on a Fears pass laced a corner three, 47-48. Michigan State was on a 8-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized quickly in transition. Eventually, Michigan State would gain their first lead after Carson Cooper made two free throws, 51-50. Minutes later, Fears Jr. forced a steal off Pedulla's bad pass and found Carr who in transition hammered down a one handed jam, 59-58. In the end, Holloman sunk two free throws, 73-67. Michigan State did damage in the paint(16) and made effective shots from the field(13 for 25, 52%). Also kept turnovers low(3) and got to the free throw line. Now they had trouble behind the arc(1 for 10, 10%) and lacked on the fast break(3). First and foremost the defense restricted mid range attempts. Now Spartans did allow some three pointers but overall they did a good job of closing out effectively and forcing missed buckets. Now they permitted second chance and fast break opportunities. Michigan State had 36 paint points while adding 6 second chance scores, ended 6 of 17 beyond three point territory and they moved up to a 30-6 record.
In courtesy of Rivals Alabama
Thursday March 27th, 2025: Sears 34 point performance lifted Alabama to a 113-88 win over BYU. The Crimson Tide moved on to the elite 8 for a 2nd straight year and they shattered the three point record with 25 made. They'll face Duke in the next round as well. Now midway into the 1st half Sears knocked down a three pointer, 21-17. Later on Sears buried a three point jumper, 41-32. This was Sears 5th made three of the half. With 1:45 to go Sears passed the ball to Omouruyi who hammered down the slam, 50-38. Crimson Tide got three pointers to fall and buried mid range attempts. They simply found the seems due to Arkansas's slow closing. They were able to find the seems and get better shots off. Got to the free throw line as well. Despite that, scoring on the fast break(0) was difficult and they slacked on second chance opportunities(3) due to bad rebounding. Slacked in the paint(8) and turned the ball over(5). Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. Allowed second chance opportunities too. Outside of that, they put a strain on the fast break and stopped three pointers. Used their quick hands(5) mixed with some defensive pressure which resulted in turnovers. Alabama tallied 9 assists, posted 1 block shot and they went into halftime leading 51-40. Switching to the 2nd half Mark Sears drianed a three point J, 63-47. Midway into this half Stevenson got to the rack for a layup, 75-61. In the end, Sears launched a three pointer, 100-77. This was Sears 10th made three. Crimson Tide made quality shots from the field(18 for 42%) and three point territory(13 for 24, 54%). Good ball movement too. Did damage on on second chance opportunities(8) due to good rebounding and they got to the free throw line. Too bad they turned it over(6) and struggled on the fast break(0). Were terrible in the paint(8). Defensively, they were tormented in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. Gave away paint second chance opportunities as well. Now Crimson Tide did allow some three pointers but overall they did a good job of closing out effectively and forcing missed buckets. Shutdown the fast break as well. Bama had 16 paint points with 13 turnovers, scored 11 second chance buckets and they moved up to a 28-8 record.
BYU was annihilated 88-113 facing Alabama. The Cougars were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and they haven't been to an elite 8 since 1981. During the 1st half Traore delivered a reverse layin, 23-24. Then with 4:37 left Egor Demlin dropped a mid range jumper, 34-41. Toward the end of the half Saunders made two free throws, 40-50. Cougars made solid shots from the field on good ball movement and attacked the paint. Did excellent on second chance opportunities(7) due to quality rebounding and they capitalized at the free throw line(3 for 3). They struggled behind the arc(1 for 12) and turnovers bunched up(7). Were sluggish on the fast break(0) too. Their defense allowed three pointers because they closed out slowly. You need to be able to takeaway those perimeter and make sure the shooter has no time to get the ball off. Had trouble reducing mid range attempts as well. Luckily they denied the fast break and restricted the paint by clogging lanes. Not to mention they utilzed their quick hands(5) with some defensive pressure to cause turnovers. BYU dished out 9 assists, had 5 offensive rebounds and they entered halftime behind 40-51. Now in ealry in the 2nd half Demin made a contested layup and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 52-63. Minutes later, Demin laced a three point jumper, 55-63. BYU was on an 8-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Now with 6:06 remaining Kelta would bury a mid range jumper, 81-100. BYU did damage in the paint and made effective shots from the field(16 for 35, 45%). Also got to the free throw line and capitalized on second chance opportunities(7) due to good rebounding. Turnovers were minimal(4) and they capitalized in the paint(22). However, they showed poor execution on the fast break(0). Now they got some three's(5 for 17, 29%) to drop but overall their percentage was terrible! For the defense they allowed three pointers and defending mid range attempts was difficult. Gave away second chance opportunities as well. At least they denied the fast break and their paint protection was excellent. Used their quick hands(5) which resulted in turnovers. BYU earned 50 paint points while turning it over 11 times, had 18 second chance scores and they fell to a 26-10 record.
In courtesy of YouTube
Saturday March 22nd, 2025: McNeese State fought to the very end but they still suffered a 62-76 beating to Purdue. Don't forget they trailed by 26 at one point in time, so this game was far from close. Outside of that, they have now been eliminated from the NCAA tournament. Halfway into number 1 Sincere Parker delivered a mid range jumper but McNeese State still trailed, 10-20. Thereafter, Copeland threw down the a slam, 16-36. Keep note this would be the Cowboys first made basket in 8 minutes. After that, Shumate knocked down a layup, 20-38. The Cowboys for the most part shot the ball poorly from the field(31) and failed to knockdown three's(2 for 12, 17%) They were terrible on the fast break(0) and did little to no damage in the paint(6). They turned it over(6) and ball movement was poor. However, they executed on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding (5). Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. They did manage to stop second chance and fast break opportunities. Utilized some their quick hands mixed in with quality pressure to force turnovers. Now McNeese State did allow some three pointers but overall they did a good job of closing out effectively and forcing missed buckets. McNeese State was had 3 assists, were 2 for 4 at the free throw line and they entered halftime behind 20-38. In the 2nd half McNeese State started making a push after Sincere Parker drove in a three pointer, 35-53. McNeese State was on a 7-0 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Afterwards, Brandon Murray stole the ball and found T'Johnn Brown in transition who hammered down the jam, 62-76. McNeese State got effecient shots to fall from the field(17 for 30, 56%) and generated space off excellent ball movement. They executed on the fast break(8) and dominated in the paint. Now they were struggling on second chance opportunities (4) due to weak rebounding and turned it over(5). Were terrible at the free throw line as well. For the defense they allowed three pointers and defending mid range attempts was difficult. They were crunched in the paint and allowed fast break points. Although, they denied second chance opportunities and used quick hands(8 steals) to cause turnovers. Did great at scoring points off turnovers. McNeese State had 24 paint points with 9 second chance buckets, ended 7 of 21 behind the arc while the defense scored 16 points off turnovers and they fell to a 28-7 record.
Purdue routed McNeese State 76-62. Don't let the final score fool you because this game was beating for the Cowboys. Anyways, the Boilermakers moved on to the Sweet 16 for a second straight season and they'll face Houston(#1 seed). During the 1st half Heide dropped off a three point jumper, 20-8. Off to great shooting start for Purdue. Then later on C.J. Cox drained a three pointer and it pushed Purdue's lead to 30-14. Purdue did damage in the paint(14) and made effective shots from the field(46%) Also got to the free throw line(6 for 6). Now they had trouble on second chance opportunities(3) due to bad rebounding and were frail on the fast break(0). Now Purdue made three pointers but percentage wise they were terrible(6 for 16, 38%). Lost control of the ball as well(6). Defense stopped three pointers by running the Cowboys off the line and reduced the fast break. Defended the paint and restricted mid range attempts. Not to mention they used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Too bad they allowed second chance scores. Purdue dished out 9 assists, had 4 steals and they went into halftime up 38-20. Transitioning to the 2nd half Kaufman Renn hit a layup and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 59-39. The ultimate dagger came late in this half after Kaufman Renn layed it up, 73-57. Purdue sparked a 7-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized quickly in transition. Boilermakers made quality shots from the field(10 for 23, 43%) and three point territory(5 for 11, 45%). Executed good ball movement and did damage in the paint(10). Don't forget they capitalized on the fast break(6) and did well at the free throw line. Too bad they were sluggish on second chance opportunities(1) due to bad rebounding and lost the ball a lot(11). Their defense had trouble reducing mid range attempts and let three pointers drop. Gave away fast break opportunities and paint protection was poor. Luckily they stopped second chance scores and used some their quick hands(2 steals) which resulted in turnovers. Also at high rate they scored points off turnovers. Purdue secured 24 paint points with 17 turnovers, gained 16 points off 11 giveaways while ending 11 of 26 from deep and they moved up to a 24-11 record.
In courtesy of YouTube
Thursday March 20th, 2025: Creighton routed Louisville by a final score of 83-75. Creighton moved on to the next round and they'll face Auburn(#1 seed). By the way don't let the score fool you because this was a blowout. During the midway point of the 1st half Jamiya Neal tossed an alley oop to Kalkbrenner who threw down the slam, 25-21. Then Jackson McAndrew on a Jamiya pass delivered three point jumper, 40-25. Creighton sparked a 12-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Don't forget Creighton started this game 0 of 5 from deep but since then they've gone 7 for 9. So nice turnaround. Toward the end of the half Jamiya Neal laced a three point J, 47-27. Creighton was on a 19-2 run due to the defense making stops and the offense capitalized quickly in transition. Creighton did damage in the paint(16) and made effective shots from the field(57%). Also got to the free throw line(86%) and capitalized on second chance opportunities(8) due to good rebounding. Got quality three pointers(9 for 16, 56%) to drop as well. Now they did turn it over(6) and struggled on the fast break(0). Saint John's stopped three pointers and eliminated the fast break. Stopped second chance opportunities as well. Although, defending mid range attempts was tough and their paint protection was terrible. Creighton scored 2 points off turnovers, dished out 9 assists and they entered halftime leading 49-34. Pushing to the 2nd half Steven Ashworth laced a three point jumper which gave Creighton a 61-44 lead. Now the ultimate dagger came late in the 2nd half after Neal made a mid range jumper, 77-61. Blue Jays from the field(15 for 26, 57%) off good ball movement got shots to fall effectively and did damage in the paint(16) as players cut to the rim. Kept turnovers minimal(4) and were excellent at the free throw line. Too bad they were sluggish behind the arc(2 for 8) and lacked on the fast break(0). Their defense had trouble reducing mid range attempts and permitted second chance scores. Defending the paint was poor as well. Luckily they closed out three pointers by running Louisville off the line and put a strain on the fast break. Creighton finished 11 of 24 beyond three territory, had 36 paint points with 12 second chance scores and they moved up to a 24-10 record.
Louisville took a 75-83 loss to Creighton. The Cardinals were eliminated from the NCAA tournament and will look to head back to the drawing board for next season.
So in the 1st half Louisville came within two after Terrance Edwards Jr. buried a mid range jumper, 21-23. Couple possessions later Hadley drained a contested layup, 25-28. Later on with 2 seconds left Hepburn knocked down a three pointer, 34-49. Cardinals made solid shots from the field(41%) and attacked the paint(16). Capitalized at the free throw line(2 for 2) and kept turnovers minimized(3). However, they were disastrous on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding(2) and slacked on the fast break(0). Need to have better ball movement moving forward. Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. They couldn't stop second chance opportunities and allowed three pointers to drop. Now they denied the fast break and utilized some of their quick hands(3) mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Louisville secured 3 assists, earned 7 points off turnovers and matched into halftime behind 34-49. Switching to the 2nd half Noah Waterman would bury a three point J, 40-56. Now with 8:16 to go Waterman hit a wide open three pointer, 57-71. So in the latter stages of this half Hadley hammered down the slam, 63-79. The Cardinals from the field(16 for 36, 44%) off good ball movement got quality shots to fall and executed in the paint(24). They were effective at the free throw line and kept turnovers in check(2). Now they got slowed down on the fast break(0) and three's weren't dropping(4 for 16). Defensively, they shutdown second chance and fast break opportunities. Louisville also limited three pointers by closing out effectively. Now they couldn't defend mid range attempts and were tormented in the paint. Louisville went 8 of 29 from long distance, tallied 40 paint points with 5 turnovers and they stumbled down to a 27-7 record.
In courtesy of YouTube
Wednesday March 19th, 2025: American University suffered a heartbreaking 72-83 loss facing Mount St. Mary's. The Eagles have been eliminated for the Play-in. So early in the 1st half American forced a tie after Jones hit a layup, 20-20. Now with 2:49 left Greg Jones sunk a layup and it brought American within three, 36-39. Thereafter, Elijah Stephens made a mid range jumper, 38-45 with 19 seconds left. American did damage in the paint and made effective shots from the field(56%). Also capitalized on second chance opportunities(8) due to good rebounding and they knocked down three's(8 of 17, 47%). Now they turned it over(8) a bunch and slacked on the fast break(0). Had their issues at the free throw line(0 for 2) as well. Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. Allowed three pointers to drop. Outside of that, they stoped second chance opportunities and reduced the fast break. Also utilized some of their quick hands(1) mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. American 4 offensive boards, dished out 8 assists and they entered halftime behind 38-48. Pushing to the 2nd half Eric Michaels delivered a mid range hook inside the paint, 42-50. Toward the end of this half American University got in a 7-0 run after Lincoln Ball, 70-81. This was was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized quickly in transition. Eagles from the field(12 for 30, 40%) off good ball movement got shots to fall effectively and did damage in the paint as players cut to the rim(12). Executed on the fast break(11) and got to the free throw line. Now they turned it over(5) and struggled on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding(3). Made three pointers(5 for 18, 27%) but their percentage was still poor. Defense stopped three pointers by running American off the line and reduced the fast break. Put a strain on second chance opportunities and used some of their quick hands mixed in quality pressure to cause turnovers. Now they couldn't stop mid range attempts and allowed paint points. The Eagles finished 13 of 35 behind the arc, were 5 of 6 at the free throw line while turning it over 13 times and they fell to a 22-13 record.
Mount St. Mary's picked up an 83-72 Victory, over American University. The Mountaineers moved on to the round of 64 and they'll face Duke(#1 seed). With 11:32 to go Mount St. Mary's briefly broke the tie after Dallas Hobbs buried a nicely made layup, 22-20. Then Mount St. Mary's secured a 7-0 run thanks to a Jedy Cordilia layup, 36-28. This run was sparked thanks to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Afterwards, Dallas Hobbs would sink a three point jumper, 48-38. Mountaineers got three pointers(6 for 14, 43%) to fall and buried mid range attempts(61%). Attacked the paint(22) and got to the free throw line(8 for 9). Now they were frail on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding(4) and couldn't get going on the fast break(0). Turned it over(5) quiet a bit. Their defense had trouble reducing mid range attempts and let three pointers drop. Allowed second chance opportunities and surrenderd paint points. Mountaineers tallied 3 steals, earned 3 offensive rebounds and they went into halftime up 48-38. Heading to the 2nd half Adebayo on a Ervin pass hammered down the jam, 68-51. The Mountaineers were in a 12-0 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored capitalized in transition. In conclusion, Arlandus Keyes knocked down two free throws, 83-72. Mount St. Mary's were getting consistent shots to fall from the field(13 for 24, 54%) and found the open guy with solid passes. Sent traffic in the paint(18) by constantly attacking and did tremendous at the free throw line. They did struggle on second chance opportunities due to in-effective rebounding(3) and showed poor execution on the fast break(2). Lost control of the ball(6) and three pointers(3 for 8) weren't dropping. Defending mid range attempts was difficult and they were torched in the paint. Permitted fast break scores as well. Although, they took away second chance and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to force turnovers. Now Mountaineers did allow some three pointers but overall they did a good job of closing out effectively and forcing missed buckets. Mount St. Mary's ended 9 of 22 beyond three point territory, had 40 paint points with 6 defensive steals and they moved up to a 23-12 record.
In courtesy of Doniphan Herald
Tuesday March 18th, 2025: Saint Francis suffered a 68-70 loss against Alabama State. Red Flash were eliminated from the NCAA play in and it's back to the drawing board. Midway into the 1st half Riley Parker drianed a three point jumper, 24-20. Later on Parker with 1:14 to go buried a three pointer jumper, 39-30. Saint Francis made quality shots from the field(59%) and three point territory(6 for 12, 50%). Attacked the paint(10) and got to the free throw line. Too bad they were insufficient on second chance opportunities(0) due to bad rebounding and executed poorly on the fast break(0). Turned it over far too much(9). Defensively, they were tormented in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. Luckily they took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Denied three pointers by running Alabama State off the line. Saint Francis 0 offensive rebounds, had 5 points off turnovers while going 7 of 10 at the charity stripe and they went into halftime leading 39-34. Switching to the 2nd half Saint Francis extended their lead after Clayville knocked down a layup, 57-54. Toward the end of this half with 42 seconds left Chris Moncrief hit a step back three pointer, 68-68. Moncrief Saint Francis was getting consistent shots to fall from the field(11 for 26, 42%) and found the open guy with solid passes. Sent traffic in the paint(10) by constantly attacking and did tremendous at the free throw line. Although, they were slacking on second chance opportunities due to weak rebounding and showed frailness on the fast break(0). Were struggling beyond three point territory(4 for 10) and turned it over(5). Just matched Alabama State basket for basket. Defensively, they got plowed in the paint and couldn't defend mid range attempts. Luckily they took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Shutdown three pointers by closing out effectively. Just couldn't make critical stops down the stretch. Saint Francis finished 10 of 22 beyond three point territory with 14 turnovers, had 20 paint points and they dropped down to a 16-17 record.
Alabama State knocked off Saint Francis by a final score of 70-68. The Hornets advance to the round of 64 and they'll face Auburn(#1 seed). During the halfway mark of the 1st half Tyler Mack laced a three point J and it brought Alabama State within three, 23-26. Few possessions later with 3 seconds left TJ Madlock made a pullup mid range jumper, 34-39. Alabama State did damage in the paint(12) and made effective shots from the field(41%). Also kept turnovers low(3). Now they got three pointers(6 for 11, 33%) to fall but their percentage was poor and never got to the free throw line(0 for 0. Not to mention they slacked on second chance opportunities due to terrible and struggled on the fast break. Defense stopped mid range attempts and reduced the fast break. Put a strain on second chance opportunities and utilized their quick hands to cause turnovers. Now they got to beatdown in the paint and let three pointers drop. Alabama State had 1 offensive rebound, 15 points off turnovers while adding 7 steals and they enetred halftime behind 34-39. Then in the 2nd half Weller on a Shawn Fulcher pass downed a layup, 54-55. Minutes later Alabama State jumped ahead after Hines sunk a pullup mid range jumper, 62-60 with 4:24 left. In the end, with 1 second Amari Knox would bury a layup, 70-68. Alabama State from the field(16 for 37, 43%) off good ball movement got shots to fall effectively and did damage in the paint(24). They kept turnovers minimal(3) and did excellent on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding(14). Now they still had trouble on the fast break(0) and three pointers(3 for 11) weren't going in. Now defending mid range attempts was tough and they permitted paint points. Also utilized some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Now they did allow second chance opportunities. Alabama State ended 9 of 29 behind the arc while turning it over 6 times, added 34 paint points with 16 second chance scores and they moved up to a a 19-15 record.
In courtesy of Bryan College Station Eagle
Monday April 8th, 2024: Newton's 20 point performance pushed UConn to a 75-60 win over Purdue. The Huskies are the first team since 2006-2007 to repeat as Champions and it's their 6th one in school history. In the 1st half Diarra drained a corner three pointer, 21-18. Later on UConn got off to an 11-2 run after Stefon Castle buried a mid range jumper, 32-25. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. The Huskies through one shot 48% from the field while making 3 three's on 9 tries and tallied 22 points in the paint. Secured 2 second chance scores and gained 0 on the fast break. Defense forced 2 steals. UConn got solid shots to go in from the field and delivered excellent passes. They were effecient in the paint and did well at the free throw line. Kept turnovers and slacked beyond three point territory. Too bad they struggled in second chance opportunities due to insufficient rebounding and lacked on the fast break. Defensively, they had trouble defending mid range attempts and got plowed in the paint. Now they took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Limited three pointers by forcing contested tries. Not to mention they used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to force turnovers. UConn had 7 assists, 3 blocked shots and entered halftime leading 36-30. Then in the 2nd half Cam Spencer with 13:13 left hit a nicley made layup, 49-38. To conclude this bout Clingan laced a layup, 75-60. UConn shot 48% from the field with 3 three's made and recorded 20 paint points. Lost the ball 3 times and earned 9 second chance bucketa. Gained 2 on the fast break. UConn from the field got quality shots to fall and delivered good passes. Let's not forget they dominated in the paint and kept turnovers to a minimum. They also did a better job second chance opportunities off excellent rebounding and capitalized at the free throw line. Unfortunately, they still showed issues behind the arc and were insufficient on the fast break. Defense had shutdown mid range and three point attempts. Took away second chance opportunities and restricted the fast break. They got thrashed in second chance scores and had poor paint protection. UConn finished 6 of 22 from deep, scored 44 in the paint with 11 second chance buckets and moved up to a 37-3 record.
Edey scores 37 points but Purdue lost to UConn by a final score of 60-75. Purdue's quest for their first NCAA title in school history was denied and are 0-2 in the Big game. During the halfway mark of the 1st half Braden Smith knocked down a mid range jumper, 21-21. Few plays later Smith got a mid range jumper to fall, 27-32. Purdue shot 46% from the field with 1 three made on 3 attempts and scored 18 paint points. Earned 4 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over 5 times and went 3 for 4 at the free throw line. Purdue got effective shots to drop from the field. Also did damage in the paint and executed at the charity stripe. Turnovers were held in check as well. Now they were poor on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding and slacked on the fast break. More importantly they had trouble knocking down three's and ball movement was sluggish. Defense couldn't contain mid range attempts and got hammered in the paint. On the flip side they restricted second chance opportunities and shutdown the fast break. Denied three pointers by running UConn off the line. The Boilermakers had 3 blocks and slipped into half trailing 30-36. Moving to the 2nd half Edey from in the paint delivered a two handed slam, 46-59. Toward the end Edey threw down a slam, 56-69. Purdue shot 44% from the field with 0 three's made and scored 22 points in the paint. Had 0 second chance buckets and earned 0 on the fast break. Purdue got some shot attempts to fall from the field on good ball movement and executed in the paint. Were excellent on second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding. Here's the thing though.......their shooting percentage was good but only ONE PLAYER(Edey/ who scored a vast majority of his teams points. Don't forget they even went scoreless for the first four minutes and were terrible on the fast break. Defensively, they couldn't restrict mid range attempts and got beat on second chance opportunities. They were crushed in the paint as well. Luckily they eliminated most three pointers and limited the fast break. Purdue ended their night 1 of 7 behind the arc, had 40 paint points, scored 13 second chance buckets and fell off to a 34-5 record.
