Games of Interest - 2024 NCAA First and Second Rounds
Mar 18, 2024 13:56:34 GMT -5
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Post by njhoya78 on Mar 18, 2024 13:56:34 GMT -5
Shocked that the Big East Conference only earned three entrants in the NCAA tournament this year. St. John’s, Seton Hall and (yes) Providence all deserved bids. I don’t believe that the bottom of the conference (Georgetown and DePaul) could have dragged down these schools to that effect. I expect that Connecticut, Marquette and Creighton will represent the conference well…but there should have been more.
Connecticut enters March Madness as the #1 seed, and the #1 team in the Associated Press Top 25. The Huskies wrapped up their 31-3 season with a Big East Conference Tournament championship in New York City NY with victories over Xavier (87-60), St John’s (95-90) and then-#1- ranked Marquette (73-57), and moved into the top spot from #2. Houston fell from #1 to #2 after the 30-4 Cougars dropped the finale in the Big 12 Conference Tournament in Kansas City MO to then-#7 ranked Iowa State (69-41), following wins over Texas Christian (60-45) and then-#25 Texas Tech (82-59). Purdue held the #3 spot once again, after the 29-4 Boilermakers fell in the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals against then-unranked Wisconsin (76-75) subsequent to a 67-62 win over Michigan State. Iowa State moved up three slots, from #7 to #4, with a Big 12 Conference Tournament title in Kansas City MO after victories over Kansas State (76-57), #14 Baylor (76-62) and then-#1 Houston (69-41), improving the Cyclones’ record to 27-7. North Carolina dropped one spot, from #4 to #5, after the 27-7 Tar Heels were beaten by eventual Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament champion North Carolina State (84-76) in the semifinal round, subsequent to wins over Florida State (92-67) and Pittsburgh (72-65).
The Big East Conference finished with only three ranked schools, continuing the pattern that developed during the season. Marquette moved up two slots, from #10 to #8, after the 25-9 Golden Eagles defeated Villanova (71-65, in overtime) and Providence (79-68) before falling to then-#2 ranked Connecticut (73-57) in the Big East Conference Tournament finals in New York City NY. Creighton fell three spots, from #8 to #11, after the 23-9 Bluejays lost in the Big East Conference Tournament quarterfinals against unranked Providence (78-73). No other Big East Conference schools received any votes in this week’s polls, which also reflects (perhaps) why no other Big East Conference schools received invitations to the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Mary’s had the largest jump in this week’s AP Top 25 amongst ranks teams, moving up six slots from #21 to #15 after the 26-7 Gaels captured the West Coast Conference Tournament in Las Vegas with victories over Santa Clara, 79-65, and then-#17 ranked Gonzaga, 69-60. Four teams fell three spots in this week’s polls, equalling the largest drops. Arizona fell from #6 to #9 after the 25-8 Wildcats lost in the Pacific 12 Conference Tournament semifinal round to unranked Oregon (67-59) subsequent to a 70-49 victory over Southern California; Creighton (as noted above) fell from #8 to #11; Kentucky fell from #9 to #12 after the 23-9 Wildcats lost in the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal round in Nashville TB to unranked Texas A&M, 97-87; Washington State fell from #22 to #25 after the 24-9 Cougars lost to Colorado (58-52) in the Pacific 12 Conference semifinal round in Las Vegas NV subsequent to a 79-62 victory over Stanford.
Wisconsin and San Diego State returned to the AP Top 25 this week; the Badgers improved their record to 22-13 with victories over Maryland (87-56), Northwestern (70-61) and #3 Purdue (76-75, in overtime) in the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Minneapolis MN before losing in the final to then-#12 ranked Illinois (93-87) to claim #23 in the polls, while the 24-10 Aztecs moved to #24 in the rankings with wins over Nevada Las Vegas (74-71, in overtime) and then-#18 ranked Utah State (86-70) before losing in the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship game to unranked New Mexico (68-61) in Las Vegas NV. They replaced Nevada (formerly #23) and Dayton (#24) in the AP Top 25; the 26-7 Wolf Pack’s one week stay in the rankings ended with an 85-78 loss to unranked Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference quarterfinals in Las Vegas NV, and the 24-7 Flyers lost to unranked and eventual Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament champion Duquesne (65-57) in Atlantic City NJ.
Conference records:
Big East Conference: 6-0
America East Conference: 0-1
American Athletic Conference: 0-2
ASUN Conference: 0-1
Atlantic 10 Conference: 2-2
Atlantic Coast Conference: 8-1
Big 12 Conference: 8-6
Big South Conference: 0-1
Big Ten Conference: 6-4
Big West Conference: 0-1
Coastal Athletic Association: 0-1
Horizon League: 1-1
Ivy League: 1-1
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference: 0-1
Mid-American Conference: 0-1
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference: 0-1
Missouri Valley Conference: 0-1
Mountain West Conference: 3-5
Northeast Conference: 1-1
Ohio Valley Conference: 0-1
Pacific 12 Conference: 6-3
Patriot League: 0-1
Southeastern Conference: 4-6
Southern Conference: 0-1
Southland Conference: 0-1
Southwest Athletic Conference: 0-1
Summit League: 0-1
Sun Belt Conference: 1-1
West Coast Conference: 2-1
Western Athletic Conference: 1-1
All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. UPDATED AS OF 12:21 AM ON MARCH 25.
Tuesday, March 19
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Wednesday, March 20
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Thursday, March 21
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#11 Creighton 77 vs. Akron 60 in Midwest Regionals first round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#21 Brigham Young 67 vs. Duquesne 71 in East Regional first round!
#9 Arizona 85 vs. California State Long Beach 65 in West Regionals first round.
#5 North Carolina 90 vs. Wagner 62 in West Regionals first round.
#10 Illinois 85 vs. Morehead State 69 in East Regional first round.
#16 South Carolina 73 vs. Oregon 87 in Midwest Regionals first round!
#12 Kentucky 76 vs. Oakland 80 in South Regional first round!
#18 Gonzaga 86 vs. McNeese State 65 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#4 Iowa State 82 vs. South Dakota State 65 in East Regional first round.
#6 Tennessee 83 vs. Saint Peter’s 49 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#22 Texas Tech 67 vs. North Carolina State 80 in South Regional first round!
#17 Kansas 93 vs. Samford 89 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#25 Washington State 66 vs. Drake 61 in East Regional first round.
Friday, March 22
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#8 Marquette 87 vs. Western Kentucky 69 in South Regionals first round.
#1 Connecticut 91 vs. Stetson 52 in East Regionals first round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
Texas Christian 72 vs. #20 Utah State 88 in Midwest Regionals first round.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#14 Baylor 92 vs. Colgate 67 in West Regionals first round.
#24 San Diego State 69 vs. Alabama Birmingham 65 in East Regionals first round.
#7 Auburn 76 vs. Yale 78 in East Regionals first round!
#13 Duke 64 vs. Vermont 47 in South Regionals first round.
#3 Purdue 78 vs. Grambling State 50 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#19 Alabama 109 vs. College of Charleston 96 in West Regionals first round.
#2 Houston 86 vs. Longwood 46 in South Regionals first round.
#23 Wisconsin 61 vs. James Madison 72 in South Regionals first round!
#15 Saint Mary’s 66 vs. Grand Canyon 75 in West Regionals first round!
Saturday, March 23
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#11 Creighton 86 vs. Oregon 73 in Midwest Regionals second round; double overtime.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#9 Arizona 78 vs. Dayton 68 in West Regionals second round.
#17 Kansas 68 vs. #18 Gonzaga 89 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#5 North Carolina 85 vs. Michigan State 69 in West Regionals second round.
#4 Iowa State 67 vs. #23 Washington State 56 in East Regional second round.
#6 Tennessee 62 vs. Texas 58 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#10 Illinois 89 vs. Duquesne 63 in East Regional second round.
Sunday, March 24
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#8 Marquette 81 vs. Colorado 77 in South Regionals second round.
#1 Connecticut 75 vs. Northwestern 58 in East Regionals second round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#3 Purdue 100 vs. #20 Utah State 67 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#13 Duke 93 vs. James Madison 55 in South Regionals second round.
#14 Baylor 64 vs. Clemson 72 in West Regionals second round!
#19 Alabama 72 vs. Grand Canyon 61 in West Regionals second round.
#2 Houston 100 vs. Texas A&M 95 in South Regionals second round; overtime.
#24 San Diego State 85 vs. Yale 57 in East Regionals second round.
EAST REGIONALS
Games played at Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY; CHI Health Center Omaha, Omaha NE and Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane WA
Thursday, March 21
Game A— #21 Brigham Young (6th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 67 vs. Duquesne (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 24-11 overall) 71!
Game B— #10 Illinois (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big Ten Conference; 26-8 overall) 85 vs. Morehead State (14th seeded team; 14-4 in Ohio Valley Conference; 26-8 overall) 69.
Game C— #4 Iowa State (2d seeded team; 13-5 in Big 12 Conference; 27-7 overall) 82 vs. South Dakota State (15th seeded team; 12-4 in Summit League; 22-12 overall) 65.
Game D— #25 Washington State (7th seeded team; 14-6 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-9 overall) 66 vs. Drake (10th seeded team; 16-4 in Missouri Valley Conference; 28-6 overall) 61.
Friday, March 22
Game E— Florida Atlantic (8th seeded team; 14-4 in American Athletic Conference; 25-8 overall) 65 vs. Northwestern (9th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 21-11 overall) 77; overtime!
Game F— #24 San Diego State (5th seeded team; 11-7 in Mountain West Conference; 24-10 overall) 69 vs. Alabama Birmingham (12th seeded team; 12-6 in American Athletic Conference; 23-11 overall) 65.
Game G— #1 Connecticut (1st seeded team; 18-2 in Big East Conference; 31-3 overall) 91 vs. Stetson (16th seeded team; 11-5 in ASUN Conference; 22-12 overall) 52.
