Continuation and end of the “Sweet 16” with a new exploit from “Little Thumb” North Carolina State (#11)! The teammates of Frenchman Mohamed Diarra (11 points, 15 rebounds) created a surprise by winning 67-58 against Marquette (#2). This is the first time since 1986 that the Wolfpack has reached the “Elite Eight” stage, and this night, Kevin Keatts' players took advantage of the big clumsiness of the Golden Eagles, limited to 33% on shots, with an ugly 4 out of 31 on shots!
In the next round, DJ Horne's teammates will not face Houston (#1) for a remake of the 1983 finale but… Duke (#4). It will be a rematch of the quarterfinal of the recent ACC tournament, and North Carolina State remains on eight straight victories. The Blue Devils clinch their place in the final of the South tournament by winning 54-51 against the Cougars. A success marked by the injury exit of Jamal Shead, the star leader of Houston. Duke was trailing by six points at the time of its exit… Kyle Filipowski (16 pts, 9 rebounds) and Jeremy Roach (14 pts) made the difference in the second half in a tight match from start to finish.
In the Midwest table, the logic was respected since Purdue (#1) easily disposed of Gonzaga (#8). Zach Edey (27 points and 14 rebounds) is supported by an exceptional Braden Smith, who compiles 14 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds! In the final, the Boilmakers will challenge Tennessee (#2) who won 82-75 against Creighton (#3) with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals from Dalton Knecht. This is only the second time in its history that Tennessee has reached the Elite Eight stage, and the Volunteers are aiming for a first participation in the Final Four.
ELITE EIGHT PROGRAM
SATURDAY
(#1) UConn – (#3) Illinois (11:09 p.m.) at TD Garden in Boston
(#4) Alabama – (#6) Clemson (01:49) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
Sunday
(#1) Purdue – (#2) Tennessee (8:20 p.m.) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
(#4) Duke – (#11) North Carolina State (11:05 p.m.) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas
