The NCAA Collegiate Basketball Tournament reaches the Sweet 16 (Round of 16) after the completion of the second round matchups. Here are the latest details.
The End of Magic for FDU
The end came for FDU on Sunday night. FDU's 78-70 loss to Florida Atlantic marked the end of an unprecedented storyline. FDU knocked off #1 Purdue in the first round by a score of 63-58. The totally unexpected victory raised expectations about FDU's team. However, the bookmakers did not believe FDU could repeat the feat.
The bookmakers were right. Florida Atlantic brought a dose of reality to FDU, leaving them on the court. With the win, Florida Atlantic seals their ticket to the Round of 16. Florida Atlantic will face #4 Tennessee.
UConn Reaches Sweet 16
The UConn Huskies sealed their pass to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2014 following a win over St. Mary's by a score of 70-55. For UConn, reaching the Sweet 16 represents a significant milestone for a program that has been historically good. On the other hand, reaching the third round is a relief for UConn coach Dan Hurley, who had been the focus of criticism after the loss to Oregon prior to his arrival in the tournament.
Now, UConn will face #8 Arkansas, a team that is sure to put up a strong fight. Arkansas comes in at full speed after defeating #1 Kansas. Arkansas' historic win puts spirits high, while UConn will have a potent opponent to face.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association of the United States (NCAA) confirmed through its social media channels that there is no perfect prediction left for the national college basketball tournament brackethttps://t.co/Uc6Xlp96w8.
- DeportesCNN (@deportescnn) March 19, 2023
Arkansas Knocks Out Number One
By Arkansas' own admission, their historic win over #1 Kansas by a score of 72-71 is just another chapter in the book of great fallen. Kansas came into the tournament with high expectations. Bookmakers had Kansas marked as one of the potential tournament champions. However, Kansas' loss to Arkansas takes away one of the heavy favorites in the bracket.
For Arkansas, hopes are pinned on their best scorer, Davonte Davis, who scored 25 points against Kansas. Considering Arkansas will face #4 after defeating #1, expectations are high for Arkansas. Will there be another upset loss out of the gate? Arkansas will possibly find a little more magic to advance to the Round of 8.
Michigan State Knocks Off #2 Marquette
Number seven Michigan State knocked off number two Marquette by a score of 69-60. Tyson Walker's 23 points propelled the Spartans over Marquette, another favorite in the East Region. For Michigan State, the focus turns to their upcoming matchup with number three Kansas St. Perhaps a little more magic will allow them to advance to the next round.
For Marquette, the end of the story will motivate them to find answers for the uncertainty left after their unexpected departure. Marquette has a young cadre, which will keep them in the conversation for the upcoming tournament.