Game H— #7 Auburn (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 27-7 overall) 76 vs. Yale (13th seeded team; 11-3 in Ivy League; 22-9 overall) 78!
Saturday, March 23
Game I— #4 Iowa State (2d seeded team; 13-5 in Big 12 Conference; 28-7 overall; 82-65 winner against South Dakota State) 67 vs. #25 Washington State (7th seeded team; 14-6 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-9 overall; 66-61 winner against Drake) 56.
Game J— Duquesne (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 25-11 overall; 71-67 winner against #21 Brigham Young) 63 vs. #10 Illinois (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big Ten Conference; 27-8 overall; 85-69 winner against Morehead State) 89.
Sunday, March 24
Game K— Northwestern (9th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 22-11 overall; 77-65 winner against Florida Atlantic in overtime) 58 vs. #1 Connecticut (1st seeded team; 18-2 in Big East Conference; 32-3 overall; 91-52 winner against Stetson) 75.
Game L— #24 San Diego State (5th seeded team; 11-7 in Mountain West Conference; 25-10 overall; 69-65 winner against Alabama Birmingham) 85 vs. Yale (13th seeded team; 11-3 in Ivy League; 23-9 overall; 78-76 winner against #7 Auburn) 57.
SOUTH REGIONALS
Games played at Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN; PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh PA and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Wednesday, March 20
Game A— Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-10 overall) 60 vs. Boise State (10th seeded team; 13-5 in Mountain West Conference; 22-10 overall) 53.
Thursday, March 21
Game B— #12 Kentucky (3d seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 23-9 overall) 76 vs. Oakland (14th seeded team; 15-5 in Horizon League; 23-11 overall) 80!
Game C— #22 Texas Tech (6th seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 67 vs. North Carolina State (11th seeded team; 9-11 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 22-14 overall) 80!
Friday, March 22
Game D— #8 Marquette (2d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 25-9 overall) 87 vs. Western Kentucky (15th seeded team; 8-8 in Conference USA; 22-11 overall) 69.
Game E— Florida (7th seeded team; 11-7 in Southeastern Conference; 24-11 overall) 100 vs. Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-10 overall; 60-53 winner against Boise State) 102.
Game F— Nebraska (8th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 23-10 overall) 83 vs. Texas A&M (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Southeastern Conference; 20-14 overall) 98.
Game G— #13 Duke (4th seeded team; 15-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 24-8 overall) 64 vs. Vermont (13th seeded team; 15-1 in America East Conference; 28-6 overall) 47.
Game H— #2 Houston (1st seeded team; 15-3 in Big 12 Conference; 30-4 overall) 86 vs. Longwood (16th seeded team; 6-10 in Big South Conference; 21-13 overall) 46.
Game I— #23 Wisconsin (5th seeded team; 11-9 in Big Ten Conference; 23-10 overall) 61 vs. James Madison (12th seeded team; 15-3 in Sun Belt Conference; 31-3 overall) 72!
Saturday, March 23
Game J— Oakland (14th seeded team; 15-5 in Horizon League; 24-11 overall; 80-76 winner against #12 Kentucky) 73 vs. North Carolina State (11th seeded team; 9-11 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 23-14 overall; 80-67 winner against #25 Texas Tech) 79; overtime
Sunday, March 24
Game K— #8 Marquette (2d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 26-9 overall; 87-69 winner against Western Kentucky) 81 vs. Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 26-10 overall; 60-53 winner against Boise State; 102-100 winner against Florida) 77.
Game L— #13 Duke (4th seeded team; 15-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 25-8 overall; 64-47 winner against Vermont) 93 vs. James Madison (12th seeded team; 15-3 in Sun Belt Conference; 32-3 overall; 72-61 winner against #23 Wisconsin) 55,
Game M— Texas A&M (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Southeastern Conference; 21-14 overall; 98-83 winner against Nebraska) vs. #2 Houston (1st seeded team; 15-3 in Big 12 Conference; 31-4 overall; 86-46 winner against Longwood) at FedEx Forum, Memphis TN, 8:40 pm (TNT)
MIDWEST REGIONALS
Games played at Delta Center, Salt Lake City UT; Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN; PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh PA; Spectrum Center, Charlotte NC and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Tuesday, March 19
Game A— Colorado State (10th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 24-10 overall) 67 vs. Virginia (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 23-11 overall) 42.
Wednesday, March 20
Game B— Grambling State (16th seeded team; 14-4 in Southwest Athletic Conference; 20-14 overall) 88 vs. Montana State (16th seeded team; 9-9 in Big Sky Conference; 17-17 overall) 81; overtime
Thursday, March 21
Game C— #11 Creighton (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 23-9 overall) 77 vs. Akron (14th seeded team; 13-5 in Mid-American Conference; 24-10 overall) 60.
Game D— #16 South Carolina (6th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 26-7 overall) 73 vs. Oregon (11th seeded team; 12-8 in Pacific 12 Conference; 23-11 overall) 87.
Game E— Texas (7th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 20-12 overall) 56 vs. Colorado State (10th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 25-10 overall; 67-42 winner against Virginia) 44.
