SWEET SIXTEEN DAY 1

            Starting with the first game of the night Miami (3) vs. Villanova (2).  Both teams have looked good during the tournament and were out to prove who deserved that elite eight spot.  Miami counting on Rodriguez to give them the success he’s provided them in the last two games, along with the production of their two big men Jekiri and Murphy.  Rodriguez had his tournament low 13 points, and Jekiri and Murphy combined for just 8 points and 7 rebounds.  A disappointing showing from Miami’s big three.  Villanova came out firing and hitting from everywhere on the court.  Three games in a row Villanova shot over 60% from the floor.  It’s safe to say they deserved that win and now look forward to facing a tough Kansas team on Saturday.

            The Texas A&M (3) vs. Oklahoma (2) game was very one sided.  Oklahoma controlled the whole game and played great defense and rebounded.  Not only did Hield’s 17 points lead them to victory, but he stepped up on the defensive side of the ball allowing only four points when he was the primary defender.  Woodard was a key factor in the win for Oklahoma going 5-6 from three-point land adding 22 points.  It seemed as if A&M had their championship game after the improbable comeback win against UNI last week.  Oklahoma goes on to face Oregon this Saturday.

            Kansas (1) vs. Maryland (5) was a shoe in for Kansas from my point of view, and I believe they are the best team left in the tournament.  After only a two-point lead at half, Kansas stormed back and took care of business in the second-half out playing Maryland by the score of 43-29.  A rough season for Maryland after being ranked in the top 5 before the season, with such high expectations to go on and be a 5 seed in the tournament and get pummeled by Kansas.  Kansas goes on to face a hot shooting Villanova team on Saturday.  Heads hung low for Maryland.

            Oregon (1) takes down the defending champs Duke (4).  Oregon showed the world in this game why they deserved the number one seed.  Oregon’s ability to get up and down the court is similar to how they play their no huddle offense football, just get the ball and GO.  This was too much for a Duke team whose bench does not run deep.  Duke needed to make their threes in the game and they failed to going 7-22 from deep unlike in the Yale win where they went almost 50%.  Not a terrible year for the defending champs, especially after losing their primary big man Amile Jefferson to a foot injury.  Oregon faces Oklahoma on Saturday, look for this one to be a shootout!