Don’t pick against Connecticut in the Sweet 16.
The Huskies have mastered this round of the NCAA Tournament, regardless of who’s on the sideline. Connecticut has reached the Sweet 16 twelve times over the past 30 years and holds an 11-1 record in this stage.
Once again, they handled business. Dan Hurley pushed the right buttons throughout, continuing what may be his most impressive performance since arriving in Storrs.
Now comes their toughest test yet against Duke, but it’s hard to count out UConn, even as 6.5-point underdogs.
Here’s a look back at Friday’s action.
Hurley Puts Huskies In Position
Dan Hurley’s game management was on full display in the closing moments on Friday. After a Michigan State free throw, Connecticut held a two-point lead with four seconds remaining. Everyone in the building knew the Spartans would intentionally miss the second attempt to create a rebound opportunity.
Hurley called timeout to make sure his team was prepared. Out of the break, Connecticut executed perfectly, boxing out and sealing off every path to the ball. Carson Cooper’s miss came off exactly as intended, but the Huskies controlled the space, and Tarris Reed secured the rebound.
That’s execution, and it starts with preparation. Hurley managed the moment, used his timeout effectively, and put his players in place to finish the job. Reed then knocked down both free throws to seal the win.
This Connecticut team may not match the dominant title groups of 2023 and 2024, but Hurley continues to maximize what he has. That’s why the Huskies are set up for another run to the Final Four.
Duke Escapes St. John’s
Duke did what it needed to do to advance, but this group is still working its way back to full strength. If St. John’s had sustained its three-point shooting, the Blue Devils could be heading home.
Duke survived by winning the rebounding battle and taking care of the ball. That formula gets tougher here. Connecticut brings more size, with Tarris Reed and Alex Karaban presenting a much different challenge on the glass.
At full strength, Duke can match up in the paint. Right now, that edge isn’t as clear, especially with UConn coming off a strong showing against a quality rebounding team.
Duke also can’t afford another slow start. Falling behind against this Connecticut team is a much steeper climb, and one that could prove too much to overcome.
Tennessee Bludgeons the Cyclones
Tennessee imposed its will on the glass, overwhelming Iowa State from start to finish. Without Joshua Jefferson to anchor the interior, the Cyclones had no answer for the Volunteers’ physicality.
Tennessee finished with 16 offensive rebounds, while Iowa State managed just 22 total boards for the game. It was a clear mismatch, with the Volunteers controlling the paint and dictating the tone throughout. Iowa State’s only path was to get hot from three, and that never materialized.
The challenge now shifts. Michigan presents a completely different look, with the size and physicality to hold up inside. Tennessee has the personnel to compete, but it won’t have the same edge it enjoyed in this matchup. To advance, the Vols will need to be nearly perfect against the Wolverines.
Michigan Finds Another Gear
Alabama did just about everything right for 20 minutes. It still wasn’t close to enough. Michigan made shots, protected the rim, and committed just eight turnovers, leaving the Crimson Tide with no way back. The second half never felt in doubt.
Right now, Michigan looks like the best team in the country, and the matchup with Tennessee sets up well. The Volunteers’ biggest strength won’t carry the same edge in this spot, which tilts things further in Michigan’s favor.
With Duke far from the team that beat the Wolverines in Washington, this Michigan team is my pick to win it all.
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.
