March Madness Elite 8 Recap — South Carolina and UNC Movin’ On Up

Everyone says it about NFL championship games (think Broncos-Pats): “This is the real super bowl.” Well, Sunday night’s March Madness Elite 8 showdown between UNC and Kentucky was just like that. Gamecocks and Gators was supposed to be a warm up.

It was anything but.

March Madness Elite 8 – Sunday Recap

(7) South Carolina vs. (4) Florida

Best-named player in the NCAA, Sindarius Thornwell, went off on Florida for 26 points, leading four other Gamecocks who scored in double digits, in a wild, back and forth affair.  Fourteen lead changes, tough fast-paced action, not to mention a shot clock malfunction to begin the game … the only thing missing was Frank Martin running onto the court and stealing the ball from the ref and thrilling us all with a screaming windmill dunk.

“I don’t like you … or Chia pets!”

South Carolina’s defense ended up being too much for Florida in the end. The biggest win in school history finds South Carolina on their first trip to the Final Four next week. The Gamecocks will face stout defense themselves when they face (1) Gonzaga on April Fool’s Day.

Final score: South Carolina 77, Florida 70

(1) UNC vs. (2) Kentucky

The UNC  Tarheels versus the Kentucky Wildcats was billed as a March Madness Elite 8 rumble for the ages. The court was filled to the brim with future-NBA talent and they put on the show that we wanted. The show that we needed.

After losing to Kentucky in December, UNC was out for revenge. Adding a 20th trip to the Final Four to their Men’s NCAA basketball-leading resume was just icing on the cake.

While the Tarheels Justin Jackson led all players on the floor with 19 points, the player of the game looked like it was going to be Malik Monk who hit a 3-pointer with 7 seconds left on the clock in the final seconds — that is, until Luke Maye stepped back and sunk in the dagger from long range.

Allow myself to introduce myself.

UNC seems to be the most complete team in this tournament and will need all facets of their game as they take on (3) Oregon in the Final Four.

Final Score: UNC 75, Kentucky 73

Check out my reviews of the top 5 places to watch March Madness and my review of Las Vegas sports books so you can live it up for the Final Four, Vegas-style.

By Chris Sharp, Certified 12-Time Veteran of Las Vegas March Madness and Sports Wagering