The first and second rounds of this year’s March Madness tournament are in the bag, and there were more than a few surprising finishes.
A couple of Cinderella teams in the NCAAB picks began to show signs of life as the second round started, but they weren’t able to follow through to the end.
Still, there was plenty going on in the March Madness Second Round, and it’s now time for the remaining NCAA basketball teams to prepare for the Sweet 16.
Alabama Takes Out Maryland
The Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t have anything to worry about when they met the more-powerful Maryland Terrapins. They secured a comfortable 73-51 victory without working for it.
Houston Too Much for Auburn
College basketball players Tramon Mark and Sasser joined forces in the March Madness Second Round to lead Houston to a victory over favored Auburn Tigers on Saturday night. The Houston Cougars outplayed the hometown favorite in the second half, ultimately winning the game with an 81-64 final score.
They now face the Miami Hurricanes on Friday in a game that will change the NCAAB odds.
Jayhawks Limp Out Of March Madness
The NCAA Tournament saw the eighth-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks clinch a victory against the Kansas Jayhawks, marking the end of the latter’s dominating streak. Arkansas’ Ricky Council IV scored five free throws in the closing moments to secure their 72-71 win.
For three consecutive years, Arkansas has competed against the No. 1 seed in the NCAAB schedule. Despite a weak offensive game and a season of struggle, the Razorbacks came through and pulled off a major upset. There are no NCAA basketball games today, but they face the UConn Huskies on Thursday.
UCLA Gets The Win and Good News
In the final stretch of the game, the UCLA Bruins (31-5), who held the second seed, employed their defensive prowess to restrict the seventh-seeded Northwestern Wildcats to convert only one of their 12 attempts, ensuring their 68-63 win.
After taking an involuntary break of 15 years, UCLA has made it to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive time. The Bruins will have to compete against Gonzaga in the West regional semifinals Thursday night.
UCLA might be able to count on starting guard David Singleton, after all. What appeared to be a broken ankle on the college basketball injury report isn’t, and he’s now in recovery with the hopes of playing on Thursday.
Duke Drops Dud
North Carolina teams didn’t do their state any justice this year, and the Duke Blue Devils added their name to the list. Facing the Tennessee Volunteers, they put up a weak performance and let the Vols walk away with a 65-52 win.
Tennessee came out from the start and took control, never letting Duke develop its rhythm.
Watch Out For the Aztecs
Micah Parrish’s 16-point contribution was key in the San Diego State Aztecs‘ dominant performance against the Furman Paladins. The Aztecs confidently secured a 75-52 win, with a strong offensive display leading them to victory.
The Aztecs have emerged victorious in 11 out of their previous 13 games and held their own in the March Madness bracket.
Michigan State Plays A Close One
The Michigan State Spartans controlled their game against the second-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles through a superior offense. At times, they led by as much as 12 points. However, they also dropped the ball a few times and gave Marquette a chance to rebound.
It wasn’t enough, though, as the Spartans held on to win 69-60. Michigan State only made it as high as the fourth spot in the Big Ten, but seems to be getting better in March Madness.
They are the team to watch in the March Madness picks.
FDU Can’t Pull It Off
The FDU Knights were going to be this year’s Cinderella team. Seeded 16 and low in the college basketball standings, going to the March Madness Second Round was a miracle, and many began to root them on. However, as they faced the FAU Owls, it all fell apart, as they lost 78-70.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.