The Candy 16 of the NCAA males’s school basketball match closed on Friday night time, and, for the second day in a row, one No. 1 seed superior, whereas one other noticed its run come to an finish.
With matchups for the Elite Eight now set, listed below are some takeaways from Friday’s motion.
Duke’s win over No. 1 Houston offers them a shot at revenge within the Elite Eight
Duke and NC State’s paths will cross once more.
The Blue Devils did simply sufficient to energy previous a short-handed Houston group on Friday, establishing an all-ACC matchup within the Elite Eight and a shot at revenge in opposition to the No. 11-seeded Wolfpack.
NC State defeated the Blue Devils, 74-69, within the ACC Match on March 14. The victory kickstarted NC State’s inconceivable run of eight straight wins, capped off by an upset over No. 2 Marquette on Friday.
This time round, Duke will likely be favored once more. However, with the way in which NC State is enjoying, something is feasible.
First-half damage to Jamal Shead performed a major function in Houston’s Candy 16 exit
No. 1 Houston noticed its NCAA title hopes crumble on Friday after falling to Duke, 54-51. It was a valiant effort by the Cougars, who battled till the tip even with out their star guard, Shead.
Shead left the sport with 6:38 left within the first half after rolling his proper ankle throughout a fastbreak. X-rays had been unfavorable, however he by no means returned, and Houston felt the brunt.
One participant would not make a group, however after falling to Duke by solely three factors, it is arduous to consider that Shead’s presence would not have made the distinction.
Volunteers put together for battle with Purdue
Tennessee superior to the Elite Eight for less than the second time in class historical past, knocking off No. 3 Creighton 82-75 on Friday. The win units up Sunday’s contest in opposition to No. 1 Purdue, which has all of the makings of a basic.
The Volunteers, boasting the third-best factors in opposition to within the SEC this season (70.2), boast an aggressive model of protection that might match up completely in opposition to the Boilermakers. Then once more, even when examined, the Zach Edey-led Boilermakers have handed each check.
Tennesee misplaced to Purdue 71-67 on the Maui Invitational in November. Nonetheless, the results of that sport will not matter when the 2 groups tip off Sunday, with a visit to the Last 4 on the road.
The Boilermakers are trying harmful
The No. 1 seed that survived on Friday, Purdue, strikes on to face No. 3 Creighton/No. 2 Tennessee, trying like one of many extra harmful groups remaining within the match. After Friday’s dominant 80-68 victory over Gonzaga, Purdue has received its video games by a median of 26 factors, trailing solely defending champ UConn (29 factors).
Purdue did not give the Bulldogs any room to breathe, constructing a lead as massive as 18 and by no means trying again. They shot 57.1 % (32-of-56) total and 45 % from three (9-of-20), paced by heart Zach Edey (27 factors, 14 rebounds) and guard Braden Smith (14 factors, 15 assists, eight rebounds).
Smith’s playmaking abilities, paired with the unstoppable power that’s Edey, make the Boilermakers a formidable opponent heading into the Elite Eight. There’s nonetheless work to do, but when the group’s response to Friday’s win is any indication, Purdue may be very properly conscious of what lies forward.
It is starting to really feel like 1983 once more for NC State
Following NC State’s 67-58 upset of No. 2 Marquette, the Wolfpack are Elite Eight sure, conjuring recollections of this system’s magical run to the NCAA Championship in 1983. Whereas they are not there but, it is beginning to really feel like future.
NC State, which wanted to win the ACC Match to obtain an computerized bid, has now rallied off eight must-wins in a row. In the meantime, throughout its match run, it surprised No. 6 Texas Tech and stomped on No. 14 Oakland’s goals earlier than prematurely ending the No. 2 seed’s season.
This yr’s Wolfpack group hasn’t reached the heights of the 83 group. However, after Friday’s unimaginable win, they’re one step nearer.
One other early exit for Shaka Good
After reaching the Candy 16 with Marquette, head coach Shaka Good thought he had shaken off the ghosts of match previous. Not so quick.
Unrealized expectations have gotten the norm for Good and his groups. Following first and second-round exits over his first two seasons with the Golden Eagles, they made it just one step additional this time, whilst a No. 2 seed. Moreover, their efficiency was lackluster, taking pictures solely 33.3 % from the sector (20-of-60) and 12.9 % from three (14-of-23)
Since main an upstart Virginia Commonwealth group to the Last 4 in 2011, Good’s groups are simply 5-10 within the NCAA Match.
