The Elite Eight is about.
No. 1 general seed UConn will face Illinois within the East. Clemson and Alabama will play within the West after the Tigers and the Crimson Tide knocked off greater seeds Arizona and North Carolina, respectively.
Within the South, will probably be a rematch of the ACC quarterfinals between NC State and Duke. The Wolfpack upset No. 2 seed Marquette. The Blue Devils defeated high seed Houston after the Cougars misplaced their level guard and chief Jamal Shead to an ankle harm within the first half.
That leaves the Midwest, the place high seed Purdue had no hassle caring for Gonzaga. The Boilermakers will face Tennessee with a spot within the Last 4 on the road.
If you happen to’re monitoring how the conferences are faring, that is three groups within the Elite Eight from the ACC, two every from the Massive Ten and SEC and one from the Massive East.
Will Duke attain the Last 4 for the primary time below Jon Scheyer? The Blue Devils ought to. NC State is not the wildly inconsistent group it was throughout the common season and is taking part in effectively. However Duke has the sting in expertise and depth. The Blue Devils will knock out their Tobacco Highway rival and finish NC State’s inconceivable run one recreation earlier than the Last 4.
What it means for Duke: Duke is headed to the Elite Eight for the primary time below Jon Scheyer. It is going to face NC State within the Elite Eight, and the groups break up two video games in March, with Duke successful 79-64 at NC State late within the common season and the Wolfpack successful 74-69 within the ACC match. NC State has been giving opponents hassle with its size however that should not be an issue for Duke, who has 7-footer Kyle Filipowski on its facet.
What it means for Houston: The Cougars received the Massive 12 common season championship of their first season within the convention, erasing any doubts about their skill to compete on a bigger stage. However as a No. 1 seed, they have been imagined to get to the Last 4. Their season ended two video games wanting that, so it is troublesome to view their season as successful. — Adam Teicher
Is it time to take NC State severely now? Because the Wolfpack are one win away from the Last 4, it is undoubtedly time. The Wolfpack was wildly inconsistent throughout the common season, however that was a very long time in the past now. NC State has received eight straight video games. A loss in any of them, and the Wolfpack would not nonetheless be right here. They’ve overwhelmed a number of sturdy groups alongside the way in which in Duke, North Carolina and now Marquette. They entered the match as an 11-seed, however by they deserve some respect now.
What it means for NC State: The Wolfpack is on a type of seemingly inconceivable NCAA match runs that it made well-known with its title in 1983. NC State proved towards Marquette it will probably win with out being excellent. The Wolfpack dedicated seven early turnovers and cooled off with their taking pictures after a sizzling begin, however after taking an early lead, they by no means relinquished it. NC State will face the winner of the Duke-Houston recreation in Sunday’s Elite Eight recreation. The Wolfpack beat Duke two weeks in the past within the ACC match. As for the Cougars, the magic appears to be on NC State’s facet when these two groups meet within the NCAA match.
What it means for Marquette: The Golden Eagles had some huge wins throughout the common season and completed 27-10, but it surely was an unsightly ending. Because the South’s No. 2 seed, their season wasn’t supposed to finish within the Candy 16. Shaka Good’s journey to the Last 4 with VCU in 2011 looks like a very long time in the past. — Adam Teicher
Can Tennessee slay Goliath (Purdue)? If Zach Edey wins his second consecutive Picket Award — which might be the primary time a back-to-back victor has been topped since Virginia legend Ralph Sampson Jr. achieved the feat 40 years in the past — Dalton Knecht will in all probability be the runner-up. He is some of the prolific scorers we have seen at this degree, and he can put up huge numbers towards any opponent. To beat Purdue, it would demand a unprecedented effort from a group that may do sufficient defensively to problem Edey and restrict Purdue’s effectiveness from the 3-point line, but in addition match the Boilermakers’ offensive tempo. The Vols perceive all too effectively. On the Maui Invitational in November, Knecht scored 16 factors in Tennessee’s 71-67 loss to Purdue. The sport was tied 64-64 with 3:10 play after Jordan Gaines’ 3-pointer after which Knecht hit a deep shot to chop Purdue’s result in three factors with 17 seconds to play. However the Vols could not end. To vary the result this time round, they will want much more from Knecht and a better defensive effort towards the perfect participant within the nation.