Game F— #18 Gonzaga (5th seeded team; 14-2 in West Coast Conference; 25-7 overall) 86 vs. McNeese State (12th seeded team; 17-1 in Southland Conference; 30-3 overall) 65.
Game G— #6 Tennessee (2d seeded team; 14-4 in Southeastern Conference; 24-8 overall) 83 vs. Saint Peter’s (15th seeded team; 12-8 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference; 19-13 overall) 49.
Game H— #17 Kansas (4th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 22-10 overall) 93 vs. Samford (13th seeded team; 15-3 in Southern Conference; 29-5 overall) 89.
Friday, March 22
Game I— #3 Purdue (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Big Ten Conference; 29-4 overall) 78 vs. Grambling State (16th seeded team; 14-4 in Southwest Athletic Conference; 21-14 overall; 88-81 winner against Montana State in overtime) 50.
Game J— #20 Utah State (8th seeded team; 14-4 in Mountain West Conference; 27-6 overall) 88 vs. Texas Christian (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 21-12 overall) 72.
Saturday, March 23
Game K— #18 Gonzaga (5th seeded team; 14-2 in West Coast Conference; 26-7 overall; 86-65 winner against McNeese State) 89 vs. #17 Kansas (4th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall; 93-89 winner against Samford) 68.
Game L— Texas (7th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 21-12 overall; 56-44 winner against Colorado State) 58 vs. #6 Tennessee (2d seeded team; 14-4 in Southeastern Conference; 25-8 overall; 83-49 winner against Saint Peter's) 62.
Game M— #11 Creighton (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 24-9 overall; 77-60 winner against Akron) 86 vs. Oregon (11th seeded team; 12-8 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-11 overall; 87-73 winner against #16 South Carolina) 73; double overtime.
Sunday, March 24
Game N— #3 Purdue (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Big Ten Conference; 30-4 overall; 78-50 winner against Grambling State) 106 vs. #20 Utah State (8th seeded team; 14-4 in Mountain West Conference; 28-6 overall; 88-72 winner against Texas Christian) 67.
WEST REGIONALS
Games played at Delta Center, Salt Lake City UT; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Spectrum Center, Charlotte NC; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane WA and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Tuesday, March 19
Game A— Wagner (16th seeded team; 7-9 in Northeast Conference; 16-16 overall) 71 vs. Howard (16th seeded team; 9-5 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; 18-16 overall) 68.
Thursday, March 21
Game B— Mississippi State (8th seeded team; 8-10 in Southeastern Conference; 21-13 overall) 51 vs. Michigan State (9th seeded team; 10-10 in Big Ten Conference; 18-14 overall) 69.
Game C— #9 Arizona (2d seeded team; 15-5 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-8 overall) 85 vs. California State Long Beach (15th seeded team; 10-10 in Big West Conference; 21-14 overall) 65.
Game D— #5 North Carolina (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 28-7 overall)) 90 vs. Wagner (16th seeded team; 7-9 in Northeast Conference; 17-16 overall; 71-68 winner against Howard) 62.
Game E— Dayton (7th seeded team; 14-4 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 24-7 overall) 63 vs. Nevada (10th seeded team; 13-5 in Mountain West Conference; 26-7 overall) 60!
Friday, March 22
Game F— #14 Baylor (3d seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 92 vs. Colgate (14th seeded team; 16-2 in Patriot League; 25-9 overall) 67.
Game G— Clemson (6th seeded team; 11-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 21-11 overall) 77 vs. New Mexico (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 26-9 overall) 56.
Game H— #19 Alabama (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 21-11 overall) 109 vs. College of Charleston (13th seeded team; 15-3 in Coastal Athletic Conference; 27-7 overall) 96.
Game I-- #15 Saint Mary’s (5th seeded team; 15-1 in West Coast Conference; 26-7 overall) 66 vs. Grand Canyon (12th seeded team; 17-3 in Western Athletic Conference; 29-4 overall) 75!
Saturday, March 23
Game J— #9 Arizona (2d seeded team; 15-5 in Pacific 12 Conference; 26-8 overall; 85-65 winner against California State Long Beach) 78 vs. Dayton (7th seeded team; 14-4 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 25-7 overall; 63-60 winner against Nevada) 68.
Game K— Michigan State (9th seeded team; 10-10 in Big Ten Conference; 19-14 overall; 69-51 winner against Mississippi State) 69 vs. #5 North Carolina (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 29-7 overall) 85.
Sunday, March 24
Game L— #14 Baylor (3d seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 24-10 overall; 92-67 winner against Colgate) 64 vs. Clemson (6th seeded team; 11-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 22-11 overall; 77-56 winner against New Mexico) 72!
Game M— #19 Alabama (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 22-11 overall; 109-96 winner against College of Charleston) 72 vs. Grand Canyon (12th seeded team; 17-3 in Western Athletic Conference; 30-4 overall; 75-66 winner against #15 Saint Mary's) 61.
