It was yet another great weekend in the NCAA Tournament, and the Final Four is set, with Loyola-Chicago, Michigan, Villanova, and Kansas set to battle it out in San Antonio. Here are my thoughts following the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.
1. Game of the Sweet Sixteen
Thus far, the best game of the tournament in my opinion is Villanova vs West Virginia. It was an exciting back and forth affair for most of the game, and it was a great matchup of two top teams. Villanova led by two at the half, but they had struggled against the West Virginia pressure for most of the half. Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges both looked a little scared because of the on-ball pressure. West Virginia started the second half strong, opening on a 18-10 run in the first 10 minutes of the half. Nova answred with a 11-0 run of their own, and they never looked back. They continued to tack on and finally began making threes, eventually winning 90-78. This game will stick with me for a while for the moments. The Konate block of Bridges. The Spellman block and then put-back dunk. Jalen Brunson making some clutch shots. Brunson and Spellman were the difference for the Wildcats, as Brunson had 27 points, while Spellman finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds. For the Mountaineers, it brings an end to the incredible career of Jevon Carter. He had 12 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals in this game, and for the past four seasons he has been a large factor in the Press Virginia scheme with his relentless on-ball pressure. He was a four time Big 12 First Team All-Defensive Player, two time Big 12 Defender of the Year, and last year's Defensive Player of the Year. He improved offensively from year to year and he will be missed in Morgantown next year.
2. Ramble On, Sister Jean!
Who saw this one coming? The Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago are headed to the Final Four. They started off in the Sweet Sixteen with a fun one against Nevada, and they just didn't feel like missing. They made 55.8% of their shots, including not missing a shot for the first 10 minutes of the first half. It was largely due to how bad Nevada's defense is, as Loyola was waltzing to the rim pretty much uncontested. It was a close game still, and this time is was Marques Townes stepping up to hit a big shot. He caught it in the corner, pumped faked and watch his defender fly by, took one dribble to the side, and drained a huge three to put them up 4 with 6 seconds left. Caleb Martin would hit a three with 2 seconds left, but Nevada only had 5 fouls so they couldn't foul enough to get Loyola-Chicago to the foul line, and the Ramblers ended up winning another late thriller 69-68. Their next game was completely different than any of their previous three tournament games. After some thrilling late-game heroics that led to a combined 4 point margin of victory. The matchup versus Kansas State was very different, as they went out and dominated the Wildcats. They won 78-62 thanks to a career high 23 points from senior Ben Richardson who hit 6-7 of his threes. They outrebounded the more athletic Wildcats by 8, had 8 more assists, and made 50% of their threes. They also did an excellent job defensively, holding K-State to 34.8% shooting, and just 23.1% from three. The clock has yet to strike midnight on this lovable Cinderella and they will advance to the Final Four for the second time in program history. The last time they were there? 1963, and they won it all.
3. A Tale of Two Games
Michigan came out on Thursday night against a very good Texas A&M team that was well equipped to send them home. The Aggies had two dominant bigs in Robert Williams and Tyler Davis, and had just blown out North Carolina by 21. This was a game that could've ended very poorly for the Wolverines. The exact opposite happened. Michigan came out firing on all cylinders, and they ran the Aggies out of the gym. On offense, they were white hot, making 61.9% of their shots and 58.3% of their threes on their way to 99 points, the second most by a team this tournament. They had 5 players in double figures, led by senior Mohammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, who had 24 points on 9-16 shooting and went 4-7 from deep, along with 7 assists and 5 rebounds. German big man Moritz Wagner had 21 and went a perfect 3-3 from downtown, Kentucky transfer Charles Mathews had 18 on 8-11 shooting, and point guard Zavier Simpson might've had the best all around game, with 11 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 6 steals. Michigan was also excellent on defense, forcing 14 turnovers, and they held the Aggies to 20% shooting from 3 on the game and 28 points in the first half, before their intensity dwindled in the second. In their next game, their defense was once again excellent, limiting Florida State to 54 points on 31.4% shooting. They created 15 turnovers, and the Seminoles only shot 23.5% from deep. However, Michigan was equally dreadful on the offensive end, making just 38.8% of their shots and shooting 18.2% from deep. They only had 8 assists just two days after having 21. Wagner and MAAR just couldn't get going, combining for 21 points on 6-20 shooting and went 2-11 from three. They found a way to grind out a victory, winning 58-54. This is the type of game that Michigan wouldn't have won in previous years, as the relied heavily on making shots. This season, they advance to the Final Four on the back a stout defensive performance. They will play Loyola-Chicago in San Antonio.
