The Saturday of NCAA action lived up to the hype and many people didn't leave their couch today. To add to the madness, Drake released his playlist 'More Life', which added to more of the uproar. Let's take a look at all the action that went down Saturday.
Villanova falls to Wisconsin
The biggest game of the day in the NCAA happened early in the afternoon, when the Villanova Wildcats took on the Wisconsin Badgers. This game went back an forth all game, both teams trading buckets for the lead. Wisconsin had to deal with foul trouble for two key players throughout the game but they had a chance to win the game late.
Nigel Hayes hit a great hesitation move and scored the game-winning bucket with 11.4 seconds left. Josh Hart tried to win the game but got stripped driving the lane. The No. 1 seed Wildcats fell to the Badgers 65-62.
Northwestern's magic runs out
The Northwestern Wildcats made their first tournament appearance in school history and won their first game vs. Vanderbilt. They faced No. 1 seed Gonzaga on Saturday, and they were down by 18 at the half. But in the second half, they poured on a masterful comeback, pulling within single digits. A controversial no-call from what seemed like a goaltending call caused coach Chris Collins to receive a tech, and it deflated Northwestern. Gonzaga held on to win a close game 73-79.
Northwestern had a magical season, but it ran out this game.
West Virginia wins big
West Virginia is known for their defense, but their offense took center stage in this game. Led by Jevon Carter's 24 points, the Mountaineers beat Notre Dame 83-71 to advance to the Sweet 16. West Virginia shot 50 percent from the field, while hold Notre Dame to 40 percent.
Their press defense is nothing to mess with, causing 14 turnovers. They have a date with Gonzaga in the next round.
Xavier and Florida dominate
Florida State got hit by a buzz saw in Xavier today, thrashing them 91-66. Their defense caused FSU fits, not allowing anything in the middle. Trevon Bluieitt scored a game high 29 points to give Xavier the offensive boost the needed.
Xavier are the upset kings, knocking off six seeded Maryland and three seeded FSU. They advance to another Sweet 16 having a date with Arizona. FSU had no answer on offense, getting shut down this game, but there's always next season.
The defense of Florida stepped up as they shut down Virginia in a low scoring blowout. Virginia shot under 30 percent from the field and only scored 39 points in the game. Florida is hitting their stride at the right time, making it to the Sweet 16. Devin Robinson had a double-double for the Gators. The Gators won 65-39.
Arizona survives scare
No. 2 seed Arizona was punched in the mouth early, going down by one at half time to Saint Mary's. But they got off the ropes and went on an 11-2 run in the second half to get the lead back.
They never relinquished the lead after that run. Allonzo Trier and Lauri Markkanen helped boost the Wildcats to a 60-69 win. The Wildcats and Saint Mary's know each other well, having scrimmaged three of the last four years.
Purdue and Butler escape
Purdue had themselves a game against Iowa State. Caleb Swanigan had his 28th double-double leading the way for the Boilermakers. Iowa State closed a 19-point gap, led by Deonte Burtons 25 points. Iowa State failed to get rebounds late, and eventually ran out of gas. They won 10 of 11 and looked like they were going to make a deep run in the tournament.
Butler managed to stop a late run from Middle Tennessee and win 74-65. Three pointers made a difference, as Butler shot over 50 percent from three.
Middle Tennessee shot under 25 percent from three, and three starters were held scoreless. Butler quietly makes another Sweet 16 appearance. Middle Tennessee had one upset over Minnesota, but couldn't find the magic against Butler.
More action is slated for Sunday, so cancel all plans, order pizza, and enjoy the action of the Ncaa Tournament.
