Without a doubt, the kickoff of the 2019 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 was full of defensive prowess and an overtime thriller in the South region. Let’s dive right into the March Madness.
Gonzaga handles Florida State
The west region #1 seed, Gonzaga Bulldogs controlled the game against Florida State. The uber-athletic Florida State team didn’t have an answer for the Zags as they led nearly the whole game. Gonzaga established a physical brand of basketball that FSU could not match. The Zags were led by Brandon Clarke who had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. Gonzaga’s defense held center Christ Koumadje to 8 points in only 12 minutes and leader Terrance Mann to five points on 1-8 shooting. The Seminoles were without senior leader Phil Cofer who’s father passed away from illness last week. The Zags move on to playing Texas Tech for a trip to the Final Four.
Purdue knocks off #1 Tennessee in Sweet Sixteen OT thriller
Purdue jumped out to a fast start against the #2 seed Volunteers and lead by as much as 18 points. The whole Tennessee lineup led a late-game charge to take a second-half lead against the Boilermakers. Down by 2 with 2.7 seconds left, Purdue’s Carsen Edwards was fouled on a three-pointer with the score being 82-80 favoring the Vols. Many felt the call was questionable, but it sent Edwards to the charity stripe for three free throws to win the game
Edwards missed the first and sank free throws 2 and 3 to tie it up for overtime. In OT, Purdue scored nine of the first 11 points and never looked back at the Volunteers. Purdue’s Ryan Cline lead the way with a career-high 27 points and shot 7-10 from downtown.
BOILERS SURVIVE IN OT! ?
(3) Purdue withstands a furious comeback from (2) Tennessee and moves on to the #Elite8 for the first time since 2000! #BoilerUp #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Z9RRByhbAD
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 29, 2019
Texas Tech throttles Michigan for an appearance in the elite eight
Texas Tech superstar Jarrett Culver had 22 points as the Red Raiders destroyed Michigan for a spot in the elite 8. The Red Raiders held Michigan to 16 field goals, 32 percent shooting and only a single three-point basket. After 24 minutes of play between the two defensive-minded teams, both combine for only 20 points. Tech adjusted and only allowed Michigan to have two double-digit scorers.
Virginia outlasts Oregon in pursuit to first final four since 84′
Ty Jerome’s three-pointer with 3:34 remaining was the difference as UVA snuck pasted #12 Oregon 53-49 in the south regional. Virginia used their trademark pack line defense to hold Oregon’s tall and athletic lineup to 37.8% shooting in the Sweet Sixteen matchup. UVA was only 9-33 from the outside but forced 11 turnovers. Oregon’s Payton Pritchard and Louis King lead the Ducks. UVA had four of its five starters in double figures.
“As the saying goes, survive and advance.”
Tony Bennett speaks to @ALaForce after his UVA squad moves on to the #Elite8.?#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/sAdp9SmfNH
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 29, 2019
