Florida Stuns UConn, Duke Dominates Baylor: March Madness Recap
The Florida Gators pulled off a shocking 77-75 victory over the two-time defending champions UConn Huskies on Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C., securing their place in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
Led by Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 23 points, the Gators (32-4) made a late surge, scoring 18 points in the final three minutes to erase UConn’s momentum. The Huskies’ 13-game NCAA Tournament winning streak came to an end as they fell just short of a remarkable comeback.
UConn (24-11) was led by Liam McNeeley with 22 points, Alex Karaban with 14 points, and Samson Johnson with 10 points. Despite McNeeley’s final shot, which was a buzzer-beating three-pointer, the Huskies couldn’t overcome the Gators’ resilient play.
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Maryland Advances to Sweet 16 in Dramatic Fashion
In another thrilling game, No. 4 Maryland secured a 72-71 win over No. 12 Colorado State with a last-second drive by Derik Queen, sealing the victory.
Queen finished with 17 points, while Rodney Rice added 16 for the Terrapins (27-8), who are advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. Maryland will face top-seeded Florida on Thursday in San Francisco.
Colorado State (26-10) fought hard, led by Nique Clifford with 21 points and Jalen Lake with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to halt the Terrapins’ surge.
Kentucky Overpowers Illinois to Move On
No. 3 Kentucky put on an impressive display, defeating No. 6 Illinois 84-75 in Milwaukee to advance to the Sweet 16. Kobe Brea led the charge with 23 points, while Otega Oweh contributed 15 points in a strong offensive showing.
The Wildcats (24-11) hit their stride in the second half, scoring 10 unanswered points to establish a commanding lead. Illinois’ Kylan Boswell tried to keep his team afloat with 23 points, but Kentucky’s efficient ball movement and sharp shooting proved too much.
Michigan State Advances Past New Mexico
No. 2 Michigan State handled No. 10 New Mexico with a 71-63 win in Cleveland, led by Jaden Akins with 16 points and a strong supporting performance from Tre Holloman with 14 points.
Despite a spirited effort from Nelly Junior Joseph (16 points) and Donovan Dent (14 points), the Lobos (27-8) couldn’t catch up in the second half. Michigan State’s disciplined defense and consistent scoring secured their path to the Sweet 16.
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Duke Cruises Past Baylor in Dominant Fashion
The No. 1 Duke Blue Devils stormed past No. 9 Baylor with an 89-66 rout. Tyrese Proctor starred with 25 points, while Cooper Flagg added 18 points as Duke (33-3) continued their impressive march through the tournament.
Duke’s balanced attack and relentless pressure left Baylor (20-15) overwhelmed. Despite VJ Edgecombe’s 16 points and Norchad Omier’s 15 points, the Bears couldn’t find an answer to Duke’s offensive firepower.
Alabama Downs Saint Mary’s to Reach Sweet 16
No. 2 Alabama took down No. 7 Saint Mary’s 80-66 in Cleveland. With six players scoring in double figures, Alabama’s balanced attack proved too much for the Gaels (29-6). Aden Holloway, Mark Sears, and Grant Nelson each scored 12 points, while Chris Youngblood led with 13.
Alabama moves on to face No. 6 BYU in the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide defense proved crucial, holding Saint Mary’s to just 34% shooting from the field.
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Final Thoughts: Sweet 16 Beckons
With the Sweet 16 now taking shape, powerhouses like Duke, Alabama, Kentucky, and Michigan State continue their journeys, while underdogs like Florida and Ole Miss have shown they can’t be overlooked.
For the latest tournament news and expert picks, stay updated with Sportshub. As the tournament intensifies, expect more surprises and unforgettable moments. Let the madness continue!
