NCAAB Friday Sweet 16 Recap

If Thursday’s March Madness Sweet 16 games typified everything that March Madness is all about with 3 out of 4 contests coming down to the last shot, then the Friday Sweet 16 Recap was the exact opposite of that. Friday was a night when dominance reigned, dreams were shattered, Balls were dropped, and we found out who’s Elite and who’s going home.

Winning.

NCAAB Friday Sweet 16 Recap

1 UNC vs. 4 Butler

North Carolina leaped past Butler and looked pretty unstoppable from long range — the Tarheels started off the game with six 3-pointers. Just utter domination by UNC, led by Justin Jackson and Joel Berry III. The Tarheels racked up over 52 points in the first half and quashed a late comeback bid pretty soundly.  The Tarheels get their first real test of the tournament against Kentucky in the Elite 8 on Sunday.

Final score: UNC 92, Butler 80

7 S Carolina vs. 3 Baylor

Perhaps still on a high after knocking off Duke, the Gamecocks are all about the upsets knocking out Baylor Friday night. South Carolina capitalized on Baylor’s sloppy play and Baylor never figured out the Gamecock’s defense, took bad shots and got into foul trouble early. South Carolina advances to the Elite 8 facing the Florida Gators on Sunday.

Final score: S Carolina 70, Baylor 50

3 UCLA vs. 2 Kentucky

Lonzo Ball was the big name coming into this March Madness Sweet 16 game but the only name that mattered during and after the game was De’Aron Fox. Even when UCLA got out to a quick start, Ball and the Bruins couldn’t stop Fox which opened it up for a Kentucky onslaught from beyond the arc. The Wildcats are moving on to play North Carolina in the Elite 8 in a battle for the ages.

Good luck in the draft, son!

Final score: UCLA 75, Kentucky 86

Florida (4) vs. Wisconsin (8)

Wisconsin got out to an early lead in first half led by their stifling defense. But they wound up having to rely on a miracle 3-pointer by Zak Showalter to force OT. Not to be outdone, this exciting game was capped off with an OT buzzer beating 3-pointer by Chris Chiozza. Gators are now 9-1 all-time in the Sweet 16 and face South Carolina in the Elite 8.

Final score: Florida 84, Wisconsin 83 (OT)

Planning a trip to Vegas to watch the Final 4? Check out my reviews of the top 5 places to watch March Madness and my review of Las Vegas sports books.

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