1. Game of the Sweet Sixteen
Thus far, the best game of the tournament in my opinion is Villanova vs West Virginia. It was an exciting back and forth affair for most of the game, and it was a great matchup of two top teams. Villanova led by two at the half, but they had struggled against the West Virginia pressure for most of the half. Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges both looked a little scared because of the on-ball pressure. West Virginia started the second half strong, opening on a 18-10 run in the first 10 minutes of the half. Nova answred with a 11-0 run of their own, and they never looked back. They continued to tack on and finally began making threes, eventually winning 90-78. This game will stick with me for a while for the moments. The Konate block of Bridges. The Spellman block and then put-back dunk. Jalen Brunson making some clutch shots. Brunson and Spellman were the difference for the Wildcats, as Brunson had 27 points, while Spellman finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds. For the Mountaineers, it brings an end to the incredible career of Jevon Carter. He had 12 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals in this game, and for the past four seasons he has been a large factor in the Press Virginia scheme with his relentless on-ball pressure. He was a four time Big 12 First Team All-Defensive Player, two time Big 12 Defender of the Year, and last year's Defensive Player of the Year. He improved offensively from year to year and he will be missed in Morgantown next year.
2. Ramble On, Sister Jean!
Who saw this one coming? The Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago are headed to the Final Four. They started off in the Sweet Sixteen with a fun one against Nevada, and they just didn't feel like missing. They made 55.8% of their shots, including not missing a shot for the first 10 minutes of the first half. It was largely due to how bad Nevada's defense is, as Loyola was waltzing to the rim pretty much uncontested. It was a close game still, and this time is was Marques Townes stepping up to hit a big shot. He caught it in the corner, pumped faked and watch his defender fly by, took one dribble to the side, and drained a huge three to put them up 4 with 6 seconds left. Caleb Martin would hit a three with 2 seconds left, but Nevada only had 5 fouls so they couldn't foul enough to get Loyola-Chicago to the foul line, and the Ramblers ended up winning another late thriller 69-68. Their next game was completely different than any of their previous three tournament games. After some thrilling late-game heroics that led to a combined 4 point margin of victory. The matchup versus Kansas State was very different, as they went out and dominated the Wildcats. They won 78-62 thanks to a career high 23 points from senior Ben Richardson who hit 6-7 of his threes. They outrebounded the more athletic Wildcats by 8, had 8 more assists, and made 50% of their threes. They also did an excellent job defensively, holding K-State to 34.8% shooting, and just 23.1% from three. The clock has yet to strike midnight on this lovable Cinderella and they will advance to the Final Four for the second time in program history. The last time they were there? 1963, and they won it all.
3. A Tale of Two Games
Michigan came out on Thursday night against a very good Texas A&M team that was well equipped to send them home. The Aggies had two dominant bigs in Robert Williams and Tyler Davis, and had just blown out North Carolina by 21. This was a game that could've ended very poorly for the Wolverines. The exact opposite happened. Michigan came out firing on all cylinders, and they ran the Aggies out of the gym. On offense, they were white hot, making 61.9% of their shots and 58.3% of their threes on their way to 99 points, the second most by a team this tournament. They had 5 players in double figures, led by senior Mohammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, who had 24 points on 9-16 shooting and went 4-7 from deep, along with 7 assists and 5 rebounds. German big man Moritz Wagner had 21 and went a perfect 3-3 from downtown, Kentucky transfer Charles Mathews had 18 on 8-11 shooting, and point guard Zavier Simpson might've had the best all around game, with 11 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 6 steals. Michigan was also excellent on defense, forcing 14 turnovers, and they held the Aggies to 20% shooting from 3 on the game and 28 points in the first half, before their intensity dwindled in the second. In their next game, their defense was once again excellent, limiting Florida State to 54 points on 31.4% shooting. They created 15 turnovers, and the Seminoles only shot 23.5% from deep. However, Michigan was equally dreadful on the offensive end, making just 38.8% of their shots and shooting 18.2% from deep. They only had 8 assists just two days after having 21. Wagner and MAAR just couldn't get going, combining for 21 points on 6-20 shooting and went 2-11 from three. They found a way to grind out a victory, winning 58-54. This is the type of game that Michigan wouldn't have won in previous years, as the relied heavily on making shots. This season, they advance to the Final Four on the back a stout defensive performance. They will play Loyola-Chicago in San Antonio.
4. Game of the Elite Eight, Tournament, and possibly Season
Duke and Kansas are two of the most successful programs in recent memory and their matchup in the Elite Eight was one people were anticipating since the bracket was released. It certainly did not disappoint. It was tight throughout, and neither team led by more than six at any point. The first half belonged to Duke, as they led 36-33 at the break. They were lead by freshman point guard, who had been inconsistent all season but showed why he was the #6 recruit coming into the year, scoring 13 in the first half as well as dishing out 3 assists. Kansas came out in the second half and immediately began carving up Duke's zone. Malik Newman opened up the half with back to back corner threes, and the Jayhawks opened the half on a 15-5 run. Duke kept it close, and regained the lead with slightly under 6 minutes left. It continued to be a back and forth affair, and Grayson Allen looked like he was going to take over the game late, scoring four unanswered to put Duke ahead by three with 1:25 left. After missed shots on both ends, Kansas came down and got the ball to Svi Mykhailiuk, who had missed two straight threes just minutes earlier. He stepped up and drained it from three, evening the game at 72. Duke came back down, and with six seconds remaining, Grayson Allen made his move. He drove left, shot it off the backboard, and the ball bounced around the rim before hanging on the front, and then falling off. Overtime. The third period would be played without Udoka Azubuike for Kansas, as he has fouled out earlier in the second half. It wouldn't matter, as Malik Newman took over for Kansas, willing them to a 85-81 victory. He finished with 32 points and 7 rebounds, Svi had 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Devonte' Graham had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Duke, all of their starters scored in double digits in what is likely all of their final college game. Duval led the way, scoring 20 and getting 6 assists, Marvin Bagley had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Allen ended with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in his final college game after an excellent college career. Kansas will play Villanova in what should be another excellent game.