In courtesy of YouTube
Saturday April 6th, 2024: Edey's 20 points and 12 rebounds propelled Purdue to a 63-50 win over N.C. State. Purdue is going to the National Championship for the first time since 1969 and will meet UConn. During the 1st half Purdue swung early Lance Jones drained a three pointer thus going up 21-11. Toward the end of the half Loyer with 9 seconds left hit a three point jumper, 35-29. Purdue shot an overall 40% and scored 12 points in the paint. Earned 12 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over 8 times and went 4 for 4 at the free throw line. Defense forced 3 steals. Purdue got effective shots to drop from the field and delivered solid passes. Got three pointers to fall and did well at the free throw line. They also did damage in the paint and executed on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding. Too bad they slacked on the fast break and turnovers piled. Defensively, they shutdown three pointers by forcing contested tries and took away the fast break. Had solid paint protection too. Now they got beat on second chance opportunities and couldn't limit mid range attempts. They also got their hands in motion mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Purdue was 5 of 12 behind the arc, had 20 offensive rebounds combined and entered halftime leading 35-29. Switching to the 2nd half Lance Jones drained a three point J and it pushed Purdue's lead to 12, 45-33. Eventually, Purdue the dagger after Braden Smith sunk a three pointer, 61-43. Purdue overall shot 40% and recorded 12 paint points with 6 turnovers. Tallied 7 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Defense attached 2 steals. Purdue from both the field and three point territory got quality shots to fall. Excellent ball movement and dominated second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding. Did amazing at the free throw line and capitalized in the paint. Turnovers were a mess and they had issues on the fast break. Defensively, they limited mid range and three point attempts. Can't exclude their ability to use some quick hands mixed in with quality pressure to force turnovers and shutdown second chance scoring. Denied the fast break too. Unfortunately, they got pounded in the paint. Purdue finished 10 of 25 from deep, scored 24 paint points and bounced up to a 34-4 record.
N.C. State endured a heartbreaking 53-60 loss to Purdue. This officially eliminated N.C. State from the NCAA Tournament and were denied of going to the National Championship for first time since 1983. N.C. State During the halfway mark of the 1st half Pass dropped off a nicley made layup, 22-28. N.C. State's 7-2 run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. As the half was winding down Burns sunk a mid range jumper, 27-32. N.C. State shot 44% from the field with 3 three's made on 10 tries and tallied 8 paint points. Lost the ball 5 times and added 5 second chance buckets. Got 0 on the fast break as well. Defense acquired 5 steals. N.C. State got solid shots to go in from the field and delivered excellent passes. Also due to effecient rebounding it led to easy second chance opportunities. However, their fast break scoring was a weak and they turned it over. Not to mention they struggled in the paint and lacked beyond three point territory. Never got to the free throw line ethier. The defense failed to defend mid range and three point attempts. They also allowed second chance opportunities and got plowed in the paint. Eliminated fast break scoring too. Also utilized their quick hands and solid pressure to force turnovers. N.C. State dished out 7 assists, secured 3 offensive rebounds and went into the half facing a 29-35 deficit. Then during the 2nd half DJ Horne off a Middlebrooks pass knocked down a three point J, 38-47. ??. N.C. State shot 36% from the field while making 3 three's and gained 12 paint points. Had 6 giveaways and reeled in 2 second chance buckets. Got 2 that came on the fast break as well. Defense secured 3 steals as well. N.C. State from the field couldn't get shots to fall and struggled behind the arc due consistent misses. They were terrible on second chance opportunities due to in effective rebounding and lacked on the fast break. Turned it over one too many times too. Luckily they were efficient at the charity stripe and executed in the paint as players cut to the rim. Defensively, they had trouble defending mid range and three point attempts. Doesn't help ethier that they couldn't stop second chance opportunities. Although, they denied points in the paint by closing off lanes and restricted the fast break. Also used some of their quick hands and solid pressure to acquire turnovers. N.C. State ended 5 of 19 behind the arc, went 9 for 10 at the free throw line, tallied 20 in the paint and dropped off to a 26-15 record.
In courtesy of San Diego Union-Tribune
Sunday March 31st, 2024: Knecht dropped 37 points but Tennessee got turned away 66-72 against Purdue. Tennessee was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and still have 0 Final Four appearances in school history. During half number 1 Josiaha James buried a nice three pointer thus taking a 20-19 advantage. Late in the half Dalton Knecht launched a three point jumper, 32-21. Keep note Knecht at this time was 4 for 4 behind the arc. Tennessee was on a 15-2 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Tennessee shot 37% from the field while making 7 three's and scored 8 paint points and turned it over 4 times. Secured 9 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Went 3 for 5 at the charity stripe. Defense forced 3 steals. Tennessee was insufficient from the field due to most shots not falling and slacked in the paint. They weren't as effecient at the free throw line and showed struggles on the fast break. Turnovers were kept low and they capitalized on second chance opportunities off excellent rebounding. Great ball rotation too. Defensively, they had issues defending mid range attempts and got plowed in the paint. Denied second chance and fast break opportunities as well. Not to mention they used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Tennessee blocked 1 shot, scored 4 points off Purdue's takeaways, dished out 10 assists and bounced into halftime trailing 34-36. Heading to the 2nd half Dalton Knecht buried a corner three and Tennessee tied the game at 56-56. By this point we've had 7 ties. Later on Knecht drained a layup, 66-71. Tennessee capped off the 2nd by shooting 38% from the field while going 4 for 13 behind the arc and picked up 16 paint points. Scored 0 second chance buckets and got 13 on the fast break. Turned it over twice as well. Tennessee for the most part shot the ball poorly from the field and failed to knockdown three's. Lacked on second chance scoring as well. A lot of their points came in the paint and at the free throw line. Also did damage on the fast break. Tennessee showed struggles defending mid range attempts and got crunched in the paint. Also allowed points on the fast break. They were able to stop second chance opportunities too. Eliminated three pointers by closing out and used their quick hands to force turnovers. Tennessee was 11 of 26 beyond three point territory, scored 24 points in the paint, dished out 17 assists and staggered down to a 27-8 record.
Edey scored a career best 40 points and it lifted Purdue to a 72-66 win over Tennessee. The Boilermakers advance to the Final Four and it's their first time since 1980. In the 1st half Edey posted a two handed jam and gave the Boilermakers a 19-17 lead. Purdue was on a 7-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized in transition. Toward the end of the half Edey knocked down a contested layup and it put Purdue up by one, 33-32. Purdue sparked a 12-0 run by the defense implementing stops and the offense scored in transition. Purdue through one shot 43% from the field with 1 three made and tallied 24 points in the paint. Gained 4 second chance buckets with 0 coming in the fast break. Lost the ball 5 times and went 9 of 13 at the free throw line. Purdue from the field got quality shots to fall on good ball movement and attacked the paint. Were solid at the free throw line too. Now they had trouble executing on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding and lacked on the fast break. Turnovers were a slight mess and they struggled beyond three point territory off constant misses. Their defense limited mid range attempts and stopped the fast break. They also took away the paint by closing off lanes. Now they couldn't stop three pointers and allowed second chance opportunities. Purdue's defense enforced 3 steals, they rallied back from 11, threw 7 assists and took a 36-34 lead into halftime. Then during the halfway mark of the 2nd half Edey cut to the rim and sunk a tough layup, 51-46. Eventually, Purdue pushed their lead after Jones splashed a pull-up three, 66-60 with over 2 minutes to go. In the end, Edey hit 1 free throw on 2 tries, 72-66. Purdue shot 45% from the field with 2 three's acquired and recorded 16 points in the paint. Earned 4 second chance buckets and coughed the ball up 5 times. Got 9 on the fast break. Purdue put up effecient shots from the field and executed in the paint. They also spaced the floor with good passes and were solid at the free throw line. Let's not forget they were much better in the fast break. Now they struggled to capitalize on second chance opportunities due to insufficient rebounding and turnovers mounted. Defensively, they restricted mid range attempts and eliminated three pointers. Shutdown second chance opportunities as well. Too bad they got pounded in the paint and couldn't limit fast break scores. Purdue ended their day 3 of 15 behind the arc, scored 40 paint points, turned it over 10 times, Edey had 16 rebounds and jumped up to a 32-4 record.
In courtesy of NCAA.com
Saturday March 30th, 2024: Clingan's double double pushed UConn to a 77-52 blowout win over Illinois. UConn is heading to the Final Four for a second straight year and will meet Alabama. Now with 4:00 left in the 1st half Samson Johnson threw down the slam and up 23-19. Few possesions later Hassan Diarra sunk a three point jumper, 26-23. UConn shot 33% from the field and buried 1 three on 11 tries. Scored 8 second chance points and turned it over twice. Went 7 of 9 from the free throw line. 4 shot blocks as well. The Huskies weren't shooting the ball all that well from the field and couldn't capitalize behind the arc. Ball movement was lacking a bit and they struggled on the fast break. Most of their points came in the paint and at the free throw line. Turnovers were non existent as well. For the defense they limited mid range attempts and shutdown three pointers. Also had effective shot blocking. Now they need to protect the paint better moving forward. The Huskies enforced 1 steal, scored 2 points off takeaways and slipped into half leading 28-23. Moving to the 2nd half Clingan on defense blocked Quincy's dunk, in transition Stephon Castle found Clingan who hammered down a two handed jam, 35-23. Then midway into the half UConn gained a 21-0 run after Alex Karaban laced a three pointer thus going up 44-23. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized in transition. To conclude this bout Castle drive the baseline and slammed down a one handed jam, 65-35. The Huskies shot 51% from the field with 2 three's made and reeled in 34 paint points. Along with 4 second chance buckets and lost the ball 5 times. Had 13 on the fast break. Defense blocked 3 shots and snagged 4 steals. UConn got solid shots to go in from the field and delivered excellent passes. They were punishing in the paint and executed on the fast break. More importantly they remained dominate at the free throw line. Now turnovers climbed and they were insufficient on second chance opportunities off shaky rebounding. First and foremost this defense denied the paint by closing off lanes. They also got their hands in motion which resulted in turnovers. To make matters even better they eliminated mid range and three point attempts. Look, this defense forced Illinois to take outside shots because the paint was a no go. Unfortunately, they got beat on the fast break. UConn finished 3 for 17 from long distance, defense recorded 10 blocks, had 52 in the paint and moved to a 35-3 record.
Illinois during last nights meeting suffered a heartbreaking 52-77 blowout loss to UConn. The Fighting Illini were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and got denied from going to the Final Four. Look, they haven't been there since 2005. During the 1st half Illinois came within two after Domask drained a contested layup, 21-23. Toward the end of the half Illinois forced the games first tie after hitting a mid range jumper, 23-23. The Fighting Illini shot an overall 20% and scored 16 paint points. Went 1 for 4 at the charity stripe and tallied 3 second chance buckets. Got 0 on the fast break and turned it over twice. Illinois had issues getting shots to fall from both the field and three point territory. That includes weak ball rotation. Lacked on the fast break and struggled on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding. They were also TERRIBLE AT THE FREE THROW LINE! Keep note Illinois at this time was bricking layups too. Defensively, they took away three pointers by closing out effectively and restricted mid range attempts. Eliminated the fast break too. Now they allowed points in the paint and gave up second chance opportunities. Defense forced 1 steal with 2 blocks, secured 4 offensive rebounds and entered halftime down 23-28. Shifting to the 2nd half Harmon hit a tightly contested layup, 25-53. It took Illinois 50 minutes in real time to finally make a basket. At the midway point Hansberry knocked down a three pointer but Illinois still trailed, 40-67. Illinois once again shot an overall 20% and scored 4 paint points. Turned it over 5 times and scored 5 second chance buckets. Went 13 for 13 at the free throw line and tallied 8 on the fast break. Illinois continued their poor shooting performance from the field and three pointers weren't going in. Can't exclude their bad ball movement and they lacked in the paint. Let turnovers pile up as well. Luckily they executed on second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding and did a much better job at the free throw line. Were effective on the fast break too. On the other end they had trouble defending mid range attempts and got pushed around in the paint. They also permitted points on the fast break. Now they shutdown three pointers by running UConn off the line and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Illinois ended their day 6 for 23 behind the arc, scored 20 paint points, turned it over 8 total times and dropped down to a 29-9 record.
In courtesy of Spectrum News
Friday March 28th, 2024: N.C. State knocked off Marquette by a final score of 67-58. N.C. State moves on to the Elite Eight and it's they're first time since 1986. In the 1st half Casey Morsell with 8:35 to go gave NC State a ten point lead after hammering down a two handed slam, 24-14. This ended NC State's three minutes scoring drought. At the end of the half DJ Burns got to the rim for a contested layup, 36-22. NC State through one shot 53% from the field while making 5 three's on 13 tries(38%) and scored 18 points in the paint. Turned it over 7 times and were 2 for 5 at the free throw line. Snagged 7 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Including 3 offensive rebounds. Defense reeled in 4 steals. NC State got effective shots to drop from the field and delivered solid passes. They executed in the paint as players cut to the rim and capitalized on second chance opportunities. Now they slacked on the fast break and let turnovers mount. They were struggling to knockdown three's thanks to constant misses and sucked at the free throw line. Defensively, they restricted mid range attempts and shutdown three pointers. Took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Used their quick hands and solid pressure to cause turnovers as well. Now they got plowed in the paint. NC State had 9 assists, had 1 block and entered halftime with a 37-24 lead. Transitioning to the 2nd half Ben Middlebrooks dropped off heavy slam, 46-33. Now as time went on N.C. State secured a 8 point lead after Casey Morsell sunk a layup, 60-52. To conclude this bout O'Connell would bury three pointer, 63-52. N.C. State shot 46% from the field while going 4 of 10 behind the arc and scored 10 in the paint. Turned it over 5 times and tallied 2 second chance buckets. Along with 9 on the fast break. N.C. State made quality shots from the field and attacked the paint. They also created separation with good passes and used screens. They did damage in the paint and executed on the fast break. Were much better at the free throw line too. Although, they slacked on second chance opportunities off weak rebounding. For the defense they limited mid range attempts and shutdown three pointers. Also eliminated the fast break. However, they got punished in the paint and couldn't stop second chance opportunities. N.C. State faces Duke next, finished 9 of 23 behind the arc, scored 28 paint points and bounced up to a 25-14 record.
Kam Jones 20 point performance wasn't enough and Marquette suffered a 58-67 loss to N.C. State. Marquette has been jousted out of the NCAA Tournament and their 2-Game win streak was snapped. During the 1st half Kam Jones dropped off a three point jumper but trailed by five 19-26. Later on as the half was winding down Tyler Kolet hitba layup, 24-36. Marquette shot 34% from the field with 2 three's made on 13 attempts and scored 16 paint points. Lost the ball 5 and went 2 of 8 at the free throw line. Had 0 second chance and fast break buckets as well. Defense forced 4 steals. Getting buckets to fall was an absolute struggle......it didn't matter if it was from the field or three point territory. They also turned the ball over and lacked at the free throw line. Also showed poor execution on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding and couldn't get the fast break started. The defense had some issues containing mid range attempts and got hammered in the paint. Permitted second chance scoring as well. Can't exclude their ability to limit the fast break and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to force turnovers. They also took away three pointers by forcing contested tries. Marquette dished out 2 assists, had 2 rebounds on offense and went into the half facing 24-37 deficit. Now during the halfway mark of the 2nd half Kam Jones buried a three pointer and brought Marquette within ten, 38-48. Few possesions later Marquette set off a 7-0 run after Ighodaro sunk a layup and got a plus one after the foul, 45-53. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Eventually, Kam Jones with 1:18 left drained a three point J, 56-63. Marquette shot 33% from the field with 2 three's made and recorded 16 paint points. Gave the ball up 4 times and got 4 on the fast break. Defense enforced 3 steals. Marquette had issues getting buckets to fall from both the field and three point territory. Terrible ball movement and their fast break never got going. Now they did better on second chance opportunities due excellent rebounding and executed in the post. Were solid at the charity stripe too. On the other end the defense had their fair share of struggles trying to defend mid range attempts and paint protection was poor. Also got torched on the fast break. They did takeaway three pointers by running N.C. State off the line and got their hands in motion mixed in with quality pressure to force turnovers. Also Shutdown second chance opportunities. Marquette ended 4 for 31 beyond three point territory, had 30 points in the paint and dropped off to a 27-10 record.
In courtesy of WYMT
Thursday March 27th, 2024: Nelson's 24 point performance lifted Alabama to an 89-87 Victory, over North Carolina. The Crimson Tide advance to the elite eight for the second time since 2004 and won 3 in a row. By the way Alabama will meet Clemson next. At the midway point of the 1st half Alabama came within two after Ryan Griffen sunk a three pointer, 24-26. Few possesions later Estrada got to the rim for contested layup, 26-26. Toward the end of the half Estrada would lace a layup, 46-51. Bama shot 48% from the field while going 7 for 14 behind the arc and scored 16 points in the paint. Went 5 of 6 at the free throw line and turned it over 7 times. Tallied 9 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Alabama from both the field and long distance got solid shots to drop. Did damage in the paint as players cut to the rim and secured second chance scores due to quality rebounding. Were excellent at the free throw line too. Now turnovers piled up and they lacked the fast break. More importantly they're ball movement could've been a little bit better. 7 isn't necessarily a lot. On on the other end they were unable to defend mid range and three point attempts. Got torched in the paint and couldn't stop second chance opportunities. Now the steal total is pretty low but they still got some of their hands involved which resulted in a few turnovers. Alabama secured 7 offensive rebounds, forced 3 steals and entered halftime trailing 46-54. Then in the 2nd half Ryan Griffen with 8:10 left drained a three pointer, 67-70. Eventually, Alabama gained a 9-0 run after Grant Nelson buried a three ball, 82-77. This run was set off by defense forcing stops and the offense capitalized in transition. To conclude this bout Nelson knocked down two critical free throws, 89-85. Bama shot 47% from the field while making 4 three's on 11 tries and picked up 20 paint points. Had 6 second chance buckets and got 8 on the fast break. So Alabama from the field got quality shots to go in and were punishing in the paint. They also executed on second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding and capitalized on the fast break. Turnovers were also rare and they did tremendous at the free throw line. Too bad they slacked beyond three point territory and ball movement still lacked. Defensively, they shutdown mid range attempts and took away three pointers by forcing contested tries. Shutdown the fast break as well. Now they got plowed in the paint and got hammered on second chance opportunities. Alabama scored 15 second chance points, finished 11 for 42 behind the arc, lost the ball 10 times while scoring 36 in the paint and moved up to a 24-11 record.
North Carolina against Alabama sustained a heartbreaking 87-89 loss. The Tar Heels have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and their 2-Game win streak was snapped. Now during the halfway mark of the 1st half Seth Trimble buried a three point jumper, 24-11. So far effecient shooting from long distance. Later on Cormac Ryan drained a three point J, 51-44. North Carolina sparked a 7-0 run due to the defense making stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. The Tar Heels in one shot 52% from the field with 10 three pointers made on 16 tries and tallied 16 paint points. Gained 15 second chance buckets and posted 0 on the fast break. Lost the ball 4 times and were 4 of 5 at the free throw line. Defense had 6 steals. North Carolina got quality shots to fall from both the field and three point territory. Terrific ball movement and attacked the paint. They also executed on second chance opportunities due to excellent rebounding and capitalized at the free throw line. Kept turnovers low as well. Too bad they slacked on the fast break. Defensively, they used their quick hands to force turnovers and restricted the fast break. However, they got torched in the paint and allowed three pointers to go in. Had trouble defending mid range attempts and permitted second chance scoring. North Carolina dished out 14 assists, recorded 3 blocks and went into the half leading 54-46. Moving to the 2nd half Cormac Ryan with 6:19 to go hit a key three pointer thus going up 75-70. Few possesions later RJ Davis knocked down a mid range jumper and it brought North Carolina within one, 81-82. The Tar Heels shot an overall 30% and scored 16 paint points with 3 giveaways. Posted 5 second chance buckets and got 4 on the fast break. Look, North Carolina from the field and long distance had a tough time getting baskets to fall. The Tar Heels would perform poorly on the fast break. They did damage on second chance opportunities due to solid rebounding and were effective at the free throw line. Turnovers were a non factor too. Now they got beat in the paint and allowed second chance opportunities. They showed poor execution to defend mid range attempts and gave up fast break points but they restricted three pointers by closing out effectively. North Carolina ended 12 of 32 from long range, tallied 32 points in the paint with 7 turnovers, had 20 second chance buckets and staggered down to a 29-8 record.
In courtesy of Reddit
Sunday March 24th, 2024: McCain's 30 point performance pushed Duke to a 93-55 win over James Madison. The Blue devils advance to the sweet sixteen and it's their first apperance since 2022. Now in the 1st half McCain off a Proctor pass drained a three point jumper, 24-9. Later on Filipowski knocked down a contested layup, 40-19. The Blue devils shot 50% from the field while making 8 three's and tallied 14 paint points. Secured 13 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over twice and went 5 of 6 at the charity stripe. Defense forced 5 steals. So Duke from the field got quality shots to fall and dished out good passes. They also got three pointers to drop and dominated in the paint. More importantly they capitalized on second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding and kept turnovers low. Were effective at the free throw line as well. Too bad they struggled on the fast break. Their defense for most of the half shutdown mid range and three point attempts. Took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Also used their quick hands which resulted in turnovers. Unfortunately, they got hammered in the paint. Defense blocked 2 shots, scored 7 points off James Madison giveaways and entered halftime with 47-25 lead. Then halfway into the 2nd half Duke extended their lead after hitting a contested layup, 67-39. To conclude this bout RJ Power drilled a three pointer, 88-53. Duke ended half number shooting an overall 50% and scored 14 points in the paint. Snagged 8 second chance buckets and got 10 on the fast break. Gave the ball up 4 times. Defense forced 7 steals. Duke got a lot of quality shots to fall weather it from the field or three point territory and moved the ball well with excellent passes. They dominated on the offensive glass and it led to easy second chance opportunities. Did heavy damage in the paint and did well at the free throw line. Terrible ball rotation too. Now they still lacked on the fast break. Defensively, they restricted mid range attempts and eliminated three pointers. They shutdown second chance opportunities and used their quick hands to force turnovers. A few negatives was allowing points on the fast break and got crushed in the paint. Duke scored 28 paint points, earned 21 second chance buckets with 10 coming on the fast break and jumped up to a 25-8 record.
