The diverse field of 68 has dwindled down to a select, elite few. As the final four approaches, the margin of error has vanished, replaced by some of the highest stakes in all of college sports.
On Saturday, March 28th, 9 Iowa played 3 Illinois at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Even though the Hawkeyes came out in the first half strong, the Fighting Illini outscored Iowa by 16 points in the second half. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz led the team in points (24), and Illinois’ Keaton Wagler advanced him scoring 25. The final score was Iowa (59) and Illinois (71). Illinois will play UConn in the Final Four.
Afterwards, 2 Purdue played 1 Arizona at the SAP Center in San Jose, Texas. The Boilermakers had a 7-point lead entering the locker room, but they ended up being outscored by 22 points in the second half. Ivan Kharchenkov and Koa Peat were among high point scorers for the Wildcats, totaling 38 points. The final score was Purdue (64) and Arizona (79). Arizona will play Michigan in the Final Four.
On Sunday, March 29th, 6 Tennessee played 1 Michigan at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Wolverines were in control throughout the whole game, leading by 22 points by the end of the first half. Yaxel Lendeborg led the Wolverines with 27 points, and both Trey McKenney and Morez Johnson Jr. scored 12 points. The final score was Tennessee (62) and Michigan (95). Michigan will play Arizona in the Final Four.
Later, 2 UConn played 1 Duke at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils had a comfortable lead through the first half, leading the Huskies by 15 points; however, the game was decided by a last minute 3-point shot by Connecticut’s Braylon Mullins. The final score was UConn (73) and Duke (72). UConn will play Illinois in the Final Four.