What this implies for Tennessee: Rick Barnes nonetheless has an opportunity to succeed in the Last 4 once more after his first run to the nationwide semifinals at Texas in 2003. And if the Vols can beat Purdue, they will go to Phoenix with the boldness they’ll beat any group in America. Knecht (22 factors) was a star, per the norm. However in addition they held Creighton, a top-10 offensive group, to a 43% clip in Friday’s win within the Candy 16. It is going to take a Herculean effort to beat the Boilermakers, but when Knecht has one other huge night time, it is doable.
What it means for Creighton: Greg McDermott simply signed a prolonged extension to acknowledge the success he has had with this program. The trio of Trey Alexander, Baylor Scheierman and Ryan Kalkbrenner has been particular, however that run is probably going over, so McDermott will try to mildew one other sturdy group and preserve the success he is achieved in Omaha. — Myron Medcalf
Is that this the identical Purdue group from final 12 months? In no way. Positive, this group’s success remains to be constructed round Zach Edey, the Picket Award winner, however Friday’s win showcased all of the other ways the Boilermakers can harm opponents. Matt Painter fed Trey Kaufman-Renn on consecutive possessions to neutralize Gonzaga‘s try to double Edey at the beginning of the second half. Braden Smith completed with 15 assists, one of many highest tallies in Massive Ten historical past, and stored the Zags guessing each time he had the ball. Fletcher Loyer & Co. discovered house across the courtroom as Purdue made practically half of its 3-point makes an attempt. Sure, Edey is the engine of this program, that is apparent. However every little thing round him is sort of completely different in comparison with final 12 months. The collective enchancment of Purdue’s supporting forged is changing into a high storyline on this match.
What it means for Purdue: Whether or not the Boilermakers face Creighton or Tennessee within the Elite Eight, each the Bluejays and Vols will face the identical dilemma: How do you stall a Purdue group that has the perfect participant in America and shoots 3-pointers on the highest clip within the nation, too (41% getting into the sport)? Mark Few had an excellent plan. He put our bodies on Edey. The Zags attacked him within the paint after they had the ball. It appeared to work till it did not. There is no such thing as a nice reply to resolve this Purdue riddle. The dream of going from final 12 months’s fast exit to a nationwide title this season is actual.
What it means for Gonzaga: Whereas it took longer than anticipated for Gonzaga to hit its stride, the Bulldogs performed among the finest offense within the nation over the previous few months. They only bumped into an excellent Purdue squad on Friday. However Graham Ike, Ryan Nembhard and different key gamers from this group may return subsequent season. With one other addition or two from the portal or its recruiting class, Gonzaga may as soon as once more turn into a second-weekend squad — and extra. — Myron Medcalf
Was that the sport of the match? Let’s all take a deep breath after that one. I assume that is what occurs whenever you pit two of probably the most explosive offenses within the nation towards one another. A mixed 176 factors, one group taking pictures over 40% from 3, the opposite holding a 10-point lead solely to provide it up and a ridiculous tempo of play that made it appear extra like a observe meet than a basketball recreation. In a recreation that went all the way down to the wire, each possession felt prefer it weighed a ton of bricks. In the end, senior Grant Nelson not solely led all scorers with 24 factors, he added 12 rebounds and 5 essential blocks to steer Alabama to a end result that was an upset in title solely.
What the win means for Alabama: The Tide simply took out the highest seed within the West and are again within the Elite Eight for the primary time since 2004, solely the second time at school historical past. The historic win for Nate Oats’ group comes throughout a 23-win season during which it completed second within the SEC. Final 12 months might have included extra wins (31) and a greater shot at going deeper within the match, however this 12 months’s group has proved it has the expertise and offensive firepower to compete with anybody.