James Madison got turned away by Duke after going down 55-93. James Madison has now been eliminated from the tournament and will head back to the drawing board for next season. Terrance Edwards midway in the 1st half delivered a nicley made layup, 15-26. Toward the end of the half Freidal sunk a a three pointer, 23-42. James Madison shot 8 of 20 from the field(40%) and scored 14 points in the paint. Added 3 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned the ball over 6 times and went 8 of 15 at the free throw throw line. Don't let James Madison's field percentage fool you because they couldn't get shots to fall and three's weren't dropping. Poor ball movement and slacked on the fast break. Had struggles on second chance opportunities thanks to insufficient rebounding and turnovers mounted. Let's not forget weak free throw shooting. 7 missed free throws is wild! Luckily they were able to do damage in the paint. The defense had trouble defending mid range and three point attempts. They got punished in the paint and and allowed second chance scores. James Madison forced 1 steal with 2 blocked shots, scored 2 points off Duke's turnovers and went into the half facing a 25-47 deficit. Shifting to the 2nd half Michael Green with 11:37 left buried a mid range jumper, 41-67. James Madison from the interior was still having a tough time shooting the ball. Made only 5 up to this point of the half. Eventually, James Madison's last gasp was a Wooden layup, 55-90. James Madison capped off the 2nd by shooting 38% from the field with 3 three's made and tallied 14 paint points. Earned 4 second chance buckets and got 9 on the fast break. Lost the ball 8 times. James Madison had issues getting shots to fall from both the field and three point territory. Turnovers were a mess too. To make matters worse they had insufficiency on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding. Luckily they did a great job at the free throw line and attacked the paint. Capitalized on the fast break as well. On the other side they showed struggles defending mid range and three point attempts. They permitted second chance and fast break scores. Had poor paint protection to go along. James Madison finished 4 of 18 behind the arc, picked up 28 paint points, coughed the ball up 14 times and fell off to a 32-3 record.
In courtesy of Sporting News
Saturday March 23rd, 2024: Walker scored 24 points but Michigan State still lost 69-85 to North Carolina. The Spartans were officially eliminated from the 2023-2024 NCAA Tournament and back to back wins got denied. In the 1st half Tyson Walker drained a three point jumper and it extended Michigan State's lead to 26-14. By the way this 10-0 run was sparked by the defense making stops and offense scored quickly in transition. This also hapoen to be back to back three pointers for Walker. Later on Jaden Akins with 1:45 left hit a mid range jumper, 31-37. Keep note the Spartans midway in were scoreless for 4 minutes. Michigan State started this game 10 of 15 from the field but fizzled out after multiple missed baskets and 3 turnovers. Michigan State through one shot 48% from the field with 3 three's made on 7 tries and tallied 10 paint points. Recorded 0 second chance buckets and got 0 the fast break. Lost the ball 6 times and went 4 of 8 at charity stripe. Now Michigan State weathered the Strom a little bit by knocking down quality shots from the field and dominated in the paint. They generated space by dishing out good passes and set screens. Did well at the free throw line too. Now they turned it over constantly and slacked on the fast break. Doesn't help ethier that they struggled on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding. Defensively, they had trouble defending mid range attempts. Despite that, they took away most three pointers by forcing contested tries and shutdown second chance scoring. Eliminated the fast break and denied points in the paint by plugging open lanes. Michigan State had 4 assists, 1 shot block and slipped into the half trailing 31-40. Now in the 2nd half Tyson Walker would drain a three point J but trailed 65-79. Afterwards, Walker dropped off a finger roll layin, 68-83. Michigan State shot 44% from the field with 0 three's made and turned it over 6 times. Gained 10 points in the paint and scored 2 second chance buckets. Earned 9 on the fast break. Michigan State from the field got quality shots to drop and did damage in the paint. Dominated at the charity stripe and executed on the fast break. Now they were still lacking on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding and slacked on ball movement. Doesn't help ethier that they struggled beyond three point territory because baskets weren't falling. For the defense they limited three pointers and denied the fast break. With that being said..... Michigan State were unable to defend mid range attempts and allowed second chance opportunities. Paint protection was terrible and they allowed points on the fast break. Michigan State finished 6 of 16 behind the arc, tallied 28 points in the paint, lost the ball 11 times and dropped down to a 20-15 record.
RJ Davis scored 20 points and it carried North Carolina to an 85-69 win over Michigan State. The Tar Heels are 6-0 when versing Michigan State in the NCAA tournament and punched their ticket to the next round. During the 1st half Harrison Ingram buried a three pointer and brought North Carolina within one, 27-28. The Tar Heels were on a 10-0 run that was set up by defense making stops and the offense capitalized in transition. Later on Ryan knocked down a three pointer thus going up 37-29. The Tar Heels rallied back from 12 points down. North Carolina shot 44% from the field while making 6 three's on 16 attempts (37%) and scored 8 in the paint. Secured 0 second chance points and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over twice and went 8 of 9 at the free throw line. North Carolina got solid shots to go in from the field and delivered excellent passes. They also used the pick and roll screen to generate space. Great ball protection and capitalized at the free throw line. Too bad they lacked on second chance opportunities due to insufficient rebounding and couldn't get going on the fast break. Performed poorly in the paint as well. On the other end they had some issues defending mid range attempts and got thrashed in the paint. Now they did limit second chance opportunities. Can't exclude their ability to limit the fast break and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. North Carolina snagged 7 assists, blocked 3 shots with 2 steals, 0 offensive rebounds and went into halftime leading 40-31. Moving to the halfway mark of the 2nd half Boycott would bury a turning mid range jumper, 71-59. To conclud this bout RJ Davis sunk a nicely made layup, 83-67. North Carolina shot 48% from the field while lacing 4 three pointers on 10 tries and snagged 14 paint points. Scored 10 second chance buckets with 9 coming on the fast break. Coughed the ball up 3 times too. The Tar Heels were sinking quality shots from the field and attacked the paint. They also created separation with good passes and solid screens. The Tar Heels crashed the offensive board which led to easy second chance opportunities and kept turnovers minimized. Were excellent at the free throw line and dominated on the fast break. Now they had issues beyond three point territory due to constant misses and struggled on the fast break. On defense they got some of their hands in motion mixed in with solid pressure to force turnovers. They denied second chance opportunities and shutdown three pointers by closing out effectively. Unfortunately, for North Carolina they couldn't contain mid range attempts and got plowed in the paint. Also permitted points on the fast break. North Carolina ended 10 of 26 beyond three point territory, scored 28 paint points,dished out 12 assists and moved up to a 29-7 record.
In courtesy of Sporting News
Friday March 22nd, 2024: Williams and Tominaga merged in 45 points but that wasn't enough and Nebraska suffered an 83-98 loss to Texas A&M. The Cornhuskers got eliminated from the 2024 NCAA tournament. Now in the 1st half of action Tominaga would bury a three point jumper and it gave Nebraska a 17-13 advantage. Eventually, Nebraska came within seven after Brice Williams hit a layup, The Cornhuskers through one shot 39% from the field and made 5 three's on 12 tries. Earned 4 second chance points and got 0 on the fast break. Scored 14 in the paint and lost the ball 3 times. Nebraska couldn't sink shots from the field and slacked on the fast break. What's funny is Nebraska started this game hot from interior but fizzled out later. They were insufficient on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding. Now they did tremendous behind the arc as buckets were falling and capitalized in the paint. Along with excellent ball movement and executed at the free throw line. Turnovers were in effective as well. On the defensive side they had trouble defending mid range attempts and got thrashed on second chance opportunities. They couldn't takeaway three's and got crushed in the paint. At least they eliminated the fast break. Nebraska were 13 for 14 at the free throw line, snagged 7 team assists and entered halftime trailing 44-58. We now turn our attention toward the 2nd half, where Juwan Gary knocked down a layup but trailed 54-67. Thereafter, Tominaga off a Lawrence pass hit a contested layup, 64-83. The Cornhuskers shot 45% from the field with 2 three pointers made and recorded 24 points in the paint. Lost the ball 7 times as well. They picked up 5 second chance buckets and got 17 on the fast break. Nebraska from the field off good ball movement got shots to fall effectively and did damage in the paint as players cut to the rim. Capitalized on second chance opportunities due to excellent rebounding. Were dominant at the free throw line and showed execution on the fast break. Although, turnovers piled up and they lacked three point shooting thanks to constant misses. The defense failed to defend mid range and three point attempts. They couldn't slowdown second chance opportunities and got crushed in the paint. Permitted points on the fast break too. Luckily they used some of their quick hands which resulted in turnovers. Nebraska ended 7 of 22 beyond three point territory, recorded 38 paint points, turned it over 10 times and dropped off to a 23-11 record.
Taylor, Radford and Obaseki were combined for 67 points as it pushed Texas A&M to a 98-83 Victory, over Nebraska. The Aggies advance to round 2 and get set to meet Houston. During the 1st half Wade Taylor buried a three point jumper and it brought the Aggies within two, 18-20. Few possesions later the Aggies gained a 7-0 run after Wade Taylor sunk a three pointer, 25-22. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. At this time Wade Taylor happen to be 4 of 4 from deep. Toward the end of this half Radford drove the lane and dropped off a layup, 40-33. The Aggies in one shot 53% from the field while making 9 three's on 15 attempts and scored 26 paint points. Secured 7 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over 3 times and went 5 of 6 at the charity stripe. Texas A&M got effective shots to drop from the field and delivered solid passes. Got three pointers to fall and did well at the free throw line. They also did damage in the paint and kept turnovers in check. Also, they capitalized on second chance opportunities due to excellent rebounding. Too bad they struggled on the fast break. Defensively, they limited mid range attempts and shutdown second chance scoring. Denied the fast break. Now they got punished in the paint and couldn't stop three pointers. The Aggies dished out 10 assists, picked up 29 rebounds and went into the half with 58-44 lead. Then during the 2nd half Wade Taylor buried a pull-up three pointer, 67-52. In conclusion, Jace Carter drive the lake and dropped off a layup, 98-79. Texas A&M shot 49% from the field while making 4 three's on 9 tries and tallied 18 paint points. Gained 9 second chance buckets and got 9 on the fast break. Coughed the ball up 5 times. Defense acquired 2 steals. The Aggies made quality shots from the field off excellent ball transition and did a ton of damage in the paint. They also executed behind the arc and capitalized on second chance opportunities due to effective rebounding. Dominated at the free throw line and did damage on the fast break. Defensively, they used their smoothering pressure to cause turnovers and shutdown the fast break. They also took away three pointers by forcing contested tries. Unfortunately, they were hammered in the paint and got got beat on second chance opportunities. The Aggies couldn't limit mid range attempts and allowed points on the fast break. Texas A&M finished 13 for 23 behind the arc, scored 16 second chance points, earned 44 in the paint and bounced up to a 21-14 record.
In courtesy of Lansing State Journal
Thursday March 21st, 2024: Michigan State knocked off Mississippi State by a final score of 69-51. Michigan State moves on to round 2 and will take on North Carolina. In the 1st half Michigan State gained an 8-0 run after Walker buried a three pointer, 18-8. This would be back to back three's in a row. Now this run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Later on Tyson Walker with 2:56 left drained a contested layup, 29-18. The Spartmas through one shot 54% from the field while making 5 three's on 13 tries and tallied 14 paint points. Gained 2 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Turned it over 7 times. The defense acquired 3 steals. Michigan State from the field off good ball movement got quality shots to fall and did damage in the paint. Now they turned it over a lot and struggled beyond three point territory due to constant misses. Were insufficient on second chance opportunities thanks to poor rebounding and lacked on the fast break. Defensively, they restricted mid range attempts and couldn't protect the paint. Can't exclude their ability to limit the fast break and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Also took away three pointers by closing out effectively and stopped the fast break. Not to mention they shutdown second chance scoring. Michigan State secured 15 rebounds you entered halftime with a 31-24 lead. Shifting to the 2nd half Xavier Booker with 10:29 to go sunk a three point jumper thus going up 56-43. To conclude this bout Davis Smith hit a three point J, 69-51. Michigan State shot 50% from the field whike going 5 of 10 beyond the arc and scored 10 paint points. Gained 10 second chance buckets with 10 coming on the fast break. Turned it over 6 times. Michigan State from the field shot the ball effeciently off solid passes and capitalized on second chance opportunities due to excellent rebounding. They also dominated in the paint and executed at the free throw line. More importantly they capitalized on the fast break. However, they turned it over consistently. Defensively, Michigan State did a tremendous job defending mid range and three point attempts. Got their hands in motion to cause turnovers. Now they got punished in the paint and couldn't stop the fast break. The Spartans finisher 10 of 23 from deep, lost the ball 13 times, and bounced up to a 20-14 record.
Mississippi State endured a heartbreaking 51-69 loss to Michigan State. Mississippi State has been officially eliminated from the NCAA tournament. During the 1st half Mississippi State came within five after Smith hammered down a slam, 15-20. Afterwards, Hubbard would drill a three point jumper, 24-29. This would be back to back three point makes for Mississippi State. Mississippi State in one shot 40% from the field with 4 three's made in 13 attempts and scored 10 points in the paint. Earned 0 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Lost the ball 6 times too. By the way nether team went to the free throw line. Defense forced 4 steals. Mississippi State from the field knocked down a fair amount of shots and created space with good passes. Unfortunately, they slacked on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding and turnovers mounted. Lets not forget they poor ball movement and struggled on the fast break. For the defense they had issues defending mid range attempts and got hammered in the paint. Luckily they used some of their quick hands which resulted in turnovers and shutdown three pointers by forcing contested tries. Eliminated second chance and fast break opportunities. Moving to the midway point of the 2nd half Tolu Smith off a Keyshawn Murphy pass hammered down a slam, 45-56. Mississippi State shot 37% from the field with 2 three pointers made and recorded 16 points in the paint. Secured 7 second chance buckets and acquired 11 on the fast break. Gave the ball up 8 times and went 5 of 10 from the free throw line. Defense snagged 5 steals to go along. Mississippi State was struggling to knockdown shots from the field and three's weren't falling. They were in-effective on the fast break and turned it over constantly. Poor movement of the ball and slacked on the fast break. Now they crashed the offensive board which led to easy second chance opportunities and did heavy damage in the paint. First and foremost this defense couldn't contain mid range attempts. They also got hammered in the paint due to poor protection in that area and allowed second chance buckets. Permitted fast break points too. At least they used their quick hands to force turnovers. Mississippi State ended their day shooting 6 of 27 behind the arc, scored 26 points in the paint, coughed the ball up 14 times and dropped off to a 21-13 record.
In courtesy of KKTV
Wednesday March 20th, 2024: Boise State During the First Four suffered a 53-60 loss to Colorado. The Broncos with this defeat have been eliminated from the NCAA tournament. During the 1st half Max Rice with 4:54 left drained a mid range jumper, 18-19. Bosie State in one shot 28% from the field while making 1 three on 10 tries and picked up 14 paint points. Gained 9 second chance points and turned it over 3 times. Snagged 0 on the fast break as well. Getting buckets to fall was an absolute struggle......it didn't matter if it was from the field or three point territory. They were insufficient on the fast break and used poor ball movement. Now they generated most of their points inside the paint and executed on second chance opportunities off effective rebounding. Did well at the free throw line and kept turnovers low. For the defense they limited mid range attempts and shutdown three pointers. Took away second chance and fast break opportunities. Now they got torched in the paint. Boise State wemt into the half trailing 24-26. Then in the 2nd half Boise State tied this bout after Cam Martin sunk a nicley made layup, 43-43. Afterwards, O'Mar Stanley hit a contested layup, 45-43. This would be the Broncos first lead since the 1st half. The Broncos shot 34% from the field with 1 three made and scored 20 of their 34 total points in the paint. Lost the ball 6 times and recorded 10 second chance buckets. Earned 2 on the fast break too. Boise State was struggling to knockdown shots from the field and three's weren't falling. They were poor on the fast break with terrible ball movement. More importantly turnovers were a mess. Although, they showed execution on second chance opportunities due to effecient rebounding and attacked the paint. On defense they had problems defending mid range attempts and got plowed in the paint. Luckily they used some of their quick hands which resulted in turnovers and denied second chance opportunities. Stopped the fast break too. Boise State finished 2 of 18 from deep, were 5 for 6 at the free throw line and dropped down to a 22-11 record.
da Silva scored 20 points and it lifted Colorado to a 60-53 win over Boise State. The Buffaloes will advance and take on the Gators. In the 1st half Eddie Lampkin Jr. hammered down a slam, 21-18. Later on Colorado extended their lead after Tristan da Silva off a Lampkins pass dropped off a layup, 26-22. Colorado shot 38% from the field with 1 three made on 8 attempts and scored 18 in the paint. Turned it over 4 times and went 5 of 6 at the free throw line. Tallied 3 second chance buckets and got 0 on the fast break. Look, Colorado from the field and long distance had a tough time getting baskets to fall. Bad ball transition and struggled on the fast break. Also had issues on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding. Luckily they capitalized at the charity stripe and did damage in the paint. Minimized turnovers too. On the defensive side they had trouble defending mid range attempts and got thrashed on second chance opportunities. Had no paint protection ethier. Now they restricted three pointers by closing out effectively and stopped the fast break. Colorado entered halftime leading 26-24. We now turn our attention toward the 2nd half, where Tristan da Silva buried a three point jumper, 43-39. Thereafter, da Silva knocked down a corner three and it brought Colorado within one, 48-49. Now toward the end of this half Colorado jumped ahead by three after KJ Simpson laced a mid range jumper, 52-49. Colorado was on a 7-0 run due to the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Colorado shot 43% from the field while lacing 3 three pointers and secured 16 paint points. Acquired 4 second chance buckets and got 2 on the fast break. Colorado was sinking quality shots from the field and attacked the paint. They also created separation with good passes. Not to mention they did great at the free throw line. Now they slacked on the fast break and couldn't protect the ball. Also struggled beyond the arc thanks to constant misses and turnovers mounted. On the other end they defended mid range and three point attempts. Can't exclude their ability to limit the fast break and used some of their quick hands mixed in with solid pressure to cause turnovers. Now they got punished on second chance opportunities and struggled to protect the paint. Colorado in the 2nd half outscored Boise State 34-29, ended 4 for 15 behind the arc, went 14 of 15 at charity stripe and moved up to a 25-10 record.
In courtesy of WTOP
Tuesday March 19th, 2024: Howard late missed three critical shots in a row and it led to a 68-71 loss to Wagner. Howard has now been eliminated from the tournament and will head back to the drawing board for next season. Now in the 1st half Okojie would bury a nicley made layup, 12-21. Then Towns with over 3 minutes hit a wide open three pointer, 20-31. Howard in the first 20 minutes shot an overall 20% and scored 10 points in the paint. Went 8 for 10 at the charity stripe and tallied 4 second chance buckets. Got 0 on the fast break and lost the ball 5 times. Look, Howard from the field and long distance had a tough time getting baskets to fall. They were lacking on second chance opportunities due to insufficient rebounding and showed poor execution on the fast break. Turnovers started to mount as well. Most of their points came in the paint and at the free throw line. Their defense had trouble defending mid range attempt and got hammered in the paint. Luckily they shutdown second chance opportunities and slowed down the fast break. Howard went into the half trailing 27-38. Switching to the halfway mark of the 2nd half Harisson buried a contested layup, 52-63. Toward the end of the half Howard pulled within one after Bryce Harris with 17 seconds left knocked down a tough layup, 68-69. Howard was on a 6-0 run due to the defense making stops and the offense capitalized in transition. Howard shot 38% from the field with 2 three's made and recorded 16 of their 28 total points in the paint. Gave the ball up twice and reeled in 6 second chance buckets. Secured 0 on the fast break. Defense forced 3 steals. Howard wasn't shooting the ball all that well from the field and couldn't capitalize behind the arc. They shot the ball poorly all game long....so. Continued their struggles in the fast break and had poor ball movement. Now they generated most of their points by attacking the paint and capitalized on second chance opportunities due excellent rebounding. Turnovers were held in check. The defense failed to defend mid range and three point attempts. Got demolished in the paint because of weak protection. At least shutdown second chance and fast break opportunities. Also utilized some their quick hands to cause turnovers. Howard finished 7 of 24 from deep, scored 15 fast break points and dropped off to an 18-17 record.
Council's 21 points performance pushed Wagner to a 71-68 Victory, over Howard. Wagner advances to the next round and will meet North Carolina on Thursday. During the 1st half Wagner gained a 7-0 run after Melvin Council drained a layup, 21-10. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. As the half was winding down Keyontae Lewis off a Ezqurrea pass dropped a layup, 31-17. Wagner shot an overall 55% from the field while going 6 of 12 beyond three point territory and tallied 12 paint points. Turned it over 3 times and scored 0 second chance buckets. Gained 0 on the fast break. Defense acquired 3 steals. Wagner from the field got effecient shots to fall and created space with good passes. They attacked the paint as players charger the rim and turnovers low. By the way they went to free throw line 0 times....so that needs to be corrected going forward. Too bad they slacked on second chance opportunities due to poor rebounding and struggled on fast break. Defensively, they restricted mid range attempts and eliminated three pointers. Not to mention they used some of their quick hands which resulted in turnovers and stopped the fast break. Shutdown second chance scoring as well. Unfortunately, they pounded in the paint. Wagner entered halftime with a 38-27 lead. Eventually during half number Wagner extended their lead after Julian Brown sunk a three point jumper, 62-49. Wagner shot 52% from the field and picked up 18 points in the paint. Coughed the ball up 5 times and secured 4 second chance buckets. Gained 0 on the fast break. Wagner was knocking down solid shots from the field and moved the ball well by dishing out good passes. Did damage in the paint and got to the free throw line. Too bad they struggled behind the arc thanks to constant misses and lacked on the fast break. Had turnover issues and struggled on second chance opportunities due to bad rebounding. Now the for the most part the defense took away mid range attempts and shutdown three pointers by forcing contested tries. To be honest they just allowed a late spurt that's all. Got punished in the paint too. Anyways, they denied the fast break. Wagner ended their day 8 of 17 behind the arc, scored 14 fast break points with 32 in the paint and improved to a 17-15 record.
