Here we are! The second weekend of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. After a first weekend full of absolute chaos, we did not know what to expect on this day. But what this year has made well-known is that there will be madness.
The Sweet Sixteen has officially started, and here is a recap of the unapologetic madness this tournament has brought us.
To start off the day it was the Cinderella eleven-seed known as Loyola (Chicago) facing up against the Wolf Pack of Nevada. The game was back and forth with more than several big runs by both teams. With about two minutes left in the second half, the game turned into a three-point contest to see who would miss first. With Loyola up 66-65 with less than one second left, Marques Townes put the nail in the coffin as he drains the three to put the Ramblers up by four. Nevada then hits a three, but it wasn’t enough as the Cinderella squad upsets Nevada and keeps dancing their way into the next round. It took not one, not two, but three game-deciding shots to put Loyola into the Elite Eight for the first time since 1963.
Marques Towns hits another big shot for Loyola in #MarchMaddness pic.twitter.com/GYjX4s1iRE
— The Game Haus Sports (@TGHSports) March 23, 2018
As the first game wrapped up, the whole college basketball did not know how to process what has just happened. That is why Michigan had to step in to keep everyone sane. The Wolverines put a convincing 99-72 win to end the run of Texas A&M in this year’s tournament. The Wolverines rode on the shoulders of forward Moritz Wagner, and guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman as they combined for almost half of Michigan’s points. This game might not have had as exciting of an ending as the last one, but it does send Michigan to the next round.
Just as the waters settled, a new wave was headed into shore. It was another upset… the battle of the Wildcats took full stride as Kansas State took on Kentucky. The game was neck to neck just like any catfight would be. With about 18 seconds left in the game, Kansas State guard, Barry Brown, drove to the basket to make the go-ahead basket. This contested shot was the deciding factor of the game, as Kansas State upsets Kentucky 61-58. Without the appearance of Xavier Sneed’s 22 points, Kansas State would have never had a chance as their other starters struggled from the field. Thank goodness he did because the Wildcats are now headed to the next round.
BARRY BROWN pic.twitter.com/uzxq2qN1Gg
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 23, 2018
Seeing all the madness of the day, Florida State decided they wanted to get in on the action. Taking on a highly-favored Gonzaga, the typical fan thought maybe the madness might be over. However, it was not. The game was close throughout the first half, but it seemed as if Gonzaga did not show up to the second half. Florida State was able to pull away despite some little signs of life out of the Bulldogs. Terance Mann was the “Mann with the plan” as he puts up 18 points leading the Seminoles to a comfortable win of 75-60.
If this year has taught us anything, it is that nobody knows anything about college basketball. That’s why it is called March Madness. All that is known is that the 2018 NCAA Tournament will go down in history. This day was full of upsets, let’s wait and see what the next days bring.