5. Hello, Newman
Malik Newman's path to Lawrence wasn't an easy one. He left high school as the number 10 recruit in the 2015 class, and committed to Mississippi State. His time there wasn't fruitful, as he scored 11.3 points per game and had a poor 12.4 efficiency rating. He transferred to Kansas, where he had so sit out for a season, but had a better year than he did in Mississippi. We saw flashes all season of the player he was supposed to be coming out of high school, like his 27 point outburst against Iowa State. Ever since conference tournaments began, however, he has been a completely different player. He had a career high 30 against Oklahoma State in his first game in the Big 12 Tournament, and won MVP of the tournament on the back of scoring 20+ in all three games. He continued his hot streak in to the NCAA Tournament, where after starting slow against Penn, he has been a driving force behind Kansas's success. When Devonte' Graham struggled against Seton Hall, he picke duo the slack, scoring 28 points. He followed that up with 17 against Clemson, before absolutely exploding against Duke in the Elite Eight. Newman scored a new career high 32 points and had all 13 Kansas points in overtime. He also grabbed 7 rebounds which was key in stopping the Duke big men. Ever since the Oklahoma State game, Newman is averaging 22.7 points on 52.1% shooting and has made 55% of his threes. He has been shining for the Jayhawks as they advanced to the Final Four, and will look to continue his play on their quest for a national championship.
Duke and Kansas are two of the most successful programs in recent memory and their matchup in the Elite Eight was one people were anticipating since the bracket was released. It certainly did not disappoint. It was tight throughout, and neither team led by more than six at any point. The first half belonged to Duke, as they led 36-33 at the break. They were lead by freshman point guard, who had been inconsistent all season but showed why he was the #6 recruit coming into the year, scoring 13 in the first half as well as dishing out 3 assists. Kansas came out in the second half and immediately began carving up Duke's zone. Malik Newman opened up the half with back to back corner threes, and the Jayhawks opened the half on a 15-5 run. Duke kept it close, and regained the lead with slightly under 6 minutes left. It continued to be a back and forth affair, and Grayson Allen looked like he was going to take over the game late, scoring four unanswered to put Duke ahead by three with 1:25 left. After missed shots on both ends, Kansas came down and got the ball to Svi Mykhailiuk, who had missed two straight threes just minutes earlier. He stepped up and drained it from three, evening the game at 72. Duke came back down, and with six seconds remaining, Grayson Allen made his move. He drove left, shot it off the backboard, and the ball bounced around the rim before hanging on the front, and then falling off. Overtime. The third period would be played without Udoka Azubuike for Kansas, as he has fouled out earlier in the second half. It wouldn't matter, as Malik Newman took over for Kansas, willing them to a 85-81 victory. He finished with 32 points and 7 rebounds, Svi had 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Devonte' Graham had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Duke, all of their starters scored in double digits in what is likely all of their final college game. Duval led the way, scoring 20 and getting 6 assists, Marvin Bagley had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Allen ended with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in his final college game after an excellent college career. Kansas will play Villanova in what should be another excellent game.
5. Hello, Newman
Malik Newman's path to Lawrence wasn't an easy one. He left high school as the number 10 recruit in the 2015 class, and committed to Mississippi State. His time there wasn't fruitful, as he scored 11.3 points per game and had a poor 12.4 efficiency rating. He transferred to Kansas, where he had so sit out for a season, but had a better year than he did in Mississippi. We saw flashes all season of the player he was supposed to be coming out of high school, like his 27 point outburst against Iowa State. Ever since conference tournaments began, however, he has been a completely different player. He had a career high 30 against Oklahoma State in his first game in the Big 12 Tournament, and won MVP of the tournament on the back of scoring 20+ in all three games. He continued his hot streak in to the NCAA Tournament, where after starting slow against Penn, he has been a driving force behind Kansas's success. When Devonte' Graham struggled against Seton Hall, he picke duo the slack, scoring 28 points. He followed that up with 17 against Clemson, before absolutely exploding against Duke in the Elite Eight. Newman scored a new career high 32 points and had all 13 Kansas points in overtime. He also grabbed 7 rebounds which was key in stopping the Duke big men. Ever since the Oklahoma State game, Newman is averaging 22.7 points on 52.1% shooting and has made 55% of his threes. He has been shining for the Jayhawks as they advanced to the Final Four, and will look to continue his play on their quest for a national championship.
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