In courtesy of YouTube
Monday April 3rd, 2023: UConn is back on top after knocking off San Diego State 76-59. The Huskies have now won their 5th National Championship in school history and its their first one since 2014. Midway into the 1st half Jordan Hawkins off a set screen would bury a pullup three point jumper, 26-14. Afterwards, Calcaterra with 3:20 left would lace in a three point J, 36-20. Uconn in the 1st shot 53% from the field with 3 three's made and scored 16 points in the paint. Including 8 turnovers added. UConn's offense moved the ball around to generate open looks and it led to solid shots falling from the field. They pressured the rim by consistently attacking the paint but they struggled in ball protection and were unable to obtain three pointers due to San Diego State's defense closing the perimeter out. Defensively they've done a great job of shutting down the three pointers and used active hands to set up quality steals. The Huskies zapped in 0 second chance points, were 3 of 4 from the free throw line and walked into the half with a 36-24 lead. Going into the 2nd half UConn would pull away just a little after Hawkins dialed in a three poimt jumper, 63-55. Towards thr end of this half UConn would add the dagger after Hawkins drilled in a game sealing layup, 71-57. UConn ended the 2nd by shooting 43% from the field with 3 three's made and tallied 10 in the paint. That includes 4 second chance points and got 5 turnovers to go along. UConn put this game to bed by knocking down quality shots from the field on good ball movement and were effective when scoring in the paint. They capitalized on the offensive the board as it led to easy second chance buckets and were excellent at the free throw line. However, from time to time they got to comfortable and it allowed for careless mistakes to happen. Didn't shoot the ball all that well from deep ethier due to baksets not falling. Huskies delivered 5 on the fast break, pushed 26 in the paint, scored 13 points off the Aztecs 12 turnovers and moved their win/loss record to 31-8.
San Diego State falters to the UConn Hiuskies after going down 59-76. In half number 1 Trammell would dial up a nice mid range jumper but trailed 17-26. The Aztecs at this point is time had gone 11 minutes without a made basket. Few possessions later Johnson would bury a mid range jumper of his own, 22-36. The Aztecs through one shot an overall 20% while scoring 4 points in the paint and lost 8 turnovers on 7 UConn steals. For majority of this half San Diego State had struggles in getting shots to fall wheather it was from the field or beyond the arc. Also, they had poimts in the shutdown due to Connecticut eliminating the middle of the lane and giveaways were constant. San Diego State 0 on the fast break, pushed in 2 team assists and entered the half down 24-36. Then in the 2nd half San Diego would gain a 9-0 run after Darrion Trammell sunk in a nicley made layup, 50-56. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. The Aztecs in the 2nd shot 32% from the field with 4 turnovers secured and scored 12 in the paint. They piled up 10 second chance points and obtained 4 on the fast break. San Diego State from the field and when going deep couldn't get a shot to drop and turnivers were consistent. Along with poor three point shooting due to UConn taking away open looks. A couple positives were that they executed in the paint and were capitalizing on second chance opportunities while doing well on the fast break. The Aztecs ended with 13 second chance points, obtained 16 in the paint and fell off to a 32-7 record.
Monday April 3rd, 2023: UConn is back on top after knocking off San Diego State 76-59. The Huskies have now won their 5th National Championship in school history and its their first one since 2014. Midway into the 1st half Jordan Hawkins off a set screen would bury a pullup three point jumper, 26-14. Afterwards, Calcaterra with 3:20 left would lace in a three point J, 36-20. Uconn in the 1st shot 53% from the field with 3 three's made and scored 16 points in the paint. Including 8 turnovers added. UConn's offense moved the ball around to generate open looks and it led to solid shots falling from the field. They pressured the rim by consistently attacking the paint but they struggled in ball protection and were unable to obtain three pointers due to San Diego State's defense closing the perimeter out. Defensively they've done a great job of shutting down the three pointers and used active hands to set up quality steals. The Huskies zapped in 0 second chance points, were 3 of 4 from the free throw line and walked into the half with a 36-24 lead. Going into the 2nd half UConn would pull away just a little after Hawkins dialed in a three poimt jumper, 63-55. Towards thr end of this half UConn would add the dagger after Hawkins drilled in a game sealing layup, 71-57. UConn ended the 2nd by shooting 43% from the field with 3 three's made and tallied 10 in the paint. That includes 4 second chance points and got 5 turnovers to go along. UConn put this game to bed by knocking down quality shots from the field on good ball movement and were effective when scoring in the paint. They capitalized on the offensive the board as it led to easy second chance buckets and were excellent at the free throw line. However, from time to time they got to comfortable and it allowed for careless mistakes to happen. Didn't shoot the ball all that well from deep ethier due to baksets not falling. Huskies delivered 5 on the fast break, pushed 26 in the paint, scored 13 points off the Aztecs 12 turnovers and moved their win/loss record to 31-8.
San Diego State falters to the UConn Hiuskies after going down 59-76. In half number 1 Trammell would dial up a nice mid range jumper but trailed 17-26. The Aztecs at this point is time had gone 11 minutes without a made basket. Few possessions later Johnson would bury a mid range jumper of his own, 22-36. The Aztecs through one shot an overall 20% while scoring 4 points in the paint and lost 8 turnovers on 7 UConn steals. For majority of this half San Diego State had struggles in getting shots to fall wheather it was from the field or beyond the arc. Also, they had poimts in the shutdown due to Connecticut eliminating the middle of the lane and giveaways were constant. San Diego State 0 on the fast break, pushed in 2 team assists and entered the half down 24-36. Then in the 2nd half San Diego would gain a 9-0 run after Darrion Trammell sunk in a nicley made layup, 50-56. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. The Aztecs in the 2nd shot 32% from the field with 4 turnovers secured and scored 12 in the paint. They piled up 10 second chance points and obtained 4 on the fast break. San Diego State from the field and when going deep couldn't get a shot to drop and turnivers were consistent. Along with poor three point shooting due to UConn taking away open looks. A couple positives were that they executed in the paint and were capitalizing on second chance opportunities while doing well on the fast break. The Aztecs ended with 13 second chance points, obtained 16 in the paint and fell off to a 32-7 record.
In courtesy of Bleacher Report
Saturday April 1st, 2023: Martin drops 26 points but it wasn't enough and it led Florida Atlantic to a heartbreaking 71-72 defeat to San Diego State. The Cinderella story has come to abrupt end and have been eliminated from the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Florida Atlantic midway into the 1st half would pull ahead by three after Grrenkee buri3d a three pointer, 29-26. Few possessions later Rosado would barrel to the cup before sinking in a nicley made layup, 34-28. FAU in one shot 55% from the field while making 6 three pointers and tallied 16 points in the paint. Including 2 turnovers. FAU on excellent ball rotation obtained solid shots from the field and were consistent beyond the arc. They attacked the paint effectively as well. Florida Atlantic went 4 of 4 from the free throw line, defense forced 4 team steals and walked into halftime with a 40-33 lead. In the 2nd half Rosado would dial up a nice mid range jumper and it gave his team a 67-65 lead. Afterwards, Martin with 46 seconds left would drive in a mid range jumper, 71-68. Florida Atlantic through the 2nd shot 44% from the field with 3 three's added and racked up 10 in the paint. They secured 6 second chance scores gave the ball away 7 times. FAU in crunch time from the field were getting solid shots drop on excellent passing and were effective in the paint. FAU worked well on second chance buckets but they matched San Diego State bakset for basket and constant turnovers were an issue. FAU secured 11 second chance buckets, added 24 in the paint and fell to a 35-4 record.
San Diego State holds off Florida Atlantic after picking up a 72-71 Victory. The Aztecs improved to 32 wins on the year and will advance to the National Championsh to take in UConn. San Diego State in the 1st half would cut into Florida Atlantic's lead after Arop sunk in a mid range hook from inside the paint, 28-32. Afterwards, Johnson at the buzzer delivered a three poimt jumper, 33-40. San Diego Staye in one shot 44% from thenfield with 4 made three's on 9 tries and scored 12 in the paint. That includes 5 turnovers and 4 second chsnce buckets. San Diego State from the field and when going deep were getting quality shots to fall on good ball movement and dominated inside the paint. Also, they executed on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding and were solid from the free throw line yet they consistently gave the ball away. The Aztecs were shooting 66% from the free throw line, earned 0 on the fast break and entered the half down 33-40. Then in the 2nd half Arop late would lave in a mid range jumper and brought San Diego State to a 65-65 tie. In the end, with 2 ticks left Butler would hit a gane winning mid range jumper, 72-71. The Aztecs ended the 2nd by shooting 43% from the interior while snagging 10 points in the paint and captured 7 second chance buckets. San Diego State down the strech on great ball movement knocked down solid shots wheather it was from the field or long distance. They did damage inside the paint and capitalized on second chance opportunities. San Diego State gained 28 in the paint, scored 9 second chance baksets and improved to a 32-6 record.
In courtesy of ESPN
Sunday March 26th, 2023: Creighton Trey Aleander in the 1st half would hit a turning mid range jumper while falling backwards, 15-9. Thereafter, Kalkbrenner in the paint would drop off a contested layup, 26-18. Creighton through one posted 53% from the field while notching 2 three pointers and added 18 points in the paint. Along with tallying 4 second chance scores and gave the ball up 5 times. Creighton's offense from the field were getting quality shots to fall at a high percentage and dominated the paint game. Also, they shared the ball and capitalized on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding. A few negatives that needed to be cleaned up would be their three point shooting as the Aztecs's defense eliminated open looks and turnovers were mounting. Creighton snagged 3 offensive rebounds on 13 overall, pushed 6 assists in and entered halftime leading 33-28. Creighton in the 2nd half would force a tie midway through after Kalkbrenner from underneath the rim delivered a one handed layup, 54-54. Keep note that Creighton at this time were cold on the offensive end as they went 3 of 8 from the field and 0 for 10 beyond the arc. Creighton wrapped up the 2nd by spotting in 40% from the field with 1 three pointer acquired and secured 16 paint points. As well as adding 4 second chance baskets and coughed the ball up 4 times. Creighton late got solid shots to fall from the field and pressured the paint by attacking the rim. Creighton also did damage on the offensive glass which led to easy second chance opportunities and were effective at the free throw line. It's just unfortunate that they continued to have problems from deep as the Aztecs defense closed the perimeter out. The Bluejays finished with 9 second chance scores, earned 34 points inside the paint and tilted over to a 24-13 record.
San Diego State holds off a tough Creighton team by securing a 57-56 win. San Diego State advances to the Final Four for the first time in program history and will take on Florida Atlantic. Butler midway into the 1st half would get past Kalkbrenner before knocking in a nicley made layup, 24-28. Towards the ending of this half San Diego would earn an 8-0 run after Trammell buried a mid range floater, 28-28. This run was sparked by the defense forcing a variety of stops and the offense in transition scored easy baskets. The Aztecs shot 43% from the field with 2 made three's on 5 attempts and scored 14 points in the paint. Including 5 turnovers. San Diego State created separation with good passes and it led to solid to shots falling from the field. They executed in the paint with constant turnovers to go along. As for their three point shooting they were getting the looks that they want but couldn't get a bucket to go in. The Aztecs scored 0 on the fast break, notched 5 offensive rebounds and walked into the half down 23-28. Now heading into the 2nd half Lamont Butler would dial up a mid range jumper and it pushed San Diego State's lead to 50-48. In conclusion, Trammell would be fould by Nembhard with 1 tick left and hit 1 of 2 free throws to give his team a 57-56 lead. San Diego shot a high 37% from the field with 2 three pointers made and racked up 22 points in the paint. That includes 9 second chance buckets and lost the ball twice. San Diego State down the stretch knocked down critical free throws and obtained quality shots from the field on good ball rotation. San Diego State capitalized on second chance buckets as well with few turnovers recorded. San Diego State scored a combined 13 second chsnce points, added 36 in the paint and improved to a 31-6 record.
In courtesy of Sporting News
Saturday March 25th, 2023: UConn in an impressive way knocked out Gonzaga by securing an 82-54 Victory. UConn going to the Final Four for the first time since 2014 and will meet Miami. During half number 1 Andre Jackson Jr off a Sanogo assist would bury a nicley made layup, 30-25. UConn after that, would extend their lead as Hawkins drained in a three point jumper 36-29. UConn in one shot 40% from the field and made 4 three pointers on 15 attempts while securing 3 turnovers. They recorded 5 second chance baksets and racked up 10 points in the paint. UConn from the interior got shots to fall efficiently and took advantage of the Zags defense by attacking the paint. They were excellent on second chance opportunities due to quality rebounding and kept turnovers to a minimum but struggled from deep. Then during the 2nd half Calcanterra would drain in a three point jumper to extend UConn's massive lead to 65-40. Eventually, UConn late would add the dagger thanks to Jordan Hawkins hitting a three point jumper, 80-47. UConn closed out the 2nd half by spotting in 41% from the field with 7 made three pointers and tallied 16 points in the paint. Along with snagging 7 second chance buckets and finished 11 of 14 from the free throw line. UConn moved the ball effectively and it allowed for quality shots to go in from ethier the field or three point territory. They continued to be aggressive on the offensive glass which led to easy second chance opportunities. Defensively they eliminated the three point line by taking away open looks and welcomed Gonzaga to the block party. Very hand eye coordinated if you ask me. UConn filed in 36 points in the paint, raked up 12 second chance buckets with 14 coming in the fast break and moved up to a 29-8 record.
Gonzaga in their worst performance got obliterated by UConn as the final score showed 54-82. The Zags now find themselves out the tournament after a grewt year. In the 1st half Gonzaga would pull ahead by one after Smith buried a three point jumper, 22-21. This would be the Zags first made three in 8 tries. The Zags midway through Smith would hit a mid range floater and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 32-36. The Zags through one shot 43% from the field with 5 turnovers added and scored 14 points in the paint. Also, they acquired 10 team assists. Gonzaga's offense rotated the ball to create open space and got shots to fall from the field at a high rate. The Zags were a threat inside the paint by consistently scoring but they've been slowed down beyond the arc as they can't seem to buy a bucket. Now Gonzaga in the 2nd half still trailed by a massive margin but that didn't stop Sallis from sinking in a contested layup, 47-77. Gonzaga's offense at this point in time were cold. Gonzaga wrapped up the 2nd by splashing in 33% from the field with 1 three pointer obtained and amassed 12 total in the painted area. Zags cumulated 5 second chance points and lost 4 turnovers. The Zags in this half from start to finish shot the ball poorly as they could not get a bakset to drop. It didn't matter if it was from the field or behind the arc. Understand that poor shooting percentages won't win you very many games especially in a tournament. One good positive Gonzaga had was being effective on second chance opportunities. Zags finished with 9 turnovers, added 30 in the paint, obtained 9 second chance baskets and fell down to a 31-6 record.
Gonzaga in their worst performance got obliterated by UConn as the final score showed 54-82. The Zags now find themselves out the tournament after a grewt year. In the 1st half Gonzaga would pull ahead by one after Smith buried a three point jumper, 22-21. This would be the Zags first made three in 8 tries. The Zags midway through Smith would hit a mid range floater and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 32-36. The Zags through one shot 43% from the field with 5 turnovers added and scored 14 points in the paint. Also, they acquired 10 team assists. Gonzaga's offense rotated the ball to create open space and got shots to fall from the field at a high rate. The Zags were a threat inside the paint by consistently scoring but they've been slowed down beyond the arc as they can't seem to buy a bucket. Now Gonzaga in the 2nd half still trailed by a massive margin but that didn't stop Sallis from sinking in a contested layup, 47-77. Gonzaga's offense at this point in time were cold. Gonzaga wrapped up the 2nd by splashing in 33% from the field with 1 three pointer obtained and amassed 12 total in the painted area. Zags cumulated 5 second chance points and lost 4 turnovers. The Zags in this half from start to finish shot the ball poorly as they could not get a bakset to drop. It didn't matter if it was from the field or behind the arc. Understand that poor shooting percentages won't win you very many games especially in a tournament. One good positive Gonzaga had was being effective on second chance opportunities. Zags finished with 9 turnovers, added 30 in the paint, obtained 9 second chance baskets and fell down to a 31-6 record.
In courtesy of ESPN
Thursday March 23rd, 2023: Tennessee suffers a heartbreaker in the Sweet Sixteen and the final results showed a 55-62 loss against FAU. The Vols are heading home after being eliminated from the tournament and their Elite Eight drought reaches 13 straight seasons. Tennessee in half number 1 would push their lead to nine after Mashack dreamed a mid range J, 25-16. Tennessee through one shot an overall 30% while scoring 10 points in the paint and added 2 turnovers. They gained 4 second chance buckets on 7 rebounds and went 4 of 6 from the free throw line. The Vounteers offense from the field struggled to hit mid range jumpers as most of their points came in the paint and lacked three point shooting. However, they dominated the offensive glass as it allowed for easy second chance opportunities. Tennessee reocrded 0 on the fast break, accumulated 16 team rebounds and slipped into halftime with a 27-22 lead. Shifting into the later stages of the 2nd half Jordan James would dial up a three point jumper and brought his team within five, 50-55. The Vols capped off the 2nd by shooting 31% from the field with 3 three pointers made and tallied 8 of their 20 total points in the paint. They amassed 8 second chance buckets while attaching 4 giveaways. Tennessee simply looked flat on the offensive end as they shot the ball poorly from both the field and when going deep. I mean nothing was falling for these guys and the careless turnovers continued to mount. A few positives in this disateress loss was that they capitalized on second chance scores due to good rebounding and performed well when scoring inside the paint. Tennessee went 12 of 17 from the free throw line, was a combined 6 of 23 from deep and fell to a 23-11 record.
Florida Atlantic stuns Tennessee after picking up an impressive 62-55 Victory. Florida Atlantic advances to the Elite Eight and will take on the 3rd seeded Kansas State. In the 1st half Florida Atlantic would chip into the Vols lead as Boyd sunk in a mid range jumper, 22-27. FAU in one shot 37% from the field with 3 three's made on 14 tries and scored 10 poimts in the paint. They went 1 of 2 from the free throw line and gave the ball up 9 times. FAU couldn't buy bucket from the field and struggled immensely behind the arc due to Tennessee's defense limiting open looks. They've turned the ball over one too many times and weren't getting to the free throw line enough. FAU scored 0 points on the fast break, defense forced 1 block and entered the half down 22-27. During the 2nd half FAU woukd earn their first lead of the night after Forest buried a three point jumper thus going up 41-39. Eventually, FAU would extend their lead late thanks to Nick Boyd burying a tough layup, 57-50. FAU finished the 2nd by spotting in 42% from the field with 5 three's made and secured 14 paint points. Florida Atlantic recorded 8 second chance baskets and accumulated 3 turnovers. FAU down the strech got shots to fall efficiently wheather it was from the field or behind the arc. Also, they were excellent on second chance opportunities and limited careless mistakes. FAU outscored Tennessee 40-28, went 12 of 16 from the charity stripe and moved up to a 34-3 record.
In courtesy of AP News
Sunday March 19th, 2023: Kansas State in the 2nd half alone outscored Kentucky 46-43 and it helped lift them to a 75-69 Victory. Kansas State advances to the Sweet 16 round and will take on the 7th seeded Michigan State. Kansas State Late in the 1st half Nowell delivered a behind the back pass to Johnson who spotted in a nicley made layup, 21-22. Kansas State after that, regained their lead as Nowell with 2 seconds left tossed an alley oop pass to Tomlin who slammed down a two handed jam, 29-26. Kansas State through one shot 41% from the field while going 0 of 12 from deep and scored 24 points in the paint. That includes 4 second chance baksets on 3 rebounds secured and gave the ball away 4 times. Kansas State from the field got quality shots to fall on good ball movement and effective inside the paint. Kansas State executed second chance buckets due to solid rebounding. Moving forward they need to find a way to limit the turnovers and have knock down three's. Kansas State were shooting 62% from the charity stripe, earned 7 points off Kentucky's mistakes and slipped into halftime with a 29-26 lead. Then in the 2nd half Kamsas State would be off to an 8-0 run after Nowell sunk in a three point jumper, 39-39. Keep in mind this would be Kansas State's first made three of the game on 13 attempts. This run was sparked by the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Kansas State would ultimately add the knockout punch after Johnson buried a three point jumper, 67-62. At this point in time this would be Kansas State's 2nd made three in a row. Kansas State shot 48% from the field with 5 made three's and tallied 16 of their 40 total points in the paint. That acquired 3 second chance scores and coughed the ball up 4 times. Kansas State shot the extremely well from the field as buckets were falling and dominated the paint game. They capitalized on second chance scores due to good offensive rebounding and were excellent from the free throw line. A few negatives would be that they lacked three points shooting while repetitively turning the ball over. Luckily Kansas State's defense were able to put the clamps on late down the strech by forcing quality stops and that made up for most of their careless mistakes. Kansas State finished 18 of 22 from the free throw line, were a combined 5 for 21 from deep, scored 20 fast break points and moved on to a 25-9 record.
Kentucky in the second round falls short to against Kansas State after going down 69-75. Kentucky drops their 12th game of the year and have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. In the 1st half Livingston would utilize a spin move before knocking in a one handed hook shot from inside the paint, 17-9. Afterwards, Tshigwe would secure his own offensive rebound before hammering down a two handed slam and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 26-25. Kentucky shot 26% from the field with 11 turnovers added and made 2 three pointers on 10 tries. They notched 16 points in the paint and gained 5 second chance buckets on 9 rebounds. Kentucky struggled to shoot mid-range jumpers, and baskets from beyond the three point line weren't falling due to Kansas State's defense closing out. Including careless turnovers. Most of their points were generated inside the paint and dominated the offensive board as it led to easy second chance opportunities. Kentucky were 4 for 5 from the free throw line, scored 0 on the fast break and entered halftime down by three, 26-29. During the midway stages of the 2nd half Wallace would drive to the rim before sinking in a nice layup, 62-61. Kentucky ended the 2nd half by shooting 40% from the field with 2 made three's and racked up 26 points in the paint. Also, they had 5 turnovers lost and utilized 13 second chance buckets. Kentucky's offense got shots to fall effectively from the field on good ball rotation and couldn't be stopped in the paint. They were efficient when it came to capitalizing on second chance opportunities yet poor three point shooting and costly turnivers is what slowed them down. Kentucky knocked down 4 three's on 20 tries, pushed in 40 paint points, ended with 16 turnovers and dropped off to a 22-12 record.