“This man confirmed up tonight towards the most effective bigs within the nation,” Oats mentioned of Nelson’s efficiency postgame. “I believe individuals query whether or not [we’re] delicate or what not, Grant confirmed we’re not. We are able to play with the massive boys.”
What the loss means for North Carolina: A 12 months after changing into the primary preseason No. 1 group to overlook the NCAA match, the Tar Heels appeared primed for a deep match run, very similar to the one which led to the championship recreation two years in the past. But, regardless of the excess of expertise and boasting the highest seed within the West, Hubert Davis’ group could not maintain on to a lead towards an Alabama group that matched them shot-for-shot Thursday night time. — Paolo Uggetti
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Glorious ball motion results in a Clingan dunk and the foul
UConn strikes the ball flawlessly with it ending up in a Donovan Clingan and-1 dunk.
Can UConn’s NCAA match probably be extra dominant than final season? UConn was unstoppable in final 12 months’s NCAA match. The Huskies received their six video games by a mean of 20.0 factors, the fourth-largest common for the reason that match expanded in 1985. Thus far this 12 months, they have been even higher. They’ve received their three video games by a mean of 28.7 factors. They’ve trailed for 28 seconds. They’ve led by double digits within the second half for 58:27 of a doable 60 minutes. San Diego State performed about in addition to it may for the opening stretch of the sport and located itself down by 11 inside 9 minutes. The scariest half for future opponents is it looks like UConn has been in a position to maintain one thing within the tank, not often needing to place its foot on the gasoline down the stretch in video games.
What the win means for UConn: A optimistic signal for the Huskies on Thursday night time was the play of Hassan Diarra. The reserve guard got here off the bench and supplied an actual raise within the second half, scoring 10 factors and distributing 4 assists — placing the sport out of attain for San Diego State shortly after halftime. Huskies middle Donovan Clingan struggled towards the Aztecs’ Jaedon LeDee within the first half however turned extra snug as the sport went on and nonetheless was a nuisance defensively. UConn ahead Alex Karaban hit a pair early pictures however then struggled to attach the remainder of the sport. And whereas these may appear to be potential negatives, Dan Hurley should be thrilled that his group beat San Diego State group by 30 with out taking part in its finest.
What the loss means for San Diego State: For the second season in a row, San Diego State’s season ends towards UConn. The Aztecs really went shot for shot with the Huskies early however merely did not have sufficient firepower offensively. Final season at this level within the match, when SDSU beat general 1-seed Alabama within the Candy 16, it had some of the dominant defenses within the nation — and was getting constant scoring manufacturing from its perimeter gamers. The protection wasn’t fairly nearly as good this season, the offensive wasn’t practically nearly as good and LeDee could not do all of it himself. However nationwide runners-up adopted by a Candy 16 run? That is a powerful two-year run for Brian Dutcher and the Aztecs. — Jeff Borzello
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Terrence Shannon Jr.’s steal and slam leads Illinois to the Elite Eight
Terrence Shannon Jr. comes up with a clutch steal and slam dunk as Illinois advances previous Iowa State to the Elite Eight.
Can Illinois make UConn sweat? The Huskies have barely been pushed to date this match, main by double digits for mainly all the second half in all three video games. However Illinois confirmed a degree of toughness, particularly defensively, that might go a great distance, particularly when mixed with the Illini’s elite offense. Since UConn turned totally wholesome in January, the one group to beat it was Creighton, which scored 85 factors and made 14 3s. It’s a must to rating factors to beat the Huskies. Illinois can try this. Brad Underwood has the nation’s No. 2 offense at KenPom and one of many nation’s most proficient offensive gamers in Terrence Shannon Jr. Underwood additionally has loads of measurement on the perimeter, a bona fide No. 2 scorer in Marcus Domask and an enormous man in Coleman Hawkins who can pressure Donovan Clingan away from the rim. UConn remains to be the favourite, however Illinois may have the ability to push the defending nationwide champs like nobody else has in two NCAA tournaments.