Connecticut enters March Madness as the #1 seed, and the #1 team in the Associated Press Top 25. The Huskies wrapped up their 31-3 season with a Big East Conference Tournament championship in New York City NY with victories over Xavier (87-60), St John’s (95-90) and then-#1- ranked Marquette (73-57), and moved into the top spot from #2. Houston fell from #1 to #2 after the 30-4 Cougars dropped the finale in the Big 12 Conference Tournament in Kansas City MO to then-#7 ranked Iowa State (69-41), following wins over Texas Christian (60-45) and then-#25 Texas Tech (82-59). Purdue held the #3 spot once again, after the 29-4 Boilermakers fell in the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals against then-unranked Wisconsin (76-75) subsequent to a 67-62 win over Michigan State. Iowa State moved up three slots, from #7 to #4, with a Big 12 Conference Tournament title in Kansas City MO after victories over Kansas State (76-57), #14 Baylor (76-62) and then-#1 Houston (69-41), improving the Cyclones’ record to 27-7. North Carolina dropped one spot, from #4 to #5, after the 27-7 Tar Heels were beaten by eventual Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament champion North Carolina State (84-76) in the semifinal round, subsequent to wins over Florida State (92-67) and Pittsburgh (72-65).
The Big East Conference finished with only three ranked schools, continuing the pattern that developed during the season. Marquette moved up two slots, from #10 to #8, after the 25-9 Golden Eagles defeated Villanova (71-65, in overtime) and Providence (79-68) before falling to then-#2 ranked Connecticut (73-57) in the Big East Conference Tournament finals in New York City NY. Creighton fell three spots, from #8 to #11, after the 23-9 Bluejays lost in the Big East Conference Tournament quarterfinals against unranked Providence (78-73). No other Big East Conference schools received any votes in this week’s polls, which also reflects (perhaps) why no other Big East Conference schools received invitations to the NCAA Tournament.
Saint Mary’s had the largest jump in this week’s AP Top 25 amongst ranks teams, moving up six slots from #21 to #15 after the 26-7 Gaels captured the West Coast Conference Tournament in Las Vegas with victories over Santa Clara, 79-65, and then-#17 ranked Gonzaga, 69-60. Four teams fell three spots in this week’s polls, equalling the largest drops. Arizona fell from #6 to #9 after the 25-8 Wildcats lost in the Pacific 12 Conference Tournament semifinal round to unranked Oregon (67-59) subsequent to a 70-49 victory over Southern California; Creighton (as noted above) fell from #8 to #11; Kentucky fell from #9 to #12 after the 23-9 Wildcats lost in the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal round in Nashville TB to unranked Texas A&M, 97-87; Washington State fell from #22 to #25 after the 24-9 Cougars lost to Colorado (58-52) in the Pacific 12 Conference semifinal round in Las Vegas NV subsequent to a 79-62 victory over Stanford.
Wisconsin and San Diego State returned to the AP Top 25 this week; the Badgers improved their record to 22-13 with victories over Maryland (87-56), Northwestern (70-61) and #3 Purdue (76-75, in overtime) in the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Minneapolis MN before losing in the final to then-#12 ranked Illinois (93-87) to claim #23 in the polls, while the 24-10 Aztecs moved to #24 in the rankings with wins over Nevada Las Vegas (74-71, in overtime) and then-#18 ranked Utah State (86-70) before losing in the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship game to unranked New Mexico (68-61) in Las Vegas NV. They replaced Nevada (formerly #23) and Dayton (#24) in the AP Top 25; the 26-7 Wolf Pack’s one week stay in the rankings ended with an 85-78 loss to unranked Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference quarterfinals in Las Vegas NV, and the 24-7 Flyers lost to unranked and eventual Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament champion Duquesne (65-57) in Atlantic City NJ.
Conference records:
Big East Conference: 6-0
America East Conference: 0-1
American Athletic Conference: 0-2
ASUN Conference: 0-1
Atlantic 10 Conference: 2-2
Atlantic Coast Conference: 8-1
Big 12 Conference: 8-6
Big South Conference: 0-1
Big Ten Conference: 6-4
Big West Conference: 0-1
Coastal Athletic Association: 0-1
Horizon League: 1-1
Ivy League: 1-1
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference: 0-1
Mid-American Conference: 0-1
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference: 0-1
Missouri Valley Conference: 0-1
Mountain West Conference: 3-5
Northeast Conference: 1-1
Ohio Valley Conference: 0-1
Pacific 12 Conference: 6-3
Patriot League: 0-1
Southeastern Conference: 4-6
Southern Conference: 0-1
Southland Conference: 0-1
Southwest Athletic Conference: 0-1
Summit League: 0-1
Sun Belt Conference: 1-1
West Coast Conference: 2-1
Western Athletic Conference: 1-1
All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. UPDATED AS OF 12:21 AM ON MARCH 25.
Tuesday, March 19
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Wednesday, March 20
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Thursday, March 21
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#11 Creighton 77 vs. Akron 60 in Midwest Regionals first round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#21 Brigham Young 67 vs. Duquesne 71 in East Regional first round!