In courtesy of ClutchPoints
Saturday March 18th, 2023: Kansas suffers a heratbreaking 71-72 loss when going against Arkansas. Kansas Jayhawks are no longer defending champions and fall to 8th defeat of the year. In the 1st half coming off a timeout Petiford would force a steal on Davis's bad pass and in transition knocked down a layup, 22-19. Towards the end of the half McCullars with 41 ticks left would deliver a pullup mid range jumper, 35-27. Kansas through one shot 50% from the field with 1 made three on 7 tries and scored 22 points in the paint. Also, they gave the ball up 6 times. Keep note that Dujaun Harris left the game and has not returned since rolling his ankle. The Jayhawks created separation by delivering good passes, and it led to quality shots falling from the field. They executed inside the paint as players made solid backdoor cuts to the rim. However, they struggled from deep, and turnovers were a problem early. During the 2nd half Dujaun Harris would return to the game and splashed in a pullup three point jumper and it helped Kansas regain their lead, 54-52 with 8:07 to go. Going towards the late stages of this half McCullers would lace in a three point jumper, 64-61. Kansas in the 2nd shot 48% from the field while recording 12 points in the paint and racked up 0 on the fast break. They acquired 2 made three's as well. Kansas shot the ball extremely well from the field on good ball movement and capitalized insode the paint. It's just unfortunate that they lacked three point shooting and fast break chances were shutdown. Kansas ended their night 5 for 13 from downtown, snuck in 34 points in the paint, finished 18 of 25 from charity stripe and dropped off to a 28-8 record.
Arkansas found a way to knock off Kansas by picking up a 72-71 Victory. Arkansas advances to the Sweet 16 round and will take on Uconn. Mitchell in half number 1 off a Council pass would drop off a nicely made layup, 21-26. Arkansas after that, started to chip into Kansas's ten point lead after Ricky Council buried a contested layup and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 24-31. Arkansas in one shot 35% from the field while going 1 of 9 from deep and tallied 14 points in the paint. Including 6 second chance scores and had 6 turnovers lost. Arkansas is having a tough getting shots to sink in from both the field and behind the arc. Most of their scoring opportunities are coming off second chance buckets and by attacking the paint. In the 2nd half Walsh would knock down a three point jumper and it gave Arkansas a 52-51 lead. Moments after, Kamani Johnson would secure his own offensive rebound before knocking in a putback layup, 67-65. In conclusion Council would go 2 for 2 from the free throw line, 72-69. Arkansas ended the 2nd by shooting 41% from the field while adding 2 three pointers and snagged 18 points in the paint. They attached 2 turnovers. Arkansas from the field got shots to fall efficiently and did damage when getting inside the paint. That includes excellent second chance scoring. They were effective at the free throw line as well and kept turnovers to a minimum but couldn't hit a three pointer to save their life. Arkansas finished with a combined 3 for 15 from deep, utilized 15 second chance buckets, scored 30 in the paint and moved up to a 22-13 record.
In courtesy of Action Network
Friday March 17th, 2023: Michigan State in the 2nd half outscores USC 38-28 and it led them to a 72-62 Victory. 7th seed Michigan State advances to the round of 32 and will take on 2nd seed Marquette. In the 1st half Tre Holloman would bury a mid range jumper from the top of the key, 26-17. Afterwards, Jaden Atkins in transition off a USC missed shot would drive the lane before hammering down a one handed slam, 28-21. The Spartans through one shot 45% from the field with 2 made three's on 8 attempts and scored 16 points in the paint. Including 4 turnovers added. Michigan State utilized good screens to create space and it led to quality shots falling from the field. They were effective when getting to the paint but struggled from downtown as they couldn't buy a bucket and gave the up one too many times. MSU shot 80% from free throw line, added 0 on the fast break and entered halftime tied at 34-34. In the 2nd half Tyson Walker would force a steal off Tre White and in transition he would miss layup but Carson Cooper secured the rebound before hammering down a two handed jam, 49-40. The Spartans were off to an 8-0 run due the defense forcing stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. In conclusion, Jaden Atkins would launch a game clinching three point jumper, 66-51. Michigan State closed the 2nd by shooting 48% from the field while making 3 three pointers and secured 18 of their 34 total points in the paint. They acquired 4 second chance buckets and had 4 turnovers lost. The Spartans did a great job of finding the open man while knocking down solid shots from the field and behind the arc. They capitalized on second chance opportunities due to good rebounding and executed in the paint. Defensively, they smothered USC by taking away quality shots and had active hands to force steals. MSU defense forced 7 steals, tallied 8 points in the fast break and moved up to a 20-12 record.
USC suffered a gut-wrenching 62-72 loss when going against Michigan State. The Trojans are heading home and suffered their 11th defeat of the year. USC late in the 1st half would come within seven after Joshua Morgan slammed down a two handed jam, 21-26. Few possessions later and USC would take the lead by one after Johnson buried a three point jumper, 31-30. USC in one shot 50% from the field with 3 three's made on 7 tries and tallied 12 points in the painted area. That includes 0 on the fast break and coughed the ball up 3 times. The Trojans offense on good ball movement were able to generate open looks and it would lead to solid shots dropping from the field. Also, they were efficient inside the paint but lacked three point shooting and fast break opportunities got shutdown. As for their defense they seemingly had issues with the switch because everytime they got off one player it would leave another open. USC piled up 0 points on the fast break and on second chance tries, they went 5 of 6 from the free throw line while slipping into halftime knotted up at 34-34. Then in the 2nd half Joshua Morgan would end USC's drought by knocking down a nice one handed layup, 51-60. USC went 5 minutes without a made basket and gave the ball away 3 times in that process. USC wrapped up the 2nd by posting 41% from the field with 8 turnovers attached and sunk in 4 made three's. USC also tacked in 7 second chance scores. Offensively, the Trojans struggled to get shots to fall, it didn't matter if it was from the field or beyond the arc. Most of theor points came inside the paint. USC were excellent on second chance buckets as well but repetitively turned the ball over. Trojans concluded their night by going 7 of 20 from deep, scored 0 on the fast break and dropped off to a 22-11 record.
In courtesy of Action Network
Thursday March 16th, 2023: Maryland knocks off West Virginia in the 1st round by a score of 67-65. Maryland advances to the round of 32 and will take in number 1 seeded Alabama. Hakim Hart in the 1st half would drop off a nicely made layup and it brought Maryland within two, 24-26. Afterwards, Scott with 1:57 left would bury a mid range J, 30-28. Maryland through one shot 55% from the field and made 4 three's on 8 attempts while giving the ball away 8 times. That includes 12 points in the paint and scored 5 second chance buckets. Maryland's offense on good ball movement were able to open up space and from the field they got solid shots to drop. They executed in the paint but couldn't buy a bakset from deep and turnovers were a problem. Maryland shot 7 of 9 from the free throw line, snagged 11 points off West Virginia's 9 turnovers and slippee into halftime with a 32-30 lead. Then in the 2nd half midway through, Hakim Hart would knock down nice layup off a Julian Reese pass, 52-51. Maryland was on a 9-0 run thanks to the defense forcing multiple stops and the offense scored quickly in transition. Eventually, as the game went Maryland would spark an 8-0 run as Reese hammered down a the jam, 64-59. This run was due to the defense utilizing quick stops and the offense responded with easy points in transition. In conclusion, Jahmir Young would hit 1 free throw on 2 tries, 67-65. Mayland shot 51% from the field while tallying 22 points in the paint and coughed the ball up 5 times. Maryland got a high percentage of shots to fall from the field and couldn't be stopped inside the paint. Maryland executed at the free throw line as well. In a way Mayland was lucky because West Virginia made them pay with points off turnovers and they struggled a bit from deep. Mayland ended with 10 points in the fast break, reeled in 34 paint points and improved to a 22-12 record.
West Virginia in the first round goes down 65-67 to Maryland. West Virginia now has to head back to drawing board after suffering a tough elimination. Johnson late in the 1st half hit a mid range floater from inside the free throw line, 28-26. At this point of the game there have been 5 lead changes. Few offensive possessions later Erik Stevens would launch in a mid range jumper and it forced a 30-30 tie with 1:07 left. West Virginia shot 10 of 26 from the field with 8 turnovers added and recorded 12 points in the paint. Also, they went 3 for 7 from behind the arc and racked up 5 second chance baksets. West Virginia pushed the ball up court with good passes and it led to quality shots falling wheather it be from the field or long distance. West Virginia did damage in the paint by being aggressive and capitalized on second chance opportunities. However, they've struggled in turnovers and fast break chances were limited to 0 points. West Virginia shot 80% from charity stripe, recorded 9 points off Maryland's 8 turns and entered halftime facing a 30-32 two point deficit. In the 2nd half West Virginia regained their lead after Stevenson delivered a deep three point jumper thus going up 59-56. Eventually, West Virginia would inch within one after Mitchell with 8 ticks left dropped off a contested layup, 65-66. West Virginia ended the 2nd by shooting 39% from the field with 5 made three's and racked up 12 paint points. They attached 5 points in the fast break and added 15 second chance scores The Mountaineers from the field and when going deep were shooting the ball effectively while domianting second chance and fast break opportunities but down the strech they matched Maryland basket for bakset. West Virginia shot 81% from the free throw line, scored 13 points off Mayland's 13 turnovers, added 24 in the paint and dropped off to a 19-15 record.
In courtesy of si.com
Monday April 4th, 2022: Caleb Love air balls final shot of regulation and North Carolina sustained a heartbreaking 69-72 loss to Kansas. This defeat denied North Carolina of winning their 7th National title in school history and it also would've been their first since 2017. Now RJ Davis midway through the 1st half would knock down a mid range jumper, thus going up 22-18. Tar Heels happen to also get off to an 8-0 run by this point in time. Thereafter, the Tar Heels lead late would increase to 36-22 after RJ Davis hit a nicley made layup. Note that North Carolina in the 1st half did a great job of outrebouding Kansas on the offensive glass and it allowed for 18 total second chance points to their 2. Tar Heels turned in 8 rebounds on offense, shot 36% from the field and entered halftime up 40-25. Eventually, RJ Davis halfway through the 2nd half would help North Carolina end a Jayhawks 9-0 run after knocking in a right handed layup, 52-56. However, North Carolina with over a minute remaining in the 2nd half and Love would toss up an alley oop pass to Brady Manek who hammered in a two handed slam. Which gave UNC a brief 69-68 lead. North Carolina through the games 2nd half came out flat on offense, as they had a difficult time getting shots to go in from ethier deep or from the field and kept turning the ball over as well. North Carolina also were outscored 47-29. North Carolina ended their night shooting 21% from long range, were outassisted 9-11 and staggered down to a 29-10 record.
Kansas Jayhawks overcome a 16 point deficit to knock off North Carolina by a score of 79-62. This win helped Kansas win their fourth National Championship in program history and their first since 2008. Remy Martin in the 1st half would splash in a three point jumper to help the Jayhawks gain an 18-15 lead. Afterwards, McCormack late in the 1st would dial in a layup to come within two, 20-22. Kansas towards the end of the 1st half seemingly struggled from field as they couldn't get shots to fall in and were held without a basket for five total minutes. Also had trouble from deep after shooting just 26% Be aware that before this little blunder Kansas were shooting 5 of 6 from the floor. Kansas shot 30% from the floor, scored 12 points in the paint and slouched into halftime down 25-40. Although, come the early parts of the 2nd half and Kansas would jump out to a 16-5 run and came within four. After Dujaun Harris buried a beauty of a one handed layup, 41-45. This run was sparked due to quick defensive stops in transition and in return were getting solid shots to drop on the offensive end. Then Remy Martin midway through the 2nd, would sink in a corner three pointer and were off to a 9-0 stretch, 53-50. But in the end, David McCormack with 1:19 left would utilize a game clinching mid range hook from inside the paint, 72-70. Kansas in the 2nd half did an excellent job of attacking the paint with 42 points and knocked down quality shots from the field. I also want to add in that Kansas won this game by eliminating the Tar Heels second chance opportunities, as they held them to just eight points in that department. Kansas ended up shooting a solid 43% from the field, scored 18 points off the Tar Heels 13 turnovers and moved up to a 34-6 record.
Monday April 4th, 2022: Caleb Love air balls final shot of regulation and North Carolina sustained a heartbreaking 69-72 loss to Kansas. This defeat denied North Carolina of winning their 7th National title in school history and it also would've been their first since 2017. Now RJ Davis midway through the 1st half would knock down a mid range jumper, thus going up 22-18. Tar Heels happen to also get off to an 8-0 run by this point in time. Thereafter, the Tar Heels lead late would increase to 36-22 after RJ Davis hit a nicley made layup. Note that North Carolina in the 1st half did a great job of outrebouding Kansas on the offensive glass and it allowed for 18 total second chance points to their 2. Tar Heels turned in 8 rebounds on offense, shot 36% from the field and entered halftime up 40-25. Eventually, RJ Davis halfway through the 2nd half would help North Carolina end a Jayhawks 9-0 run after knocking in a right handed layup, 52-56. However, North Carolina with over a minute remaining in the 2nd half and Love would toss up an alley oop pass to Brady Manek who hammered in a two handed slam. Which gave UNC a brief 69-68 lead. North Carolina through the games 2nd half came out flat on offense, as they had a difficult time getting shots to go in from ethier deep or from the field and kept turning the ball over as well. North Carolina also were outscored 47-29. North Carolina ended their night shooting 21% from long range, were outassisted 9-11 and staggered down to a 29-10 record.
Kansas Jayhawks overcome a 16 point deficit to knock off North Carolina by a score of 79-62. This win helped Kansas win their fourth National Championship in program history and their first since 2008. Remy Martin in the 1st half would splash in a three point jumper to help the Jayhawks gain an 18-15 lead. Afterwards, McCormack late in the 1st would dial in a layup to come within two, 20-22. Kansas towards the end of the 1st half seemingly struggled from field as they couldn't get shots to fall in and were held without a basket for five total minutes. Also had trouble from deep after shooting just 26% Be aware that before this little blunder Kansas were shooting 5 of 6 from the floor. Kansas shot 30% from the floor, scored 12 points in the paint and slouched into halftime down 25-40. Although, come the early parts of the 2nd half and Kansas would jump out to a 16-5 run and came within four. After Dujaun Harris buried a beauty of a one handed layup, 41-45. This run was sparked due to quick defensive stops in transition and in return were getting solid shots to drop on the offensive end. Then Remy Martin midway through the 2nd, would sink in a corner three pointer and were off to a 9-0 stretch, 53-50. But in the end, David McCormack with 1:19 left would utilize a game clinching mid range hook from inside the paint, 72-70. Kansas in the 2nd half did an excellent job of attacking the paint with 42 points and knocked down quality shots from the field. I also want to add in that Kansas won this game by eliminating the Tar Heels second chance opportunities, as they held them to just eight points in that department. Kansas ended up shooting a solid 43% from the field, scored 18 points off the Tar Heels 13 turnovers and moved up to a 34-6 record.
In courtesy of nytimes.com
Saturday April 2nd, 2022: Coach K's career is now over after Duke sustained a tough 77-81 loss to North Carolina. This defeat dropped Duke to an 0-2 record when versing the Tar Heels this year and were denied of advancing to the championship game for the first time since 2015. Now Keels halfway through the 1st half would help Duke gain a 21-18 three point lead after burying a contested layup from the baseline. After that, Wendell Moore would force steal off Brady Maek before finding Keels in transition, who turned in a late euro step mid range floater, 30-26. Duke in the 1st half executed in the paint as they tallied 28 points and got solid shots to drop with 45% from the field. The Bluedevils shot a poor 16% from downtown, scored 8 points off UNC's 4 turns and marched into halftime leading 37-34. We will shift to the mid-stages of the 2nd half where Wendell Moore buried a mid range jumper, thus going up 53-52. Nevertheless, towards the end of the 2nd half with 20 seconds to go Roach would knock down a layup but his team trailed still 76-78. It's just unfortunate that Duke in the 2nd half were killed by missed free throws down the stretch and ultamately couldn't buy a bucket from deep. Duke shot 22% from behind the arc, shot 60% from the free throw line and decrease to a 32-8 win/loss record.
North Carolina fight onto the National Championship game to take on Kansas, following a highly impressive 81-77 Victory, over Duke. This win helped propell the Tar Heels to their 11th National title game in program history and their first appearance since 2017. Caleb Love 4:29 in the 1st half would tue this bout at 26-26 after splashing in a mid range J. Thereafter, Puff Johnson late in the 1st would steal the ball of a Banchero bad pass and it allowed Caleb Love to knock in a euro step layup while on the fast break, 32-34. North Carolina through the first 20 minutes would struggle to get shots to fall and had trouble moving the ball, as they snagged three assists to their 7 by this time. Also had a tough time in the paint as Duke's defense made it hard to do anything inside. UNC shot 35% from the floor, scored 14 points in the paint and walked into halftime trailing 34-47. However, North Carolina four minutes into the 2nd half would get off to a 13-0 run after Caleb Love sunk in a mid range floater and gained a much needed 47-41 advantage. UNC earned this run by forcing defensive stops and were effective down low. But in the end, Caleb Love would make some noise and quiet Duke late in the 2nd with 26 ticks left, thanks to a dagger of three pointer to go up 78-74. North Carolina in the 2nd half need their credit because this game was won by getting shots to fall in crunch time and continued to remain a threat after being aggressive on the offensive glass as it allowed for consistent second chance opportunities. North Carolina ended their night by securing 15 rebounds on offense, scored 22 second chance points and moved up to a 30-9 record.
In courtesy of gamingtoday.com
Saturday March 2nd, 2022: Kansas survives the Final Four round after beating Villanova by a score of 81-65. This win helped Kansas reach the National Championship for the first time since 2008 and avenge their loss to the Wildcats from the 2018 Final Four. Harris in the 1st half would knock in a wide open three point jumper off a Martin assist, 22-11. Afterwards, towards the end of half number 1 Lightfoot off a Wilson missed shot would utilize a putback layin, thus goimg up 40-29. Kansas through one were hurting Villanova from behind the arc as they got open looks to drop and dominated down low in the post. That was until the end where they started to slip a bit in offense and gave up a 10-3 run by not making stops. Ht. However, the Kansas Jayhawks would snap a Nova 8-0 run and went up by ten, once McCormack dropped in a putback layin off a Harris missed three, 52-42. Be aware that in the early goings if this half, Kansas was a little slow as shots weren't going in and they had 7 turnovers which was three more than what they had in the 1st. Bit in the end, late 2nd half with 1 second on the shot clock and Braun would bury a putaway three point dagger, which extended Kansas's lead to 71-59. Kansas ended the 2nd half by spreading the ball around to help players find their spots and knock down tough contested shots. They also torched Nova in the paint with 30 points while outscoring them
Villanova were outscored 41-36 in the 2nd half and it led to a disappointing 65-81 loss to Kansas. This defeat denied Villanova of advancing tonthe National Championship for the first time since 2018 and have officially been eliminated from the 2022 tourney. Villanova late in the 1st half got off to a 10-0 run after a Collin Gillespie mid range jumper, 26-38. Note that Nova to start this half were unable to get quality shots at the rim and couldn't make defenisev stops. A few plays later and Gillespie yet again would hit his second d made shot in a row, follwoing his three ball, 29-38. Nova through one half started buckling down on defense and got shots to go in from both deep and from the floor. Also outrebounded Kansas on the offensive glass and it allowed for 13 second chance points. The Wildcats snagged 9 offensive boards, shot 33% from the field and entered the half down 29-40. Thereafter, Jermaine Samules with 6:10 to go in the 2nd half would bring Nova within six after hitting a turning mid range hook from down low and was fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 58-64. We will now jump in over to the latter parts of the half number 2, where Nova was able to pull within 13 after Brandon Slater hit a three pointer, 62-75. Unfortunately, Villanova seemingly in the 2nd half had a tough time from the floor as shots weren't falling and it didn't help that most of their shooting or driving lanes were tightly contained. Nova also turned the ball over 8 times. Villanova ended their night shooting 38% from the field, scored 16 points in the paint and stumbled down to a 30-8 record to end the 2022 season.
In courtesy of 247sports.com
Sunday March 27th, 2022: North Carolina did it's job by eliminating the 15th seed Saint Peters Peacocks by a score of 69-49. This win propelled North Carolina to the Final Four round for the first time since 2017 and will meet Villanova. Now North Carolina midway through the 1st half would push their lead to 29-13 after an RJ Davis layup. Thereafter, Caleb Love late in the 1st utilized a reverse layin to extend the lead to 32-13. North Carolina in the 1st half absolutely crushed Saint Peters from the floor by moving the ball around in order for players to set up and get solid looks at the basket. Defensievely, North Carolina was able to pressure Saint Peters into turning the ball over eight times. North Carolina secured 41% shooting from the floor, secured five offensive boards and entered halftime up 32-19. However, around the 6 minute mark of the 2nd half, RJ Davis would force a speedy steal off Dram's bad pass before gettingnout to a 2 on 1 fast break that ended with a Caleb Love one handed slam, 61-38. But in the end, the knockout punch would be delivered Kate in the 2nd after Bacot sunk in a layup to push the Tar Heels lead to 67-42. North Carolina in the 2nd half were a thorn in Saint Peters side after playing bully ball on the offensive glass and it turned into 12 seconds chance points. North Carolina also continued to be a threat from the field after distributing the ball around to get players open and knock down shots. But on defense North Carolina was everywhere after forcing 11 turnovers with 6 of them coming off steals. North Carolina outscored Saint Peters 31-30 in the 2nd, shot 41% from the fieldand improved to a 28-9 record.
Saint Peters magical seasons comes to a half after suffering a tough 49-69 blowout loss to Noth Carolina. This defeat blocked Saint Peters from advancing to their first ever final four in program history and had their 11-Game win streak snapped. KC Ndefo during half number one would help Saint Peters pull within 12 points after a mid range hook from inside the paint, 9-21. Afterwards, with 1:27 left in the 1st Isaiah Dasher would dash to the rim for a beauty of a layup, 17-36. Saint Peter's in the 1st half had struggles generating offense as they couldn't get shots to go in from ethier deep or from the field. One positive was that they got off to a late 6-0 run by getting to the free throw line. Saint Peters shot 1 of 11 from downtown, 100% from the free throw line and slouched into halftime down 19-32. But come the halfway point of the 2nd half and Saint Peters were able to come within a 20 point deficit, follwoing a Dasher layup, 33-53. Although, towards the end of half number two with over a minute left, Ndefo would drop in a layup. But trailed still 46-67. Saint Peters in the 2nd half seemingly still couldn't get going as they just couldn't produce any offense. Due to not getting shots off and defensievely they gave up to many points down low. One positive to Peters game was that they forced 8 blocked shots. Saint Peters ended their night shooting 30% from the floor, 25% from deep and slipped to a 22-12 record.
