The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2023 continues Saturday with the first two games of the Elite Eight.
Starting things off, the East Sector takes center stage, as the 9th seed Florida Atlantic Ocean continue the Cinderella run by killing the 3 seed Kansas State in a thrilling match at Madison Square Garden to advance to the first Finals in the school’s history.
Elsewhere, in Las Vegas, 4 seeds UConn 3rd seed dominates Gonzaga in the Western Region with a stunning 28-point win.
The remaining four Finalist teams will be decided on Sunday out of the 2 seeds Texas or 5 seeds Miami (Fla.) and 5 seeds State of San Diego or 6 seeds Creighton. This is the first time since seeding began in 1979 that no 1 seed has entered the Elite Eight.
Follow along with the most up-to-date framework This.
Here are the highlights!
No. 4 UConn 82, No. 3 Gonzaga 54
hot start
It was a back-and-forth battle from the start. Adama Sanogo blocked a shot and UConn got out during the transition like Joey Calcaterra hit a reversal to give the Huskies a 19-15 lead.
Find a rhythm
Gonzaga led the first game, 22-21, at the end of the first half – thanks to Malachi Smith‘s smooth 3 point jumper.
build motivation
However, Zags’ lead was short-lived as the Huskies quickly returned to the driver’s seat.
Zeroing in
Gonzaga has a late goal from the star striker Drew Timmewho helped keep things close.
Extend the distance
When the first half ended, UConn easily extended the lead. It was a seven-point game at halftime, 39-32.
Pour it in
Things got worse for Gonzaga in the second half.
The Huskies continued to run upstream 8-0 to take a 60-38 lead on their way to a 28-point win.
No. 9 Florida Atlantic 79, No. 3 Kansas State 76
Let’s go!
FAU was the first to strike in the field, drawing attention to a smooth 3 pointer right out of the gate to set the tune early.
Going into Thursday’s game, a 9th seed had faced a 3rd seed twice before in the Elite Eight (since 1985), with the 9 teams being 0-2 down in those matches. . From the very beginning, The Owls were determined to challenge that story — and they did.
Back and forth
wild cat answer in a big way by running fast to regain the lead, but it was short-lived.
The FAU responded with a 10-2 scoreline midway through the first half to take a 22-18 lead in the second official televised timeout.
Swipe back
K-State did not back down, however, coming to a crafty basket another to keep the FAU within reach.
Equally talented
Wildcats has continued run 8-0 to lead by one point, 32-31, at half-time.
One down, one to go
FAU quickly stop to run and regained the lead thanks to a beautiful dribble by the breakout guard star Johnell Davis.
The Owls lead at halftime, 42-36.
However, it is the guardian of the Wildcats Markquis Nowell who leads all players to score in the first half with 15 points.
Eyes on the prize
The state of Kansas has the second half started to scoreopened the frame with a quick 6-0 run to take a 44-42 lead.
All throttle, no brake
FAU responded with a monster block to block the previous K-State’s momentum take the lead right away47-44.
The star of the show
As the second half began, Nowell continued to dedicate himself to the Wildcats with clutch after clutch.
Do your best
Both teams 3 pointer transaction – some words the way to the city center – back and forth to keep things close between the second half. Kansas State then led the game 57-50, with 12 minutes remaining.
never give up
With momentum in place, the Wildcats continued to perform in key moments. Front Nae’Qwan Tomlin made a statement with a difficulty and -1, followed by a big rejection made K-State fans stand up.
Anyone’s game!
The Owls still have a some tricks up their sleeves when things go on, it takes 3 seconds to make it a one point game.
FAU took the lead, 64-63, with about six minutes left a dunk clutch from the center Vladislav Goldin.
Too close!
FAU extended the lead to 72-64 with 2:44 left, but K-State went on run 5-0 immediately to keep things competitive.
wild ending
One moment, the owls led by five points. Next, the Wildcats pulled in the next round Cam Carterchance 3.
It still a one point game until there are only nine seconds left in the regulation, like both teams fought until the last minute. In the end, the Owls had a little more left in the tank, narrowly trailing the Wildcats by three points, 79-76.
With the win, a 9th seed advanced to the Four Finals for the third time in men’s history.
UPCOMING:
Number 6 Creighton vs Number 5 San Diego State (Sunday, 2:20 p.m. ET, CBS)
A 6th seed has faced a 5th seed once before in the Elite Eight (since 1985), with the 6th team going to draw 0-1 in that match.
Number 5 Miami (Fla.) vs No. 2 Texas (Sunday, 5:05 p.m. ET, CBS)
A 5th seed has faced a 2nd seed five times in the Elite Eight (since 1985), with the 5th team winning 4-1 in those matches.
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