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Mike Schultz
More Upsets as NCAA Men's Tournament Down to Sweet 16
Upsets, upsets and more upsets! If your bracket wasn’t busted after UAB beat Iowa State and Georgia State beat Baylor, then it likely has some major flaws after the pool of teams was cut down to 16 by the end of the weekend.
No. 8 N.C. State Defeats no. 1 Villanova
Heading into the NCAA Men’s tournament, Villanova was considered a contender and possible threat to Kentucky finishing the year undefeated. It was apparent from tip off that the Wildcats weren’t quite in sync during their game against the N.C. State Wolfpack as they lost 71-68.
N.C. State managed to fluster Villanova by using their defensively sound guards to tightly defend Villanova’s front court. The result was an abysmal 31 percent night of shooting for Villanova that allowed N.C. State to hold on for the win. Offensively, the Wolfpack used their big men who muscled their way into the pant for rebounds, put back and dump offs. Up next for N.C. State is no. 4 seed Louisville in the Sweet 16.
No. 7 Wichita State Defeats no. 2 Kansas
Kansas was never able to get comfortable on offense, losing to Wichita State, 78-65. Wichita State was able to dictate Kansas’ offense by being physical in the pant, forcing Kansas to kick the ball back out to the perimeter where WSU had the advantage. Kansas was not up to the challenge as they were able to convert on only 29 percent from behind the three point line; much lower than the 38 percent they converted throughout the season.
Offensively, Wichita State was heavy on the pick and roll, using guard Evan Wessel to set the pick and fade behind the three point line. He sank 4-6 from three point range and causing big holes to appear in KU’s defense. Wichita State will take on no. 3 Notre Dame next.
No. 7 Michigan State Defeats no. 2 UVA
Michigan State has been a March Madness overachiever the last few years and this year proves to be no different as they defeated the University of Virginia 60-54 to advance in the tournament. Both teams played stingy defense while grinding it out on offense.
A mix of man defense, transition defense and a major advantage of defense was the difference maker for Michigan State who outworked Virginia throughout the game. Several times UVA was able to drive to the interior only to be met by MSU ready and waiting to contest every shot. The Spartans will face no. 3 Oklahoma next weekend.
Sports Interaction March Madness NCAA Tournament Odds