Sunday March 27th, 2022: North Carolina did it's job by eliminating the 15th seed Saint Peters Peacocks by a score of 69-49. This win propelled North Carolina to the Final Four round for the first time since 2017 and will meet Villanova. Now North Carolina midway through the 1st half would push their lead to 29-13 after an RJ Davis layup. Thereafter, Caleb Love late in the 1st utilized a reverse layin to extend the lead to 32-13. North Carolina in the 1st half absolutely crushed Saint Peters from the floor by moving the ball around in order for players to set up and get solid looks at the basket. Defensievely, North Carolina was able to pressure Saint Peters into turning the ball over eight times. North Carolina secured 41% shooting from the floor, secured five offensive boards and entered halftime up 32-19. However, around the 6 minute mark of the 2nd half, RJ Davis would force a speedy steal off Dram's bad pass before gettingnout to a 2 on 1 fast break that ended with a Caleb Love one handed slam, 61-38. But in the end, the knockout punch would be delivered Kate in the 2nd after Bacot sunk in a layup to push the Tar Heels lead to 67-42. North Carolina in the 2nd half were a thorn in Saint Peters side after playing bully ball on the offensive glass and it turned into 12 seconds chance points. North Carolina also continued to be a threat from the field after distributing the ball around to get players open and knock down shots. But on defense North Carolina was everywhere after forcing 11 turnovers with 6 of them coming off steals. North Carolina outscored Saint Peters 31-30 in the 2nd, shot 41% from the fieldand improved to a 28-9 record.
Saint Peters magical seasons comes to a half after suffering a tough 49-69 blowout loss to Noth Carolina. This defeat blocked Saint Peters from advancing to their first ever final four in program history and had their 11-Game win streak snapped. KC Ndefo during half number one would help Saint Peters pull within 12 points after a mid range hook from inside the paint, 9-21. Afterwards, with 1:27 left in the 1st Isaiah Dasher would dash to the rim for a beauty of a layup, 17-36. Saint Peter's in the 1st half had struggles generating offense as they couldn't get shots to go in from ethier deep or from the field. One positive was that they got off to a late 6-0 run by getting to the free throw line. Saint Peters shot 1 of 11 from downtown, 100% from the free throw line and slouched into halftime down 19-32. But come the halfway point of the 2nd half and Saint Peters were able to come within a 20 point deficit, follwoing a Dasher layup, 33-53. Although, towards the end of half number two with over a minute left, Ndefo would drop in a layup. But trailed still 46-67. Saint Peters in the 2nd half seemingly still couldn't get going as they just couldn't produce any offense. Due to not getting shots off and defensievely they gave up to many points down low. One positive to Peters game was that they forced 8 blocked shots. Saint Peters ended their night shooting 30% from the floor, 25% from deep and slipped to a 22-12 record.
In courtesy of oregonlive.com
Saturday March 26th, 2022: Coach K's retirement will have wait a little while longer after his Duke knocked off Arkansas by a score of 78-69. This win advances Duke to the Final Four round for the first time since 2015. Now Keels during the mid-stages of the 1st half would power to the rim for falling one handed layup, 22-16. Duke was also off to an 8-0 run by this time as well. After that, Jeremy Roach would blow past his defender before dialing in a nicely made layup and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 30-24. Moments later and Keels at the buzzer would bury a three point J, 45-33. Duke through one did a solid job at attacking the paint and snagging offensive boards that setup eight second chance opportunities. But defensively, Duke in the final minute used quick stops and buckled down on turnovers, as it translated into big run that I mentioned up above to seal this half up. One negative is that Duke needed to start taking more attempts from deep. Duke shot just 40% from deep, earned 26 points in the paint and stepped into halftime leading 45-33. However, Duke halfway through the 2nd half got off to an 11-0 run after Wendell Moore buried a mid range jumper, thus going up 61-48. But in the end. Duke theough two were all over Arkansas by forcing 11 turnovers and 7 of them came off steals. Duke also maintained to be a threat inside the paint while getting multiple shots to fall from the floor. Duke ended their night shooting a solid 54% from the field, turned in 34 team assists and await the winners of North Carolina vs Saint Peter's.
Arkansas outscored 36-32 in the 2nd half as the final score showed a tough 69-78 loss to Duke. This defeat denied the Razorbacks of getting to the Final Four as they haven't been there since the 1995 season. Davante Davis in the 1st half would bury a mid range jumper, which brought his team within five, 28-33. Thereafter, Stanley Umude would bring his team within four after hitting a three point jumper, 31-35. The Razorbacks through the first 20 minutes on defense did a nice job of forcing quick turnovers and got solid looks at the rim from the field. But Arkansas seemingly needed to do much better when getting inside the paint. Arkansas shot 40% from the floor, scored 14 points in the paint and entered halftime down 33-45. Although, Arkansas would continue their fight during half number 2 after coming within 20 points, following a Trey Wade three pointer, 57-72. Moments after and Williams late in the 2nd half would power down a slam, 61-76. Arkansas in the 2nd half were slowed down after not generating enough offense as they moved the ball well but couldn't get shots to fall in. Due to a tightly contained Duke defense. Arkansas shot 30% from downtown, outassisted Duke 12-8 and are now heading back home.
In courtesy of nypost.com
Friday March 25th, 2022: Saint Peters last night found a way to keep their Cinderella story going, follwoing an impressive 67-64 Victory, over Purdue. This win helped Saint Peters advance to the Elite Eight round to take on North Carolina and are atop 10 wins in a row. Now Murray midway through the 1st half helped Saint Peters snag a 21-19 two point lead after hitting a mid range jumper. Then Saint Peter's came within four after Jalen Murray hit a finger roll layin at the buzzer, 29-33. Saint Peters in the 1st half struggled from deep but earned most of their points from the field and it came from attacking the paint. Saint Peter's also in the final few minutes of this half were held scoreless. The Peacocks shot 38% from the floor, scored 12 points in the paint and jogged into halftime down 29-33. Next, KC Delfo early in the 2nd half would spaksh in mid range jumper to go up 35-33. Note that Sanit Peter's defense would set the tone with quick defensive turnovers and scored quickly in transition. Ultimately though, Banks would catch his defender by utilizing a turning mid range jumper, 57-57. Moments after and Banks would make his presence felt yet again after hitting a mid range J, 59-57. Saint Peter's in the 2nd half shook off an early 10-2 Purdue run after locking down defensively down low and forced Williams into taking tough contested shots. But on offense, Saint Peters excetued well inside the paint and finished 11 for 11 from the free throw line. Saint Peters shot 90% from the charity strike, scored 11 points off Purdue's 14 turnovers and are in the Elite Eight for first time ever in program history.
Purdue sustained a disappointing 64-67 three point loss to 15th seed Saint Peters. This defeat eliminated the Boilermakers from the 2022 NCAA tourney and were hoping to advance to the Elite Eight round for the first time since 2019. Stefanovic in the 1st half brought Purdue within one after burying a three point jumper, 22-23. After that, Williams later in the 1st from inside the paint hit a mid range hook to give Purdue a brief 29-27 advantage. Keep in mind that Purdue through one half, moved the ball around to create space for good shot selections and got baksets to fall from ethier the mid range area or inside. Also had Stefonovic making plays by scoring 11 with nine of those points coming from downtown. Only downside was that their bad decision making passes led them to 9 turnovers. Purdue shot 50% from the field, scored 16 points in the paint and entered the half up 33-29. However, Purdue would snag a 41-37 lead after Ivey dropped a pass to Williams who hammered down the two handed slam. Keep in mind that Purdue had finally ended a 2nd half scoring drought from the field. After going 0 for 7 before quickly turning it around by scoring six quick points inside the paint and were 4-5 after that sequence. Eventually, Purdue in the closing seconds of the 2nd half wouldn't shy away as they came within one, thanks to an Ivey three pointer, 64-65. But in the end, with 5 ticks left Ivey's three point miss would disallow a tie for what would've been Overtime. Purdue simply shot themselves in the foot periodically throughout this game after being careless with ball. Purdue like Saint Peters also dominated points inside, but when they were cut off from the paint that's where they struggled. As their shooting lanes were clogged and couldn't get shots to fall from deep, due to a very tight defense. Purdue ended their night scoring 36 points in the paint to Saint Peters 20, shot 23% from downtown and staggered down to a 30-9 record.
In courtesy of si.com
Thursday March 24th, 2022: Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen sustained a heartbreaking 60-72 loss to Houston. This defeat eliminates Arizona from the tournament and fall to 11-6 when playing in the Sweet Sixteen round. Mathurin in the 1st would hit a three point jumper to bring his team within six early on, 25-31. Now Arizona in the 1st half did a solid on defense by forcing 6 turnovers and scored no points off those turns. But on offense, well Arizona really struggled from the field as they couldn't get shots to fall in. Arizona shot 28% from the field, shot 36% and entered halftime down 28-34. Ultimately though, Mathurin halfway through the 2nd half off a Kriisa assist would dial in a three point jumper, 47-54. Now we will move over to latter parts of half number two, where Dalen Terry would hit a three point jumper off a Mathurin pass, 58-64. Arizona in half number 2 seemingly struggled to get shots to fall from ether the perimeter or from the field. As well as getting outscored 38-32. Wildcats offensively were flat out cold. Arizona ended their night shooting just 33% from the floor, 31% from the field and fell to a 34-5 record.
Houston hung on after knocking off Arizona by a score of 72-60. This win moves the Cougars into the Elite Eight and are 2-0 in the Sweet Sixteen since 2019. Now Josh Carlton midway through the 1st half would bury a layup to give the Wildcats a 25-19 advantage. Note that Houston early in the 1st did a nice job getting open looks at the basket and outrebounded Arizona 21-18. Moments later and Jamal Shead was able to drop in a layup of his own and went up by ten, 29-19. Houston unlike Arizona were able to rack in quick turnovers and in the process get points off them. As well as creating space and knocking down shots from the field. Houstin shot 45% from downtown, 46% from the field and walked into halftime up 34-28. However, Kyle Edwards with just 7:29 to go in the 2nd half would dial in a three point J to increase their lead to 59-47. But in the end, Kyler Edwards late in the 2nd buried a gane clinching three ball, 67-58. Note that Houston in the 2nd half continued to win the turnovers battle and attacked the paint with 24 points. But Houstin looked timid towards the end of the 2nd, as they were held to just 3 points in the final five minutes. Houston shot 46% from the floor, scored 24 points off Houston's 14 turnovers and fell moved up to a 33-5 record
Friday March 25th, 2022: Saint Peters last night found a way to keep their Cinderella story going, follwoing an impressive 67-64 Victory, over Purdue. This win helped Saint Peters advance to the Elite Eight round to take on North Carolina and are atop 10 wins in a row. Now Murray midway through the 1st half helped Saint Peters snag a 21-19 two point lead after hitting a mid range jumper. Then Saint Peter's came within four after Jalen Murray hit a finger roll layin at the buzzer, 29-33. Saint Peters in the 1st half struggled from deep but earned most of their points from the field and it came from attacking the paint. Saint Peter's also in the final few minutes of this half were held scoreless. The Peacocks shot 38% from the floor, scored 12 points in the paint and jogged into halftime down 29-33. Next, KC Delfo early in the 2nd half would spaksh in mid range jumper to go up 35-33. Note that Sanit Peter's defense would set the tone with quick defensive turnovers and scored quickly in transition. Ultimately though, Banks would catch his defender by utilizing a turning mid range jumper, 57-57. Moments after and Banks would make his presence felt yet again after hitting a mid range J, 59-57. Saint Peter's in the 2nd half shook off an early 10-2 Purdue run after locking down defensively down low and forced Williams into taking tough contested shots. But on offense, Saint Peters excetued well inside the paint and finished 11 for 11 from the free throw line. Saint Peters shot 90% from the charity strike, scored 11 points off Purdue's 14 turnovers and are in the Elite Eight for first time ever in program history.
Purdue sustained a disappointing 64-67 three point loss to 15th seed Saint Peters. This defeat eliminated the Boilermakers from the 2022 NCAA tourney and were hoping to advance to the Elite Eight round for the first time since 2019. Stefanovic in the 1st half brought Purdue within one after burying a three point jumper, 22-23. After that, Williams later in the 1st from inside the paint hit a mid range hook to give Purdue a brief 29-27 advantage. Keep in mind that Purdue through one half, moved the ball around to create space for good shot selections and got baksets to fall from ethier the mid range area or inside. Also had Stefonovic making plays by scoring 11 with nine of those points coming from downtown. Only downside was that their bad decision making passes led them to 9 turnovers. Purdue shot 50% from the field, scored 16 points in the paint and entered the half up 33-29. However, Purdue would snag a 41-37 lead after Ivey dropped a pass to Williams who hammered down the two handed slam. Keep in mind that Purdue had finally ended a 2nd half scoring drought from the field. After going 0 for 7 before quickly turning it around by scoring six quick points inside the paint and were 4-5 after that sequence. Eventually, Purdue in the closing seconds of the 2nd half wouldn't shy away as they came within one, thanks to an Ivey three pointer, 64-65. But in the end, with 5 ticks left Ivey's three point miss would disallow a tie for what would've been Overtime. Purdue simply shot themselves in the foot periodically throughout this game after being careless with ball. Purdue like Saint Peters also dominated points inside, but when they were cut off from the paint that's where they struggled. As their shooting lanes were clogged and couldn't get shots to fall from deep, due to a very tight defense. Purdue ended their night scoring 36 points in the paint to Saint Peters 20, shot 23% from downtown and staggered down to a 30-9 record.
In courtesy of si.com
Thursday March 24th, 2022: Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen sustained a heartbreaking 60-72 loss to Houston. This defeat eliminates Arizona from the tournament and fall to 11-6 when playing in the Sweet Sixteen round. Mathurin in the 1st would hit a three point jumper to bring his team within six early on, 25-31. Now Arizona in the 1st half did a solid on defense by forcing 6 turnovers and scored no points off those turns. But on offense, well Arizona really struggled from the field as they couldn't get shots to fall in. Arizona shot 28% from the field, shot 36% and entered halftime down 28-34. Ultimately though, Mathurin halfway through the 2nd half off a Kriisa assist would dial in a three point jumper, 47-54. Now we will move over to latter parts of half number two, where Dalen Terry would hit a three point jumper off a Mathurin pass, 58-64. Arizona in half number 2 seemingly struggled to get shots to fall from ether the perimeter or from the field. As well as getting outscored 38-32. Wildcats offensively were flat out cold. Arizona ended their night shooting just 33% from the floor, 31% from the field and fell to a 34-5 record.
Houston hung on after knocking off Arizona by a score of 72-60. This win moves the Cougars into the Elite Eight and are 2-0 in the Sweet Sixteen since 2019. Now Josh Carlton midway through the 1st half would bury a layup to give the Wildcats a 25-19 advantage. Note that Houston early in the 1st did a nice job getting open looks at the basket and outrebounded Arizona 21-18. Moments later and Jamal Shead was able to drop in a layup of his own and went up by ten, 29-19. Houston unlike Arizona were able to rack in quick turnovers and in the process get points off them. As well as creating space and knocking down shots from the field. Houstin shot 45% from downtown, 46% from the field and walked into halftime up 34-28. However, Kyle Edwards with just 7:29 to go in the 2nd half would dial in a three point J to increase their lead to 59-47. But in the end, Kyler Edwards late in the 2nd buried a gane clinching three ball, 67-58. Note that Houston in the 2nd half continued to win the turnovers battle and attacked the paint with 24 points. But Houstin looked timid towards the end of the 2nd, as they were held to just 3 points in the final five minutes. Houston shot 46% from the floor, scored 24 points off Houston's 14 turnovers and fell moved up to a 33-5 record
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In courtesy of dukebasketballreport.com
Sunday March 20th, 2022: Duke take out Michigan State after edging to a 85-76 Victory. This win propelled Duke to the Sweet Sixteen round for the first time since 2019 and will meet Texas Tech. Duke midway through the 1st half saw Keels get past his defender for a nicely made layup, thus going up 21-16. After that, with 49 ticks left in the 1st Roach would dish a pass to Williams who hammered down the two handed slam from the baseline, 37-35. Be aware that Duke's defense in the 1st half made their mark after holding Michigan State to just two points in 7 minutes at one point in time. Also did a great job closing off any easy lanes to the basket as well. But offensively, Duke from the field were creating space with good ball movement and it led to quality shooting from the field. Unfortunately, Duke's three point defense needed to be more aggressive and close off that perimeter and force them inside. Duke shot 53% from the floor, dished 10 team assists to MSU's 8 and entered the half up 39-35. Eventually, Banchero late in the 2nd half powered his way to the rim and knocked down a contested layup, which gave Duke a 75-74 lead. But in the end, Jeremy Roach would bury a clutch three point J to push the Bluedevils lead to 78-74. Duke end the 2nd half on a 20-6 run by knocking down consecutive shots in a row for a period of time and attacked the rim. Also continued to dominate the floor as they knocked down key shots down the stretch. Defensively Duke forced a few turnovers with solid shot blocking down low. Duke's defense forced 6 team blocks, shot 57% from the field and improved to a 31-6 record.
Michigan State during yesterday's matchup in the round of 32 sustained a difficult 76-85 loss to the Duke Bluedevils. This defeat denied the Spartans from advancing to the Sweet Sixteen round and haven't been there since the 19 season. Julius Marble in the 1st half would help Michigan State end a Duke 10-0 run after securing his own rebound after being blocked by Williams and utilized a putback layin, 18-23. Note that Michigan State before this basket missed their past 11 shots in a row and were even scoreless for six total minutes. Thereafter, Gabe Brown late in the 1st would bury a stop and pop three point jumper, 33-33. This would be Michigan State's sixth made shot in a row. Michigan State through one were getting solid looks at the rim but shots just weren't falling in. Luckily enough, it's the Spartans three point shooting that kept them in this game and burned Duke. Due to knocking down shots on wide open looks. Spartans shot 63% from downtown, 41% from the field and entered halftime down 35-39. Ultametly though, midway through the 2nd half Michigan State would put Duke on their heels after Walker buried a three point jumper, 68-65. Spartans were of to a 9-0 run as well. This run was sparked by forcing turnovers and getting wide open looks from deep. Eventually, Michigan State later on came within four after a Tyson Walker layup, 76-80. Leaving 40 seconds left. Michigan State in through the 2nd half had forced a few key turnovers that led to points on the other end in transition. Even had a five point lead late as well. Spartans also kept pushing the pace from behind the arc as they drenched Duke with almost every shot they threw up. Also dominated the offensive glass which culminated into second chance points. It's just unfortunate that they slipped a bit as they had issues getting shots off from the field and couldn't do much down low, due to a tightly contested Duke defense. Michigan State scored 28 points in the paint to Duke's 44, ended their night with 41% shooting from the floor and fell to a 23-14 record.
Sunday March 20th, 2022: Duke take out Michigan State after edging to a 85-76 Victory. This win propelled Duke to the Sweet Sixteen round for the first time since 2019 and will meet Texas Tech. Duke midway through the 1st half saw Keels get past his defender for a nicely made layup, thus going up 21-16. After that, with 49 ticks left in the 1st Roach would dish a pass to Williams who hammered down the two handed slam from the baseline, 37-35. Be aware that Duke's defense in the 1st half made their mark after holding Michigan State to just two points in 7 minutes at one point in time. Also did a great job closing off any easy lanes to the basket as well. But offensively, Duke from the field were creating space with good ball movement and it led to quality shooting from the field. Unfortunately, Duke's three point defense needed to be more aggressive and close off that perimeter and force them inside. Duke shot 53% from the floor, dished 10 team assists to MSU's 8 and entered the half up 39-35. Eventually, Banchero late in the 2nd half powered his way to the rim and knocked down a contested layup, which gave Duke a 75-74 lead. But in the end, Jeremy Roach would bury a clutch three point J to push the Bluedevils lead to 78-74. Duke end the 2nd half on a 20-6 run by knocking down consecutive shots in a row for a period of time and attacked the rim. Also continued to dominate the floor as they knocked down key shots down the stretch. Defensively Duke forced a few turnovers with solid shot blocking down low. Duke's defense forced 6 team blocks, shot 57% from the field and improved to a 31-6 record.
Michigan State during yesterday's matchup in the round of 32 sustained a difficult 76-85 loss to the Duke Bluedevils. This defeat denied the Spartans from advancing to the Sweet Sixteen round and haven't been there since the 19 season. Julius Marble in the 1st half would help Michigan State end a Duke 10-0 run after securing his own rebound after being blocked by Williams and utilized a putback layin, 18-23. Note that Michigan State before this basket missed their past 11 shots in a row and were even scoreless for six total minutes. Thereafter, Gabe Brown late in the 1st would bury a stop and pop three point jumper, 33-33. This would be Michigan State's sixth made shot in a row. Michigan State through one were getting solid looks at the rim but shots just weren't falling in. Luckily enough, it's the Spartans three point shooting that kept them in this game and burned Duke. Due to knocking down shots on wide open looks. Spartans shot 63% from downtown, 41% from the field and entered halftime down 35-39. Ultametly though, midway through the 2nd half Michigan State would put Duke on their heels after Walker buried a three point jumper, 68-65. Spartans were of to a 9-0 run as well. This run was sparked by forcing turnovers and getting wide open looks from deep. Eventually, Michigan State later on came within four after a Tyson Walker layup, 76-80. Leaving 40 seconds left. Michigan State in through the 2nd half had forced a few key turnovers that led to points on the other end in transition. Even had a five point lead late as well. Spartans also kept pushing the pace from behind the arc as they drenched Duke with almost every shot they threw up. Also dominated the offensive glass which culminated into second chance points. It's just unfortunate that they slipped a bit as they had issues getting shots off from the field and couldn't do much down low, due to a tightly contested Duke defense. Michigan State scored 28 points in the paint to Duke's 44, ended their night with 41% shooting from the floor and fell to a 23-14 record.