#9 Arizona 85 vs. California State Long Beach 65 in West Regionals first round.
#5 North Carolina 90 vs. Wagner 62 in West Regionals first round.
#10 Illinois 85 vs. Morehead State 69 in East Regional first round.
#16 South Carolina 73 vs. Oregon 87 in Midwest Regionals first round!
#12 Kentucky 76 vs. Oakland 80 in South Regional first round!
#18 Gonzaga 86 vs. McNeese State 65 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#4 Iowa State 82 vs. South Dakota State 65 in East Regional first round.
#6 Tennessee 83 vs. Saint Peter’s 49 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#22 Texas Tech 67 vs. North Carolina State 80 in South Regional first round!
#17 Kansas 93 vs. Samford 89 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#25 Washington State 66 vs. Drake 61 in East Regional first round.
Friday, March 22
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#8 Marquette 87 vs. Western Kentucky 69 in South Regionals first round.
#1 Connecticut 91 vs. Stetson 52 in East Regionals first round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
Texas Christian 72 vs. #20 Utah State 88 in Midwest Regionals first round.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#14 Baylor 92 vs. Colgate 67 in West Regionals first round.
#24 San Diego State 69 vs. Alabama Birmingham 65 in East Regionals first round.
#7 Auburn 76 vs. Yale 78 in East Regionals first round!
#13 Duke 64 vs. Vermont 47 in South Regionals first round.
#3 Purdue 78 vs. Grambling State 50 in Midwest Regionals first round.
#19 Alabama 109 vs. College of Charleston 96 in West Regionals first round.
#2 Houston 86 vs. Longwood 46 in South Regionals first round.
#23 Wisconsin 61 vs. James Madison 72 in South Regionals first round!
#15 Saint Mary’s 66 vs. Grand Canyon 75 in West Regionals first round!
Saturday, March 23
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#11 Creighton 86 vs. Oregon 73 in Midwest Regionals second round; double overtime.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#9 Arizona 78 vs. Dayton 68 in West Regionals second round.
#17 Kansas 68 vs. #18 Gonzaga 89 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#5 North Carolina 85 vs. Michigan State 69 in West Regionals second round.
#4 Iowa State 67 vs. #23 Washington State 56 in East Regional second round.
#6 Tennessee 62 vs. Texas 58 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#10 Illinois 89 vs. Duquesne 63 in East Regional second round.
Sunday, March 24
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#8 Marquette 81 vs. Colorado 77 in South Regionals second round.
#1 Connecticut 75 vs. Northwestern 58 in East Regionals second round.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#3 Purdue 100 vs. #20 Utah State 67 in Midwest Regionals second round.
#13 Duke 93 vs. James Madison 55 in South Regionals second round.
#14 Baylor 64 vs. Clemson 72 in West Regionals second round!
#19 Alabama 72 vs. Grand Canyon 61 in West Regionals second round.
#2 Houston 100 vs. Texas A&M 95 in South Regionals second round; overtime.
#24 San Diego State 85 vs. Yale 57 in East Regionals second round.
EAST REGIONALS
Games played at Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY; CHI Health Center Omaha, Omaha NE and Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane WA
Thursday, March 21
Game A— #21 Brigham Young (6th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 67 vs. Duquesne (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 24-11 overall) 71!
Game B— #10 Illinois (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big Ten Conference; 26-8 overall) 85 vs. Morehead State (14th seeded team; 14-4 in Ohio Valley Conference; 26-8 overall) 69.
Game C— #4 Iowa State (2d seeded team; 13-5 in Big 12 Conference; 27-7 overall) 82 vs. South Dakota State (15th seeded team; 12-4 in Summit League; 22-12 overall) 65.
Game D— #25 Washington State (7th seeded team; 14-6 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-9 overall) 66 vs. Drake (10th seeded team; 16-4 in Missouri Valley Conference; 28-6 overall) 61.
Friday, March 22
Game E— Florida Atlantic (8th seeded team; 14-4 in American Athletic Conference; 25-8 overall) 65 vs. Northwestern (9th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 21-11 overall) 77; overtime!
Game F— #24 San Diego State (5th seeded team; 11-7 in Mountain West Conference; 24-10 overall) 69 vs. Alabama Birmingham (12th seeded team; 12-6 in American Athletic Conference; 23-11 overall) 65.
Game G— #1 Connecticut (1st seeded team; 18-2 in Big East Conference; 31-3 overall) 91 vs. Stetson (16th seeded team; 11-5 in ASUN Conference; 22-12 overall) 52.
Game H— #7 Auburn (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 27-7 overall) 76 vs. Yale (13th seeded team; 11-3 in Ivy League; 22-9 overall) 78!
Saturday, March 23
Game I— #4 Iowa State (2d seeded team; 13-5 in Big 12 Conference; 28-7 overall; 82-65 winner against South Dakota State) 67 vs. #25 Washington State (7th seeded team; 14-6 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-9 overall; 66-61 winner against Drake) 56.
Game J— Duquesne (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 25-11 overall; 71-67 winner against #21 Brigham Young) 63 vs. #10 Illinois (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big Ten Conference; 27-8 overall; 85-69 winner against Morehead State) 89.