What the win means for Illinois: Shannon’s scoring skill was as soon as once more on show Thursday, and he is the kind of participant who can carry a group to a title. He was averaging 30.5 factors in his previous six video games earlier than going through Iowa State, and regardless of taking part in the nation’s No. 1 protection was in a position to put up 29 factors. He needed to shoulder the load greater than standard, as Domask struggled to make pictures, so he’ll want extra assist from his supporting forged towards the Huskies.
What the loss means for Iowa State: What T.J. Otzelberger has executed since arriving in Ames is nothing wanting exceptional. The Cyclones have received 70 video games in his three seasons, gone to 3 NCAA tournaments, superior to 2 Candy 16s and received a Massive 12 convention match title. They’ve had a top-10 protection all three seasons, together with the nation’s No. 1 unit this marketing campaign. With that type of system and tradition, do not count on issues to alter transferring ahead. There are just a few seniors on the group — Tre King, Robert Jones, Hason Ward — however Otzelberger introduced in a pair of four-star freshmen and already landed Charlotte switch Dishon Jackson. If the previous couple of seasons are any indication, the Cyclones will as soon as once more seemingly be picked too low within the preseason and exceed expectations. — Jeff Borzello
Is Ian Schiefflin Clemson’s best-kept secret? Together with his curly hair contained by an old-school headband, the 6-foot-8 junior from Georgia may seem barely unassuming. However Thursday night time towards an Arizona group stocked with expertise, Schiefflin turned one of many Tigers’ most efficient gamers and regarded like the most effective gamers on the ground. Schiefflin, who’s averaging 9.8 factors and 9.5 rebounds this season, scored 14 factors and added 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. Whether or not or not the Wildcats ready for Schiefflin taking part in as huge of a task as he did, they could not cease him in key moments. After draining one 3-pointer, the specter of Schiefflin taking pictures from deep tilted the steadiness of Arizona’s half-court protection, opening up lanes for its two finest gamers — Chase Hunter (18 factors) and PJ Corridor (17 factors) — to make key performs down the stretch.
Schiefflin, who wore Kobe Bryant footwear to play within the area Bryant starred in for a few years, was requested postgame whether or not he believed he was channeling a Mamba mentality together with his play, which included a key 3 that banked in. Head coach Brad Brownell interjected with fun.
“You are taking part in effectively,” he mentioned. “However do not examine your self to Kobe Bryant, OK?”
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Clemson sinks a pair of and-1 buckets to maneuver on to the Elite Eight
Chase Hunter and Dillon Hunter each make and-1 layups late to seal Clemson’s victory over Arizona.
What the win means for Clemson: The Tigers proceed to defy expectations, and this time, they did it towards some of the proficient groups within the nation in entrance of an Arizona-heavy crowd. Brownell’s squad not solely raced out to a 13-point lead towards the 2-seed, forcing the Wildcats into eight first-half turnovers and an abysmal taking pictures efficiency (37.3% from the sector, 17.9% from 3), but it surely additionally sustained the inevitable Arizona run that tied the sport within the second half and nonetheless emerged victorious. When Arizona started making pictures, Clemson caught to its recreation plan, and shortly sufficient, the Wildcats reverted to taking robust pictures they could not make. On offense, the Tigers weren’t scorching sizzling by any means, however when the sport acquired shut late, they did what Arizona couldn’t: assault the basket as a substitute of settling for jumpers. The technique paid off, and now the Tigers are headed to their first Elite Eight since 1980.
“Right now was our day,” Brownell mentioned. “We made sufficient performs to win.”
What the loss means for Arizona: Among the best offenses within the nation failed to point out up in L.A. on Thursday, Since 2015, the Wildcats haven’t been ranked decrease than a 6-seed and have been a 2-seed 3 times. And but 2015 is the final time they made it to the Elite Eight. Since Tommy Lloyd’s rent in 2021, Arizona has now misplaced to a 5-seed within the Candy 16, a 15-seed within the opening spherical and now a 6-seed within the Candy 16. Given the expertise the Wildcats have accrued over the previous few years, the outcomes haven’t been there, and this newest match exit will not assist their résumé. — Paolo Uggetti