8. Arkansas Razorbacks vs. 4. UConn Huskies
From the beginning to the end, UConn was just too big and strong for Arkansas. The Huskies’ 88-65 win is their third straight blowout win. This team is starting to play like a team capable of winning its fifth national title.
The Huskies won their first two games by a combined total of 86-49.
Arkansas was no match for the Huskies, they never trailed and led by as many as 29 points. The Huskies shot 57.4% from the field and Arkansas shot 31.7%. They also got dominated on the boards losing that battle 43-31 and they got outscored in the paint 42-24.
“They’ve got a real complete team, probably the most complete team in the country,” Arkansas guard Ricky Council IV.
Adama Sonogo scored 18 points, he has scored 71 points in 75 minutes in the tournament so far. He also pulled down eight rebounds which is a hassle for the defense to prepare for.
This team has everything to get to Houston but their toughest test awaits them with Gonzaga looking to get back to the Final Four.
2. UCLA Bruins vs. 3. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Another game-of-the-year candidate as the Zags take down the Bruins in the final seconds 79-76. Jamie Jaquez led his team with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Drew Timmie led the Zags with 36 points, scoring at least 20 points in 10 games in the NCAA tournament.
UCLA led by 13 at the half but an 11-minute field goal drought helped Gonzaga take a 10-point lead with 2:40 left. The Bruins would not go away easily though.
Jamie Jaquez would hit a three and a layup to cut the lead down to 71-74 with 45 seconds left. Timmie missed free throws on the other end and that led to an Armani three to put the Bruins up 76-75.
After a Gonzaga timeout, Hunter Sallis drove the ball to the top of the key with Julian Strawther trailing him. Sallis turns around and gives him a drop pass and Strawther hits a three from the March Madness logo. He put the Zags up by one.
“That’s Jay Wright’s play that he used in Villanova-Carolina, the championship,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said.
Gonzaga ran the Kris Jenkins (@Smoove2you_) play for the win 🔥#MarchMadness @ZagMBB pic.twitter.com/GZe15EAbmQ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2023
Next possession UCLA guard Tyger Campbell got the ball stolen and was forced to foul Strawther. He hit 1 of 2 of his free throws giving UCLA one more chance but Campbell’s last shot was off.
The Zags will play one of the most complete teams in the country in UConn on Saturday.
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