The Elite Eight round concluded on March 29. This round consisted of sharp-shooting, physicality and a clutch shot that sent a team to the Final Four. The last two rounds of the tournament are expected to be very competitive and fun to watch.
South Region:
The University of Illinois beat the University of Iowa 71- 59 and therefore made themselves the South Region winner. Iowa was dominate the entire first half, shooting 57% from the field and led Illinois at halftime 38-32. However, when the second half started Illinois came out hot, keeping Iowa on their toes.
In the beginning of the second half, both of the teams were trading baskets. In under five minutes, Illinois started getting up big. Iowa was unable to handle the pressure of Illinois’ defense, causing them to struggle to score a basket. In the end, Iowa could not overcome this deficit and Illinois took the win, making their first Final Four appearance in 21 years. Illinois will play against the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in the Final Four.
Midwest Region:
The University of Michigan defeated the University of Tennessee (Tenn.) 95-62, making them the Midwest Region winner. In the first half of the game, it was a back-and-forth battle. However, after the score was tied at 14 points, Michigan went on a 21-0 run and ended the first half up 48-26.
Into the second half, Michigan kept up the big scoring momentum making easy layups and a significant amount of three pointers. Michigan did something not many teams do in a tournament or even an Elite Eight game by subbing in the walk-ons in the final minutes of the game. Michigan goes on to play the University of Arizona in the Final Four.
East Region:
UCONN beat Duke University 73-73 on a last-second shot, making them the winners of the East Region. At halftime, Duke was up 44-29 after a strong defensive performance and 14-0 run in the first half. Going into the second half, Duke appeared to be the winner, but UCONN picked up their rhythm.
At the start of the second half, UCONN started chipping away at Duke’s lead by getting buckets near the basket. UCONN struggled from the three-point line throughout the whole game. At the very end of the game, Duke turned over the ball, resulting in UCONN gaining possession. Braylon Mullins, a freshman guard, received the ball. Mullins shot the ball from the half-court logo, and he made the shot with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock. Duke was unable to respond with little time left on the clock. UCONN moves onto the next round where they play against Illinois.
West Region:
Arizona beat the University of Purdue 79-64, declaring themselves as the West Region winners. The first half was a close game, as the teams kept trading baskets and numerous lead changes. At the end of the first half, Purdue was leading the game 38-33.
Purdue came out strong in the second half scoring some tough shots early. However, Arizona’s physicality, height and sharp shooting became too much for Purdue to keep up with. With less than 14 minutes left in the game Arizona took the lead and did not let it go. Arizona moves on to play Michigan in the Final Four.
The Final Four games are set to take place on April 4, with UCONN vs. Illinois playing at 6:00 p.m. and the Michigan vs. Arizona following. The Final Four match ups are going to be ones not to miss.