Sunday, March 24
Game K— Northwestern (9th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 22-11 overall; 77-65 winner against Florida Atlantic in overtime) 58 vs. #1 Connecticut (1st seeded team; 18-2 in Big East Conference; 32-3 overall; 91-52 winner against Stetson) 75.
Game L— #24 San Diego State (5th seeded team; 11-7 in Mountain West Conference; 25-10 overall; 69-65 winner against Alabama Birmingham) 85 vs. Yale (13th seeded team; 11-3 in Ivy League; 23-9 overall; 78-76 winner against #7 Auburn) 57.
SOUTH REGIONALS
Games played at Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN; PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh PA and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Wednesday, March 20
Game A— Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-10 overall) 60 vs. Boise State (10th seeded team; 13-5 in Mountain West Conference; 22-10 overall) 53.
Thursday, March 21
Game B— #12 Kentucky (3d seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 23-9 overall) 76 vs. Oakland (14th seeded team; 15-5 in Horizon League; 23-11 overall) 80!
Game C— #22 Texas Tech (6th seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 67 vs. North Carolina State (11th seeded team; 9-11 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 22-14 overall) 80!
Friday, March 22
Game D— #8 Marquette (2d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 25-9 overall) 87 vs. Western Kentucky (15th seeded team; 8-8 in Conference USA; 22-11 overall) 69.
Game E— Florida (7th seeded team; 11-7 in Southeastern Conference; 24-11 overall) 100 vs. Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-10 overall; 60-53 winner against Boise State) 102.
Game F— Nebraska (8th seeded team; 12-8 in Big Ten Conference; 23-10 overall) 83 vs. Texas A&M (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Southeastern Conference; 20-14 overall) 98.
Game G— #13 Duke (4th seeded team; 15-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 24-8 overall) 64 vs. Vermont (13th seeded team; 15-1 in America East Conference; 28-6 overall) 47.
Game H— #2 Houston (1st seeded team; 15-3 in Big 12 Conference; 30-4 overall) 86 vs. Longwood (16th seeded team; 6-10 in Big South Conference; 21-13 overall) 46.
Game I— #23 Wisconsin (5th seeded team; 11-9 in Big Ten Conference; 23-10 overall) 61 vs. James Madison (12th seeded team; 15-3 in Sun Belt Conference; 31-3 overall) 72!
Saturday, March 23
Game J— Oakland (14th seeded team; 15-5 in Horizon League; 24-11 overall; 80-76 winner against #12 Kentucky) 73 vs. North Carolina State (11th seeded team; 9-11 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 23-14 overall; 80-67 winner against #25 Texas Tech) 79; overtime
Sunday, March 24
Game K— #8 Marquette (2d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 26-9 overall; 87-69 winner against Western Kentucky) 81 vs. Colorado (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Pacific 12 Conference; 26-10 overall; 60-53 winner against Boise State; 102-100 winner against Florida) 77.
Game L— #13 Duke (4th seeded team; 15-5 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 25-8 overall; 64-47 winner against Vermont) 93 vs. James Madison (12th seeded team; 15-3 in Sun Belt Conference; 32-3 overall; 72-61 winner against #23 Wisconsin) 55,
Game M— Texas A&M (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Southeastern Conference; 21-14 overall; 98-83 winner against Nebraska) vs. #2 Houston (1st seeded team; 15-3 in Big 12 Conference; 31-4 overall; 86-46 winner against Longwood) at FedEx Forum, Memphis TN, 8:40 pm (TNT)
MIDWEST REGIONALS
Games played at Delta Center, Salt Lake City UT; Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN; PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh PA; Spectrum Center, Charlotte NC and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Tuesday, March 19
Game A— Colorado State (10th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 24-10 overall) 67 vs. Virginia (10th seeded team; 13-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 23-11 overall) 42.
Wednesday, March 20
Game B— Grambling State (16th seeded team; 14-4 in Southwest Athletic Conference; 20-14 overall) 88 vs. Montana State (16th seeded team; 9-9 in Big Sky Conference; 17-17 overall) 81; overtime
Thursday, March 21
Game C— #11 Creighton (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 23-9 overall) 77 vs. Akron (14th seeded team; 13-5 in Mid-American Conference; 24-10 overall) 60.
Game D— #16 South Carolina (6th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 26-7 overall) 73 vs. Oregon (11th seeded team; 12-8 in Pacific 12 Conference; 23-11 overall) 87.
Game E— Texas (7th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 20-12 overall) 56 vs. Colorado State (10th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 25-10 overall; 67-42 winner against Virginia) 44.
Game F— #18 Gonzaga (5th seeded team; 14-2 in West Coast Conference; 25-7 overall) 86 vs. McNeese State (12th seeded team; 17-1 in Southland Conference; 30-3 overall) 65.
Game G— #6 Tennessee (2d seeded team; 14-4 in Southeastern Conference; 24-8 overall) 83 vs. Saint Peter’s (15th seeded team; 12-8 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference; 19-13 overall) 49.
