- Will Sheehey's 15-footer proved to be the clinching bucket in the best game of the day. Indiana outlasted VCU by 2 on the basis of said jump shot, and heads to the Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade. At any rate, an impressive run for VCU just a year after that historical Final Four march. Shaka Smart ftw.
- Wisconsin marches to the Sweet 16 behind another impressive defense effort. Vandy's John Jenkins had seemingly his first open look of the night on the final trip, but the triple went begging and Wisconsin held on for a 3-point win. I absolutely love Bo Ryan and the Badgers as always, and even though the public hates their ugly style, it wins.
- Ohio State got a stiff challenge from Gonzaga before pulling away late with a 7-point win. The Zags couldn't survive a 3 of 13 from Kevin Pangos and under 40% shooting as a team, while OSU got a big-time 18 and 7 from Deshaun Thomas to flank Sullinger who also had 18.
- Louisville eeked past New Mexico in a game that saw the Lobos post a late push that fell short. Russ Smith's 17 points off the bench pulsed the scoring for Louisville, but the difference was their defense holding New Mexico under 40% for the game with just 5 of 23 from three.
- A couple of favorites cruised. Kentucky rode 49 second-half points to a pull-away win over Iowa State that featured Marquis Teague's best game of the season with 24 points and 7 assists and Anthony Davis (playing all 40 minutes) had 15 and 12. Baylor got 9 ridiculous triples from Brady Heslip and put Colorado away late to the tune of an 80-63 win. I still can't stand them, but if they make shots like this (11 of 20 on threes), then good luck. And Syracuse righted the ship on Saturday with a 75-59 win over K-State. The zone defense was in full effect, holding the Wildcats to 31% FG and 4 of 17 from three in dismantling them. I continue to believe that Dion Waiters is Syracuse's best player despite coming off the bench, and he didn't disappoint with 18 points in just 24 minutes.
- Big-ups to Murray State on a really impressive season that ends on Saturday. Marquette was just too much and the Racers shot just 31% from the field, but 30+ wins can't be hated on in any league and that's a legitimate squad and program.
On to Sunday (in chronological order)...
- 12:15 pm CBS - #3 Georgetown vs. #11 NC State - I almost pulled the trigger on Belmont over GT, and I can't get past my dislike for how they run offense. NC State is playing at a high level, especially inside, and I like them here.
- 2:45 pm CBS - #1 Michigan State vs. #9 St. Louis - Michigan State is a much better team than St. Louis. That said, I can't remember a #1 seed with less firepower than MSU has, and because of that, an upset isn't crazy. I like Izzo and company still, however.
- 5:15 pm CBS - #1 North Carolina vs. #8 Creighton - UNC should absolutely blow out Creighton, but if Henson is out and UNC's guards play like UNC's guards sometimes play? Creighton hangs around wayyyy too long for anyone from Chapel Hill's liking.
- 6:10 pm TNT - #7 Florida vs. #15 Norfolk State - Did anyone else think Norfolk State didn't look like a normal 15-seed? Anyway, Florida has a much better roster than their seeding indicates, and if they make shots, they'll cruise.
- 7:10 pm TBS - #12 South Florida vs. #13 Ohio - I'm not ready to discuss Ohio yet, but South Florida is playing at a high level and should win.
- 7:45 pm TRU - #10 Xavier vs. #15 Lehigh - Remember when we all loved Lehigh's win over Duke? The downside is that we get this game in Round 2. Tu Holloway!
- 8:40 pm TNT - #2 Kansas vs. #10 Purdue - Worth the watch just for Robbie Hummel vs. Thomas Robinson. Two of my favorite guys in the country. The rest of Kansas roster is just better, and they should win in this spot.
- 9:40 pm TBS - #3 Florida State vs. #6 Cincinnati - Probably the best game of the day. FSU's defense is at a crazy-high level, but with that, it makes them upset-prone because their offense lacks.
Enjoy a big-time Sunday!
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