In courtesy of kansas.rivals.com
Saturday March 19th, 2022: Kaluma's 24 points and 12 boards weren't enough as Creighton suffered a heartbreaking 72-79 loss to the number 1 seed, Kansas. This defeat dropped Creighton from the 2022 NCAA tournament and had their two-game win streak snapped. Ryan Hawkins with over nine to go in the 1st half would drop in a contented layup and in that process ended a two minute scoreless drought, 18-21. After that, Creighton would gain a 32-31 lead after McConnell buried a three point jumper. Along with O'Connell moments after tossing an alley oop pass to Kaluma who hammered down the two handed slam and got fouled in the process to make this a three point play, 36-37. Creighton through one stayed in this game by scoring in transition and getting shots to fall from behind the arc. One negative is that their defense struggled at times to stop Kansas down low and had issues on containing Remy Martin who dropped 16 points on them. Creighton shot 53% from deep, scored 6 points in the paint and entered halftime down 38-39. Kaluma then midway through the 2nd half with over 10 to go, would spalsh in a wide open corner three pointer and brought Creighton within three points, 55-58. However, Trey Alexander in crunch time buried a three point jumper of his own to bring Creighton within three, 70-73. Also were off to a 6-2 run at this point in time as well. Creighton in the 2nd half from time to time showed that they weren't out of it by a long shot. As good ball movement helped create space to knock down quality baskets from behind the arc. But slacked a bit from the field as they couldn't get the ball to drop in and had no easy lanes to the rim due to the Jayhawks defense plugging holes. Creighton ended their night shooting 42% from downtown, 35% from the field and staggered down to 23-12 record.
Kansas is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2018 after knocking off Creighton by a score of 79-72. This win advances the Jayhawks to take on Providence next and are atop a seven-game win streak. Now Kansas coming out of a timeout midway through the 1st half would get on a 14-3 run, follwoing a Christian Braun layup in transition, 21-16. Timeout was due to a lack of defensive stops and gave up a couple easy baskets in the paint. They did stop the mini bleeding by answering with quick scores and forced Creighton to take tough shots. Kansas in the 1st half of action did a great job pushing the pace by attacking the rim and were dominating the glass. But defensively, they allowed Creighton to move the ball and get good shots off from downtown. Kansas secured 10 points when inside the paint, turned in 41% from the field and stepped into halftime up 39-38. Then during the 2nd half a McCormack block on Hawkins would lead to Brown knocking in a layup in transition on the other end and went up up 49-43. Eventually, Kansas would secure a critical 73-67 advantage after Agbaji off a screen would knock down a mid range jumper. But in the end, McCormack sealed Creighton's fate with 31 ticks left after posting a critical block on Trey Anderson's layup attempt.Kansas through the second half offensively were dominating inside the paint and wiped the floor with second chance opportunities by outrebounding Creighton 13-6 on the offensive glass. Also drenched Creighton when getting out in transition. But on the defensive side of things, Kansas locked down on the last couple of possessions from the Bluejays as they started forcing turnovers with the help of 7 team blocked shots. Kansas racked in 8 team second chance points, snagged 24 boards to Creighton's 12, shot 41% from the field and walked out with a 30-6 record.
In courtesy of nypost.com
Friday March 18th, 2022: Edwards 25 point performance was just enough to lead the Houston Couars to an 82-67 Victory, over UAB. This win allows Houston to move on to the round of 32 to take on the number 4 seed, Illinois. Which takes place Sunday at 9am. Houston in the 1st half were Lightning it up from downtown after Taze Moore buried a three point jumper, thus going up 22-11. Afterwards, towards the latter parts of half number 1 and Jamal Shead off a Edwards assist would bury a three point J of his own, 42-27. Houston in the 1st half dominated from the behind the arc they utilized good ball movement and screens to get wide open looks. One negative was that they gave up a 14-7 run to end the half. As they allowed consecutive baskets in a row and gave up easy layups down low. Houston turned in 12 team assists, shot 60% from downtown and stepped into halftime leading 46-37. However, during the mid-stages of the 2nd half, Taze Moore would thread a needle of a pass to Roberts who was down low and hammered in a two handed slam, 65-51. Eventually, Kyle Edwards late three pointer with 14 ticks left in the 2nd half would give Houston an 82-65 advantage. Houston in the 2nd half locked down defensively by forcing UAB to take tough shots and closed off the lanes so that their was no easy access to the rim. As for the offense they picked apart UAB by attacking the basket and dominated from down below. Houston tallied in 34 points in the paint, shot 47% from behind the three point line and will keep their season rolling.
UAB struggled in last nights outing after being dealt a reeling 68-82 loss against Houston. This defeat officially eliminated UAB from the 2022 NCAA tournament. Now UAB midway through the 1st half would start to make a small surge as they got off to a 7-0 run, following a Walker layup, 23-34. Be aware that this run got sparked by solid rebounding and quick defensive stops. Thereafter, with 44 ticks left Quan Jackson would drop in a three point jumper to come within nine, 37-46. UAB through the first 20 minutes stared the half slow as they fell behind by 18 points before finally getting hot late with shots falling and attacked the rim with a little more aggression. UAB shot 61% from the field, scored 18 points in the paint to Houston's 14 and entered halftime facing a 37-46 deficit. Ultamately though, Ertel in the 2nd half woukd knock down a catch and shoot three point jumper, 54-67. Thus ending a three minutes scoring drought. Moments later and UAB late in the 2nd half would come within 11 points after Jordan Walker sunk in a much needed three, 68-79. UAB ended this game not being able to buy a basket from deep as they went 0 of 5 after starting 9 of 16 in the 1st and were turning the ball over way to much on offense. UAB ended their night shooting just 26% from the field, turned the ball over 12 times and now will head back home and prepare for next season.
In courtesy of azcentral.com
Thursday March 17th, 2022: Arkansas holds off Vermont by a score of 75-71. This win means the Razorbacks advance to the 2nd round to take on New Mexico State. Now Arkansas early in the 1st half would push their lead to three after Umudia buried a mid range jumper and were off to a 7-0 run, 20-17. Then Stanley Umudia would make his presence felt yet again with 29 ticks left in the 1st, follwoing his three point J, 32-27. Arkansas on offense theough one got solid shots to fall on good looks at the basket from the field. But defensively, they were pretty snout by forcing 5 takeaways. Also want to add in that both teams struggled from deep. Arkansas scored 9 points off Vermont's turns, shot 44% from the field and entered halftime up 34-27. Although, with a little less than four minutes to go in the 2nd half, J.D. Notae would get past his defender before dropping in a one handed mid range floater, 67-58. But in the end, J.D. Notae would seal this game by sinking in two game ending free throws to go up 75-71. Arkansas in the 2nd half really started to take control of this game midway through and never looked back. After getting quality shots to fall from the field and finished 8 of 8 from the free throw line. One negative was that they got careless with ball towards the end. Arkansas shot 42% from the field, earned 12 second chance points and live to see another week.
Vermont went toe to toe with Arkansas before sustaining a difficult 71-75 loss. This defeat officially eliminated Vermont from the 2022 NCAA tournament. Vermont would snap the Razoerbacks 7-0 run and came within two after Vasula sunk in a three point jumper, 20-22. After that, Robin Duncan would drive the lane for beauty of layup, thus tying this game at 27-27. Vermont in the 1st were exposing Arkansas gaps in the lane before attacking the rim for easy points or drew fouls. Along with winning the defensive glass 14-12. Vermont scored 12 points in the paint, shot 75% from the free throw line and entered halftime trailing 27-34. However, early in the 2nd half Ryan Davis would knock down a turning mid range jumper, but missed the free throw and three point opportunity, 36-36. By this point in time were also off to a 9-0 run as well. Few possessions later and Vermont for a brief moment would secure a 41-40 lead after Davis sunk in a mid range J. Now shifting towards the end of the 2nd with 14 ticks left, Shungu would hit a three ball but trailed 71-73. Vermont in the 2nd half continued to attack the paint and moved the ball well in the assist department. But from time to time their shooting would go stail from the field. That also includes not being able to really get a shot to fall in from behind the arc either. Vermont dished out 13 team assists, shot 44% from the floor and it's now back to the drawing boards for next season.
In courtesy of bloomberg.com
Wednesday March 16th, 2022: Rutgers season comes crashing down in double Overtime after sustaining a tough 87-89 loss to Notre Dame. This defeat puts an end to Rutgers season and had National Championship dreams crushed. McConnell with over 8 to go in the 1st half would pull his team within one after dialing in a mid range jumper, 23-24. Next, Paul Malchurcy late in the 1st half would then push their lead to six after hitting a mid range jumper, 36-30. Rutgers through one half did a solid job securing rebounds and put up a solid shooting performance by getting open looks at the basket to fall in from deep or from the field. Defense also got in the face of Notre Dame in order to force a turnover. Rutgers secured 16 team boards, shot 58% from the floor and entered the half leading 41-36. Although, Geo Baker around the 4:09 mark of the 2nd half would launch in a mid range jumper to bring Rutgers within one, 62-63. After that, Geo Baker would force Overtime after knocking in mid range jumper, 69-69. Rutgers through two halfs dominated from the field by shooting 50% and outscored Notre Dame 33-28. Eventually, Paul Malchurcy late in the first OT period would dial up a three point jumper off a Geo Baker assist, 79-77. But you see, Rutgers was far from done come the 2nd Overtime after a critical Ron Harper three pointer, 84-84. Rutgers played incredibly well throughout this matchup, but the defense allowed six combined points inside the paint during the 1st and 2nd overtime period. Rutgers also stayed hot from the floor after getting shots to fall on open looks. Rutgers tallied in 41 rebounds to Notre Dame's 29, ended their night shooting 50% from the floor and will now head back to the drawing board for next season.
Atkinson's 26 points on 13 of 15 shooting from the field led Notre Dame to a highly impressive 89-87 Victory, over Rutgers in double Overtime. This win helps Notre Dame advance to the first round of this NCAA tournament and will meet Alabama on Friday night. Now Laszewski halfway through the 1st half would spalsh in a three point jumper to give Notre Dame a 20-18 lead. Then Paul Atkinson towards the end of half number 1 would bring Notre Dame within three, following his three point jumper, 36-39. Notre Dame in the first 20 minutes did a good job distributing the ball around and in the process got good looks at the rim. As well as the Fighting Irish dominating Rutgers defense inside the paint, while knocking down quality shots from the floor. Notre Dame shot 54% from the field, turned in 11 team assists to Rutgers 10 and entered halftime trailing 36-41. However, Notre Dame in the 2nd half would gain their very first lead since 28-27 thanks to Blake Wesley driving the lane for beauty of a layup, 55-53. Afterwards, Paul Atkinson from inside the paint would knock down a turning mid range hook and secured a brief 67-64 lead. Notre Dame in the 2nd half matched well with Rutgers by sinking in quality shots from the field and defensively didnt allow them to pull too far ahead. We will now shift on over towards the end of the first OT, where Goodwin buried a critical three pointer to tie this game at 73-73. A few plays later with 1 second to go and Blake Wesley would get to the rim for a falling one handed layup and forced Overtime part 2, 79-79. But in the end, Paul Atkinson with seconds left in double Overtime would secure a rebound on offense off a Blake Wesley missed shot attempt before utilizing a game winning putback layin, 89-87. Notre Dame in double OT kept the pressure on and never fell behind too far. Also attacked the rim with ease, while forcing 6 steals. Notre Dame outscored Rutgers 10-8 in the 2nd OT period, racked in 58 total points in the paint and keep their Championship hopes alive for at least another couple of days.
In courtesy of clutchpoints.com
Tuesday March 15th, 2022: Texas A&M Corpus Christie were outscored 44-37 in the 2nd half as they sustained a difficult 67-76 loss to Texas Southern. This defeat eliminates them from the 2022 NCAA tournament and had their four-game win streak snapped. During the 1st half Fryer would secure a putback layin off a Murdix missed shot attempt and went up 21-16. After that, Texas A&M would regain their back after a Fryer three pointer, 26-25. Through one Texas A&M started strong with a solid shooting performance and sticky defense. Even led 13-5 at one point but slowly deteriorated as they were giving up easy points in the paint and weren't getting out in transition fast enough after gaining a board. Also struggled from the free thow line. Simply both teams still had the jitters. Corrpus Cristie shot 38% from thr floor, scored 18 points in the paint and entered the half down 30-32. Although, during half number 2 Texas A&M Corrpus Cristie would gain their first since the three minute mark of the 1st. After Tennyson buried a three pointer jumper, 50-49. Islanders by this point in time were shutting the perimeter down and disallowed any easy access to the basket. Including a 12-2 run as well. Afterwards, Fryer late in the 2nd half would get down low and power in a slam to give Texas A&M a brief 61-59 lead. Be aware that the Islanders late in the 2nd half went cold from the field as they went scoreless for about six minutes and broke down on the defensive side of things as well. Texas Southern were also outrebounded on both sides of the ball. Texas A&M Corpus Christie shot 37% from the field, gave up 34 points in the paint and fell to a 23-12 record.
Texas Southern knocked off Texas A&M Corpus Christie by a score of 76-67. This win helped propell Texas Southern to five wins in a row and will take on a tough Kansas Jayhawks team in round 2. Texas Southern with over seven to go in the 1st half, would spalsh in a deep three pointer, thus gaining their first lead of the game 23-22. Then John Walker's three point J moments after would give Texas Southern a 30-28 two-point lead. Texas Southern through the first 20 minutes were slow and turning the ball over. But quickly turned things around in towards the end of the half by getting shots to fall in and dominated the paint. A couple negatives to Texas Southern's game was that they couldn't get a three to go in, while being outrebouded. Thereafter, A.J. Lawson with 4:11 left in the 2nd half would drive the lane for well-timed layup and secured a 64-61 three point advantage. However, towards the latter parts of the 2nd half PJ Henry with 14 ticks left would bury two game clinching free throws to give Texas Southern a 76-67 lead. Note that Texas Southern executed well in terms of dominating points inside the paint by slicing and dicing their way to the rim and succeeded a bunch of second chance opportunities. Texas Southern closed the 2nd half out shooting 19 of 19 from the free throw line, scored 11 second chance points and improved to a 19-12 record.
The Baylor Bears have won their first National Championship in school history, following an 86-70 upset Victory, over a tough Gonzaga Bulldogs team. Baylor came in with a chance to upset the Bulldogs and more importantly would love nothing more than to secure their first National Championship in team history. Jared Butler knocked in 22 points, 7 assists and 3 boards secured, while shooting. 4 Of 9 from three point land. Including Davion Mitchell dishing out 5 assists and 15 points scored, during win. Now MaCio Tegue extended Baylors lead to 31-14 in the 1st half, after hitting a mid range floater. Next, Mark Vital would be responsible for utilizing a beauty of a layup, thus furthering their lead to 47-32. Baylor shot 60% from beyond the arc, scored 13 points off the Zags 8 turnovers and entered the half up 47-37. MaCio Teague had himself a stellar night on offense, turning in 19 points and 2 rebounds on 8 of 15 shooting from the field. Backing him up would be Mark Vital with his 6 points scored. One negative to Baylor's game in the 1st half is that they were fouled 11 times. Jared Butler opened up the 2nd half with a three point jumper, 50-37. Eventually towards the end of the 2nd half....you'd see Davion Mitchell down a nicely made layup, 84-65. Baylor would pretty much put this game on ice, after sinking free throws. Baylor shot over 40% from both the field and three point line, secured 38 team rebounds to Gonzaga's 22 and end the year with a 28-2 record.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have fallen to an 0-2 record when playing in the National Championship game and are no longer undefeated, as they were dealt by the Baylor Bears, losing by score of 70-86. Gonzaga Bulldogs came into this title game, hoping to remain unbeaten to finish off the NCAA 2021 season. Along with being in search of their very first National Championship in program history. Corey Kispert and Drew Timme each piled in a 12 point performance. Alongside Jalen Suggs downing 22 points, 3 assists and 1 board snagged. Despite a heartbreaking defeat, Drew Timme received a pass from Jalen Suggs, before downing a driving layin to the basket, 14-29. Thereafter, with just 2 seconds showing on the game clock, you would catch Anton Watson hitting a nicely made layup and came within 10, 37-47. Zags really struggled from behind the arc...I mean guys they shot a very poor 16% and walked into the half needing to fix their defensive mistakes while facing a 37-47 deficit come the start of half number 2. Joel Ajayi didn't have the best of shooting night's, but still jammed in 8 points and 1 assist dished out. Accompanying him would be Andrew Nembhard, who added in 9 points .on 2 of 5 shooting from the floor. Jalen Suggs early in the 2nd half had dropped in a beauty of layup, 43-56. Afterwards, Corey Kispert drained a mid range j, but the real still trailed 65-82. Gonzaga improved their shooting from the floor in the 2nd half, ending with 51%, were outscored 39-33 and dropped to a 31-1 win/loss record.
In courtesy of fanduel.comThe Baylor Bears for the first time since 1950 have won the Final Four are advancing back to the NCAA National Championship, after cruising past the Houston Cougars and won by score of 78-59. The Baylor Bears have officially advanced themselves to their 3rd Final Four matchup and haven't been there since the 50s. Davion Mitchell posted 12 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds, while shooting 3 of 6 from three point range. Jared Butler followed behind and jammed in 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6 of 9 shooting from the field. Now in the 1st half Butler pass from MaCio Teague and turned in a jumper from three point range, 22-11. Afterwards, Davion Mitchell dished his 7th assist of the half to a streaking Jared Butler and turned in a nicely made spinning layup, 38-17. Bears also got off to an 11-0 run in the process. Baylor's defense in the 1st half was smothering and didn't give Houston much options. Baylor shut down Houston and forced 5 turnovers during this point in time. Baylor shot 53% from behind the arc, offense scored 13 points after forcing 8 turnovers and entered halftime up 45-20. MaCio Teague dished in 11 points and 6 assists. Including Tchatchoua coming off the bench and scored 11 and 6 boards, during win. Then Mark Peterson would be responsible for helping Baylor put an end to Houston's Championships dreams and hit a dagger of a three point jumper, 78-58. During half number 2. Baylor shot 52% from the field, secured 33 rebounds and will take on the unbeaten Gonzaga Bulldogs(30-0), in the National Championship game. Which will be played on Monday, April 5th 2021.
The Houston Cougars were just one win away from going to the National Championship game, but suffered a heartbreaking 59-78 loss to the Baylor Bears. Houston made it back to the Final Four for the first time since 1984 and will look to advance to their 3rd National Championship in program history. In steer of defeat, Quentin Grimes posted 13 points, 2 assists and 2 rebounds secured and shot 4 of 12 from the floor and went 1 of 8 from long distance. Alongside Marcus Sasser downing 20 points and 4 boards on 7 of 14 shooting from the field. Now Houston midway into the 1st half had gone 4 minutes without a making a shot. That was up until Marcus Sasser drained a three point jumper, along with snapping Baylor's 10-0 run, 11-16. Thereafter, Houston would see Sasser yet again drain a three point jumper and ended the Cougars streak of 5 consecutive misses at this point in time, 14-22. Now Sasser at one point in time in the 1st half had recorded 17 of his teams first 15 points. Houston struggled from the floor as they shot 26%, Sasser sunk 17 of his first 20 points and entered the half down, 20-45. Chaney turned in 6 points and 2 boards, during loss. Tramon Mark late into the 2nd half would down a jumper from mid range and put things at 43-64. Now off a Houston switch in the 2nd half, Grimes would knock down a three point jumper, 49-68. Houston outscored Baylor 39-33, shot 31% from behind the arc and fell to a crushing 28-4 record.
In courtesy of cbssports.com
The Gonzaga Bulldogs will now take on the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four round, after blowing out and getting past the USC Trojans, as the final score showed 85-66. The Gonzaga Bulldogs were hoping to move to the Final Four for the second time in School history with their last appearance coming back in 2017. Corey Kispert had himself a monster day, as he posted 18 points, 2 assists dished out and 8 rebounds, while shooting 6 of 19 from the field. Including Drew Timme, who locked in 23 points on 10 of 19 shooting from the floor and even forced 3 steals on defense. Drew Timme would force USC's 5th turnover of the 1st half and utilized a euro step layup, which pushed their lead to 17-4. Timme knocked down the teams last 8 points midway into half number 1, during that point in time. Afterwards, Drew Timme delivered a nicely made pass to a wide open Corey Kispert, who drained an underneath the rim one handed layup, 36-15. Gonzaga did a tremendous job of destroying the Trojans in the paint and were even better when getting on fast breaks. Zags tallied 11 points off USC's 8 turnovers, scored 32 points in the paint and entered halftime up 49-30. Joel Ayayi jammed in 9 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the field. Followed by Jalen Suggs blasting in a double double performance, scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting 7 of 11 from the field. Gonzaga continued their beatdown on the Trojans, thanks to Drew Timme banging in a layup and extended their lead to 64-43 in the 2nd half. Thereafter, Jalen Suggs would put USC out of their misery after he hit a game ending three ball, which boosted their lead to 83-64. Zags shot a solid 50% from the field, secured 21 fast break points to USC's 10 and extended their record to 30-0.
The USC Trojans were looking to appear in their first Final Four since 1954, but will have to wait just a little bit longer after suffering a dismantling 66-85 elimination, against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. USC came into this Elite Eight round on fire in this year's tourney and were REALLY hoping to knock off the undefeated Zags to advance to the Final Four. Which did not happen. USC in the 1st half had to clean up the turnovers and defensively they needed to crack down and stop giving up easy baskets in transition. Excuse the loss for just a moment, as Evan Mobley dished in 17 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds and ended his shooting night 5 of 11 from the field. Accompanied by his Brother, Isaiah Mobley, who racked in 19 points and 7 rebounds secured, while forcing 1 steal when getting back on defense. Isaiah Mobley finally stopped the bleeding after utilizing a beauty of a layup, 10-25. USC was starting to wake up late in the 1st half, thanks to Isaiah Mobley knocking down a three point jumper, 23-36. Trojans earned 2 second chance points to the Zags 7, shot 36% from the field and 10% from long distance, thus entering halftime down by 19, 30-49. Tahj Eaddy punched in 11 made points on 4 of 13 shooting from the floor. Coming after him would be Drew Peterson scoring 13 points and 6 boards secured. Then Max Agbonkpolo was able to jam in a jumper from mid range, but still trailed 43-62. Next, Evan Mobley in latter stages of the 2nd half, you'd see him drain a nicely made bucket from downtown, 62-80. USC had a better 2nd half after tying Gonzaga with 36 made points, shot an ugly 26% from beyond the arc and stumbled into their 8th loss of the year, which put them at 25-8.