Game H— #17 Kansas (4th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 22-10 overall) 93 vs. Samford (13th seeded team; 15-3 in Southern Conference; 29-5 overall) 89.
Friday, March 22
Game I— #3 Purdue (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Big Ten Conference; 29-4 overall) 78 vs. Grambling State (16th seeded team; 14-4 in Southwest Athletic Conference; 21-14 overall; 88-81 winner against Montana State in overtime) 50.
Game J— #20 Utah State (8th seeded team; 14-4 in Mountain West Conference; 27-6 overall) 88 vs. Texas Christian (9th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 21-12 overall) 72.
Saturday, March 23
Game K— #18 Gonzaga (5th seeded team; 14-2 in West Coast Conference; 26-7 overall; 86-65 winner against McNeese State) 89 vs. #17 Kansas (4th seeded team; 10-8 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall; 93-89 winner against Samford) 68.
Game L— Texas (7th seeded team; 9-9 in Big 12 Conference; 21-12 overall; 56-44 winner against Colorado State) 58 vs. #6 Tennessee (2d seeded team; 14-4 in Southeastern Conference; 25-8 overall; 83-49 winner against Saint Peter's) 62.
Game M— #11 Creighton (3d seeded team; 14-6 in Big East Conference; 24-9 overall; 77-60 winner against Akron) 86 vs. Oregon (11th seeded team; 12-8 in Pacific 12 Conference; 24-11 overall; 87-73 winner against #16 South Carolina) 73; double overtime.
Sunday, March 24
Game N— #3 Purdue (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Big Ten Conference; 30-4 overall; 78-50 winner against Grambling State) 106 vs. #20 Utah State (8th seeded team; 14-4 in Mountain West Conference; 28-6 overall; 88-72 winner against Texas Christian) 67.
WEST REGIONALS
Games played at Delta Center, Salt Lake City UT; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Spectrum Center, Charlotte NC; FedEx Forum, Memphis TN; Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane WA and University of Dayton Arena, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Tuesday, March 19
Game A— Wagner (16th seeded team; 7-9 in Northeast Conference; 16-16 overall) 71 vs. Howard (16th seeded team; 9-5 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; 18-16 overall) 68.
Thursday, March 21
Game B— Mississippi State (8th seeded team; 8-10 in Southeastern Conference; 21-13 overall) 51 vs. Michigan State (9th seeded team; 10-10 in Big Ten Conference; 18-14 overall) 69.
Game C— #9 Arizona (2d seeded team; 15-5 in Pacific 12 Conference; 25-8 overall) 85 vs. California State Long Beach (15th seeded team; 10-10 in Big West Conference; 21-14 overall) 65.
Game D— #5 North Carolina (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 28-7 overall)) 90 vs. Wagner (16th seeded team; 7-9 in Northeast Conference; 17-16 overall; 71-68 winner against Howard) 62.
Game E— Dayton (7th seeded team; 14-4 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 24-7 overall) 63 vs. Nevada (10th seeded team; 13-5 in Mountain West Conference; 26-7 overall) 60!
Friday, March 22
Game F— #14 Baylor (3d seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 23-10 overall) 92 vs. Colgate (14th seeded team; 16-2 in Patriot League; 25-9 overall) 67.
Game G— Clemson (6th seeded team; 11-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 21-11 overall) 77 vs. New Mexico (11th seeded team; 10-8 in Mountain West Conference; 26-9 overall) 56.
Game H— #19 Alabama (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 21-11 overall) 109 vs. College of Charleston (13th seeded team; 15-3 in Coastal Athletic Conference; 27-7 overall) 96.
Game I-- #15 Saint Mary’s (5th seeded team; 15-1 in West Coast Conference; 26-7 overall) 66 vs. Grand Canyon (12th seeded team; 17-3 in Western Athletic Conference; 29-4 overall) 75!
Saturday, March 23
Game J— #9 Arizona (2d seeded team; 15-5 in Pacific 12 Conference; 26-8 overall; 85-65 winner against California State Long Beach) 78 vs. Dayton (7th seeded team; 14-4 in Atlantic 10 Conference; 25-7 overall; 63-60 winner against Nevada) 68.
Game K— Michigan State (9th seeded team; 10-10 in Big Ten Conference; 19-14 overall; 69-51 winner against Mississippi State) 69 vs. #5 North Carolina (1st seeded team; 17-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 29-7 overall) 85.
Sunday, March 24
Game L— #14 Baylor (3d seeded team; 11-7 in Big 12 Conference; 24-10 overall; 92-67 winner against Colgate) 64 vs. Clemson (6th seeded team; 11-9 in Atlantic Coast Conference; 22-11 overall; 77-56 winner against New Mexico) 72!
Game M— #19 Alabama (4th seeded team; 13-5 in Southeastern Conference; 22-11 overall; 109-96 winner against College of Charleston) 72 vs. Grand Canyon (12th seeded team; 17-3 in Western Athletic Conference; 30-4 overall; 75-66 winner against #15 Saint Mary's) 61.