In courtesy of tomsguide.comThe Baylor Bears are on their way to the final four in 71 years and will take on the Houston Cougars, following an 81-72 win, over the Arkansas Razorbacks. The 1st seed Baylor Bears coming in were looking to advance to their 3rd final four in school history and haven't been there since 1950. Jared Butler jammed in 14 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds, while shooting 4 of 11 from the field. Alongside MaCio Teague dropping in 22 points and 5 boards collected on 8 of 18 shooting from the field. Jared Butler in the 1st half had fired his pass to Flo Thamba, who knocked down a mid range jumper, pushing their lead to 42-27. Thereafter, Matthew Mayer forced a late steal before darting his pass to MaCio Teague and turned in a beauty of a layup, 44-29. Baylor was hitting everything in the 1st half from downtown it seemed like. As they shot 57%, scored 14 points off the Razorbacks 10 turnovers and entered the half up 46-38. Davion Mitchell spotted in 12 points and forced 1 steal on defense. Adam Flagler came off the bench knocking in 10 points and 3 assists. Baylor around the 7 minute mark of the 2nd half would secure a rebound defensively, before getting on a fast break, in which it ended with MaCio Teague hitting a much needed three pointer, 69-60. Followed up with Davion Mitchell kicking a pass out to MaCio Teague, who made Arkansas pay for leaving him open and drained a corner three, knocking down back to back three's in a row and pretty much sealed this game up, 72-61. Baylor secured 10 second chance points to Arkansas 11, shot a solid 53% from the field and extended their win/loss record to 26-2.
Davis and Moody were combined for 25 total points on the night, but would be dealt by the Baylor Bears and suffered a demoralizing 72-81 loss to be eliminated from the 2021 NCAA tournament. Arkansas sliding in were entering their 11th Elite Eight round and haven't been to the Final Four since the year of 1995. So both teams looking to end long Final Four droughts. Now despite a tough, heartbreaking loss, Moody jammed in 14 points and 6 boards secured, while forcing a steal on defense. Including Davonte Davis banging in 14 points, 2 assists dished out and 6 rebounds snagged, while shooting 6 of 13 from the floor. Arkansas really struggled in the early going's of the 1st half, as Jaylin Williams knocked down a hard slam, 9-19. Towards the end of the games first 20 minutes...Arkansas would get on a little 8-2 run, thanks to Desi Sills hammering in the jam and brought his team within 6 points, 38-44. Arkansas shot very well from the floor in half number 1 which was 62%, earned 9 team assists and walked into halftime down 38-46. Justin Smith racked in a 10 point performance on 5 of 9 shooting from the field. Including forcing 2 blocked shots and a steal when getting back to playing defense. JD Notae came from the bench and added in 14 and 1 assist, during loss. Eventually late in the 2nd half the Razorbacks started making positive strides and tried to stage a comeback win, after Desi Sills secured a rebound on defense before darting a pass to Davante Davis who then fired his pass to a streaking Moses Moody and turned in a beauty of a layup, thus coming within 4, 58-62. Arkansas had issues protecting the ball as they turned it over 15 total times, allowed Baylor to score 21 points off those turnovers, shot 3 of 11 from long distance and fell to a rough 25-7 record. Just wasn't the time to lose in a win or go home situation.
In courtesy of indystar.comFor the first time since the 2001 season the USC Trojans will be moving on to the elite eight round, following an impressive 82-68 win over the Oregon Ducks. USC were looking to end a long Elite Eight drought, as they haven't been there since 2001 as I mentioned up above. Along with hoping to extend their record to 25 wins on the year as well. Isaiah White ended his night shooting 8 of 10 from the floor and turned in 22 points, 1 assist and 5 rebounds. Alongside Isaiah Mobley downing 13 and 6 boards on 6 of 9 shooting from the field. Isaiah White midway through the 1st half would knock down a three point jumper, thus going up by two, 19-17. USC's lead would eventually get pushed to 31-19, thanks to Drew Petersen hitting a jumper from three point land. Now the defense allowed the Ducks to score 26 1st half points and entered the half up big....41-26. Tahj Eaddy spotted in 20 points and 3 assists while shooting 7 of 11 from the field. Backing him up would be Evan Mobley, who dished in 10 points and 2 blocked shots forced, during win. Fortunately Max Agbonkpolo helped USC seal this matchup in half number 2, once he buried a nicely made slam, extending their lead to 79-64. Trojans shot 58% from the floor, will take on the unbeaten Zags(29-0) in the next round and they improved to a 25-7 record.
The 7th seed Oregon Ducks have been toppled by the USC Trojans and were eliminated from tournament play, as the final score resulted in a 68-82 loss, during yesterday's Sweet Sixteen round. The Oregon Ducks came into this win or go home situation as the tourney's 7th seed and were seeking to make it back to the Elite Eight round since last being seen in it during the 2017 season. Despite a heartbreaking elimination....Eugene Omoruyi notched a double double night, posting 28 points and 10 rebounds on 9 of 19 shooting from the floor. Followed by Duarte punching in 21 points, 6 assists and 5 boards collected. Now Oregon's, Chris Duarte was responsible for extending their his teams lead by five, once burying a beauty of a layup, 15-11. Then the Ducks with 1:25 to go in the 1st half, would see LJ Figueroa drain a jumper from mid range, 26-39. Unfortunately Omoruyi was held to just 10 1st half points and Oregon slouched into halftime facing a 26-41 deficit when coming out the half. Despite the game being out of hand...Franck Kepnang came off the bench and dropped in 8 points and 1 board secured. Now USC already had put this away soundly in the 2nd half, but it didn't stop Oregon from fighting on, as Franck Kepnang downed a 2-point jumper as they trailed 68-82. Oregon shot a dreadful 23% from downtown and boy did they ever struggle, secured 16 team rebounds to USC's 8 and dropped their 7th game of the year which put them at 21-7 to end their 2021 campaign.
In courtesy of uticaod.comThe Houston Cougars are advancing to the Elite Eight round for the first time since 1984, following a 62-46 Victory, over the 11th seed Syracuse Orange. Houston came into this Sweet Sixteen matchup for the first time since 2019 and had a 26-6 win/loss record at this point in time. Justin Gorham racked in a double double night after posting 13 points and 10 rebounds secured, while shooting 4 of 6 from the field. Alongside Quentin Grimes, who latched onto 14 points and 4 rebounds. Houston quickly in the 1st half went up by 10 points, following Tremon Mark hitting a jumper from behind the three point line, 15-5. Houston with just 45 seconds remaining found a way to push their lead to 10, after Dejon Jarreau tossed an alley oop pass to Brison Gresham, who hammered in the jam, 30-20. Houston Cougars struggled just a little bit from the floor as they shot 34%, scored 8 points off Syracuse's 5 turnovers and took in a 30-20 lead into halftime. Dejon Jarreau ended his night shooting 3 of 8 from the field while tallying in 9 points, 8 assists handed out and 8 boards collected, during win. Including Marcus Sasser punching in 12 points and 4 rebounds while forcing 4 steals when getting back on defense. Now midway into the 2nd half of the NCAA Sweet Sixteen tournament....Tremon Mark fired a pass to Fabian White who turned in a nicely made three ball, 48-39. Afterwards, Dejon Jarreau forced a defensive turnover late in the 2nd half before charging down court and turned in a beauty of a slam, 58-43. Houston shot 38% from the field, secured 40 team rebounds and improved to a 27-3 record.
The Syracuse Orange suffered a gut wrenching NCAA tournament elimination in the Sweet Sixteen round to the Houston Cougars, as the final score showed 46-62. The Syracuse Orange entered this Sweet Sixteen round as the 11th seed and would have loved nothing more than to knock off the number 2 seed, Houston Cougars. Despite a demoralizing defeat, Buddy Boeheim turned in 12 points, 1 assists and 6 boards snagged. Along with Joseph Girard tapping in 12 points also on 4 of 10 shooting from the floor. Now with a little over 8 minutes to play in half number 1, you'd catch Joseph Girard burying a 2-point jumper, making things 13-17. In addition towards the end of the 1st half, Jessie Edwards drove the lane and turned in a nicely made layup, 15-17. Syracuse shot 25% from the field and 10% from downtown in which they entered halftime down 20-30. Quincy Guerrier posted 8 points and 5 boards brought down, during loss. Kadary Richmond had helped Syracuse climb within a 4 point deficit with 12 minutes to go in the 2nd half, following his three pointer and still were down 37-41. Syracuse earned 8 fast break points, scored 30 points in the paint and yet they fell to a heartbreaking 18-10 record on the season.
In courtesy of youtube.comThe Gonzaga Bulldogs are heading to the Sweet Sixteen and will take on Creighton University, following their huge 87-71 Victory, over the Oklahoma Sooners. Gonzaga Bulldogs slid into this tourney hoping to improve their record to 28-0, along with looking to advance to their 11th Sweet Sixteen round. Drew Timme turned in a double double, posting 30 points and 13 rebounds, while shooting 9 of 12 from the field. Alongside Corey Kispert locking in 16 points and 3 rebounds on 4 of 8 shooting from three point land. Drew Timme early in the 1st half drove the lane and turned in a beauty of a layup, 16-17. Afterwards, Jalen Suggs would put the Zags up by six in the 1st half, after sinking a jumper from long distance, 36-30. Gonzaga shot 56% from the field, Timme and Ayayi were combined for 24 1st half points and stepped into the locker rooms up 46-34. Jalen Suggs dropped in 16 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds and forced 3 defensive steals in the process. Including Ayayi who added in 12 and 8 boards. Now come the 2nd half Corey Kispert would drain a beauty of a three point jumper and found away to push the Zags lead to 60-41. Zags eventually put an end to the Sooners night, following Drew Timme dishing a pass to Kispert, who drilled a dagger of a three and went up 84-76. Bulldogs would hit free throws to put this game on ice the rest of the way. Gonzaga shot 49% from the field, offense scored 13 points off the Sooners 12 turnovers and improved to a 28-0 win/loss record.
As for the Oklahoma Sooners they would be dealt just their 11th loss on the year and Austin Reavers 27 points just weren't enough, as they suffered a heartbreaking round of 32 71-87 elimination, against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Oklahoma entered this round of 32 trying to become the first team to knock off the unbeaten Bulldogs and came into this tournament as an 8th seed team. Despite suffering a tough defeat, Jalen Hill spotted in 11 points and 3 boards on 5 of 8 shooting from the floor. Backing him up would be Alondes Williams posting 15 points, 2 assists and 5 rebounds when coming off the bench. Austin Reavers would be responsible for putting Oklahoma up by two, following his mid range J, taking a then 21-19 lead. Oklahoma would then pull within three points, thanks to Alondres Williams knocking down a mid range jumper, 32-40. Sooners struggled from deep after shooting 36% and walked into the half down 34-46. Elijah Harkless turned in a 7 point performance and 9 rebounds while ending his night shooting 3 of 6 from the field. Eventually Oklahoma were fortunate enough to climb within 10 points, due to Austin Reaves knocking down a jumper from mid range, 63-73. Followed up by Alondres Williams utilizing a driving layup with a little over 2 minutes to play in the 2nd half, 70-79. Sooners were outscored 41-37 in the 2nd, defense forced 10 total turnovers and dropped to a 16-11 record.
In courtesy of espn.com
The Baylor Bears will advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in four years and will take on the Villanova Wildcats, following a big 76-63 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in the round of 32. Baylor entered this round of 32 matchup hoping to secure their 27th win of the year. Along with trying to reach the Sweet Sixteen round to stay alive in this 2021 NCAA tournament. Davion Mitchell had a great performance after knocking in 16 points, 8 assists and 1 rebounds secured, thus ending his night shooting 6 of 8 from the field and went 2 of 3 from behind the arc. As well as Jared Butler posting 16 points and 4 rebounds, while forcing 1 steal on defense. Now Davion Mitchell got the attention of the Wisconsin defenders before tossing an alley oop pass to Jonathan Tchatchoua, who hammered in the two handed slam, 11-9. Baylor would then extend their lead to 13 which was their biggest lead of the 1st half, as Adam Flagler knocked down a buzzer beating three point jumper and made things 42-29. Baylor shot a solid 53% from the field and secured 11 team assists to cap off the games first 20. MaCio Teague contributed in 9 points on 3 of 11 shooting from the field. Alongside teammate, Matthew Mayer, who turned in 17 points and 6 boards pulled down and shot 5 of 12 from the floor when coming off the bench. Baylor were on their heels a little bit during the 2nd half....then Davion Mitchell kicked his pass out to Matthew Mayer, who drined a much needed three to put his team up by 10, 59-49. The Bears would put an end to the Badgers day after Mayer delivered a pass to Mark Vital who who went up high and threw down the one handed slam, 66-54. Baylor shot 45% from the floor, scored 16 points off the Badgers turnovers and leaped to a 24-2 record.
As for the Wisconsin Badgers they couldn't handle Baylor smothering defense and turned the ball over 13 total times, which en routed them to a 63-76 defeat, at the hands of the Baylor Bears. Wisconsin came into round 2 of this tourney and were hoping to move on to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since the 2017 season. In steer of defeat, Nate Reuvers tallied in 11 points, 1 assist and 4 rebounds secured, while shooting 5 of 7 from the field. Alongside D'Mitrik Trice, who spotted in 12 points and 2 rebounds on 5 of 17 shooting from the field and finished 2 of 8 from long distance. Now Nate Reuvers was able to haul in an assist from Brad Davidson, before knocking down a three ball and came within 6 points, 16-22. Thereafter, the Badgers in the final few minutes of the 1st half had come within 7, following Trice hitting a nicely made three pointer and made things 24-31. Wisconsin's defense had a difficult time trying to stop Baylor from scoring and allowed them to get on multiple runs late in the 1st half. Despite being down by 13 the Badgers knocked down 55% from behind the arc, but allowed Baylor to score 12 points off their 12 turnovers to close out half number 1. Brad Davidson and Aleem Ford were each responsible for tallying in an 8 point performance, during loss. As well as Micah Potter turning in a double double when coming off the bench, as he racked up 10 points and 10 rebounds. Wisconsin started to up the anti midway into the 2nd half and got onto a 15-5 run once Jonathan Davis sunk a three point jumper and brought the Badgers within 11, 59-70.
In courtesy of cbssports.comKansas Jayhawks will take on USC Trojans in the round of 32 following a big 93-84 Victory, over Eastern Washington. The Jayhawks trudged their way into yesterday's matchup, seeking advancement to the round of 32 and came in with a 20-8 record while being the number 3 seed. Ochai Agbaji turned in 21 points, 3 assists and 7 rebounds pulled down, while shooting 8 of 17 from the field and earned 1 steal on defense. Marcus Garrett followed behind and chipped in 20 points and 8 boards snagged, shooting 8 of 12 from the floor and finished 3 of 5 from three point land. Now Dajuan Harris drew the attention of the Eastern Washington defense, before darting a pass to Marcus Garrett who hammered in a two handed jam and got fouled in the process, thus making this a three point play, 14-15. Then Dajuan Harris would get Kansas within 1, after he sunk a three point jumper and made things a bit closer, 31-32. Garrett had 12 1st half points but had 3 fouls on him, team shot a poor 29% from behind the arc and entered the half down 38-46. Dajuan Harris came off the bench and tallied in 13 points and 4 assists dished out. In addition David McCormack also came off the bench and added in 22 points on 9 of 15 shooting from the field, while securing 2 steals and 1 blocked shot, during win. Dajuan Harris with a little over 9 minutes to play in the 2nd half would sink a spinning layup, which pushed their lead to 66-63. Thereafter, Kansas would end up hitting their final four free throws late in the 2nd half and pretty much ended things from there. Kansas torched Eastern Washington as they outscored them 55-38 in the 2nd half, shot better from behind the arc by shooting 40% and improved to 21-8.
The Groves Brothers were combined for 67 total points but it wasn't enough and Eastern Washington suffered a heartbreaking 84-93 tournament elimination. Eastern Washington coming into tournament were considered the 14th seed and were on a 3 game win streak in the process. Tanner Groves punched in 35 points and 5 boards pulled, while shooting 11 of 18 from the field and went 5 of 11 from downtown. Including Jacob Groves, who added in 23 points, 1 assist and 3 rebounds, during loss. So Eastern Washington early in the 1st had gone over 3 minutes without a score...up until Tyler Robertson drilled a nicely made jumper from three point range, 25-28. Eastern Washington shot 50% from three point land, Tanner Groves notched 16 1st half points and they rolled into the half up 46-38. Michael Meadows was able to turn in 12 points on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. Tanner Groves would be responsible for tying the game up in the 2nd half, after knocking down a three ball and things 66-66. Eastern Washington turned the ball over 12 total times, had 0 fast break points to the Jayhawks 10 and are now out of the tourney with a 16-8 record.
In courtesy of inquirer.comThe Villanova Wildcats have advanced themselves to the round of 32 and will take on North Texas after defeating Winthrop, as the final score showed 73-63. Villanova entered round 1 of NCAA Tournament looking to advance to the round of 32, which will be played on Saturday, March 21st 2021. Nova is also coming into this tourney as the 5th seed. Robinson Earl secured a double double night, after posting 22 points and 11 boards collected, while earning a steal and 3 blocked shots on defense. Jermaine Samuels followed behind and chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. Justin Moore would hit a baseline mid range jumper and allowed Villanova to get off to a 7-0 run, 11-4. Afterwards, it would Justin Moore hitting yet another three point jumper and allowed Nova to regain a two point lead, 24-22. Nova shot 43% from the floor, secured 7 team assists and entered the half up by one, 34-33. Caleb Daniels was able to lock in 10 points and 3 rebounds, during win. Along with Justin Moore tallying 15 points, 2 assists and 3 rebounds while shooting 5 of 13 from the field and went 2 of 7 from downtown. Villanova would eventually push their lead to 40-34 early in the 2nd half, following Robinson Earl kicking out his pass to Bryan Antoine, who hit a three point jumper. Then Justin Moore was looking to end this game as he drove the lane hard and delivered a contested layup, 64-56 in the 2nd half. Nova would go on and their final free throws of the game to pretty put this one away. Nova shot just 32% from behind the arc, offense scored 17 points off Winthrop's 10 turnovers and improved to a 17-6 record on the year.
Winthrop unfortunately dropped to 23-2 when the dusk settled and suffered a gut wrenching 63-73 loss to the Villanova Wildcats. Winthrop coming into this matchup had an impressive 23-1 win/loss record and is considered the 12th seed in this 2021 Tournament. In steer of defeat, Chandler Vaudrin chipped in 9 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 2 of 10 from the floor and 5 of 8 from the Free Throw line. Including D.J. Burns Jr, who added in 12 points and 4 rebounds on 5 of 8 shooting from the field. Adonis Arms hauled in a pass from Michael Anumba, before burying a nicely made three, 20-21. Keep in mind Winthrop got off to an 8-0 run at this point in time in the 1st half. Winthrop turned in 16 points in the paint to Nova's 14, earned 6 second chance points and they stepped into the lockers down by one, 33-34. Michael Anumba racked up 7 points, 2 assists and 6 rebounds snagged out the air. Alongside Adonis Arms turning in 10 and 3 rebounds when coming off the bench. Michael Anumba would eventually help Winthrop cut Nova's lead to 8, following his jumper from three point land and made things 56-64 in the 2nd half. Winthrop got outscored 39-30 in the 2nd half, shot 21 of 58 from the field and are now out of this year's tournament.
In courtesy of sportingnews.comJaquez left the game with a right ankle injury and yet the UCLA Bruins still managed to advance to take on BYU in the next round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, following an impressive 86-80 Victory, over the Michigan State Spartans. The UCLA Bruins coming into the 1st round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament were hoping to advance to round 2, despite ending the regular season on a 4 game losing streak. Before Jamie Jaquez Jr left the game...he managed to rack up a career best 27 points, 2 assists and 4 rebounds, while shooting 11 of 20 from the field and went 3 of 4 from downtown. Including Johnny Juzang adding in 23 points and 4 boards collected. The Bruins evened the game at 13-13 in the 1st half, after David Singleton sunk a three point jumper. Jaquez Jr recorded 14 1st half points, shot 50% from three point land and entered the half down by 11, 33-44. Both Cody Riley and Jules Bernard tallied in an 11 point performance, during win. Now early in the 2nd half Jaquez Jr kicked his pass out to Johnny Juzang, who turned in a corner three pointer, cutting Michigan State's lead to six, 40-46. Afterwards, Jamie Jaquez drove the lane and got fouled in the process, making this an and 1 play and tied the game up at 77-77. UCLA would finally seal this game in overtime once Jules Bernard dished a pass to Cody Riley, who drained a two handed slam, 83-78. UCLA battled from 14 down, secured 13 team assists to MSU's 16 and improved to an 18-9 record. Question now is can they get past BYU come Saturday?
The Michigan State Spartans have been defeated 6 times when playing in Purdue's arena and were outscored 9-3 in Overtime, as they were dealt by the UCLA Bruins and lost by score of 80-86. Michigan State slid into last night's first round matchup, seeking to knock off UCLA and advance to the 2nd round to take on BYU, who by the way is ranked 6th in the country. Despite a gut wrenching defeat...Aaron Henry racked in 16 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, thus ending his shooting night 6 of 12 from the floor and went 2 of 3 from three point land. Including Josh Langford who punched in 12 and 7 rebounds. Josey Houser in the 1st half had knocked down a beauty of a mid range J and gave Michigan State a 13-10 three point lead. Afterwards, Aaron Henry buried a baseline jumper and went up 26-17. Along with going on a 9-2 run in the process. Michigan State shot over 50% from the field and three point line, notched 10 team assists to UCLA's 4 and walked into halftime up 44-33. Rocket Watts shot 4 of 12 from the field and tallied 9 points and 5 boards snagged. Alongside teammate Joey Houser, who latched on to 9 points and 3 rebounds when coming off the bench. Then in the latter stages of the 2nd half...you would catch Aaron Henry charging the lane hard to the rim and scored a tough contested layup, thus furthering their lead to 51-45. Now Josh Langford's key offensive rebound would lead to Rocket Watts sinking a mid range jumper, which boosted their lead to 75-70. Michigan State scored 10 points off the Bruins 8 turnovers, notched 6 fast break points and have officially been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. As they drop to 15-13 on the year.
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