NCAAB Saturday Elite 8 Recap
On Saturday evening, many Americans got their popcorn ready and found their favorite seat in the house to watch the first half of what was being advertised as one of the most intriguing Elite 8’s in recent memory.As is the case too often, Saturday evening wasn’t all it was popped up to be. What could have been a great evening of basketball, Saturday Elite 8 – David’s vs. Goliath’s, turned into a walk in the park for the winners – one David and one Goliath. Watching expanding bags of Act II through microwave windows may have given many sports fans more entertainment than the slate of games on the television.
NCAAB Saturday Elite 8 Recap
11 Xavier vs. 1Â Gonzaga
Counted out from the NCAA Tournament by some pundits just weeks ago, Xavier used a 5-1 record in postseason games to reach Saturday of the tournament’s second weekend. They were within touching distance of Glendale, Arizona and the Final Four – a great stage in American sports. 
But Xavier’s proximity to Glendale seemed to grow farther as the game against Gonzaga dragged on and the Bulldogs imposed themselves on both ends of the court on the Saturday Elite 8.
The dominating win allows Gonzaga passage to its first-ever Final Four. This is a surprise based on the quality of team they put on the court every year. Gonzaga will be a tough out for whoever has to face them in Arizona at the Final Four.
Final score: Xavier 59, Gonzaga 83
3Â Oregon vs. 1Â Kansas
Nobody who’s watched Kansas basketball in the last 15 years would be surprised by what happened Saturday in the Midwest Regional final. In short, it was the way the Jayhawks lost, the manner in which it happened, pretty much followed the script labeled “worst-case scenarioâ€. 
Kansas couldn’t take advantage of opportunities in the middle part of the second half to cut the lead to single digits. The Ducks were practically begging KU to make it close, as if for the sport of it. But the Jayhawks missed wide open 3s, had easy layups blocked, and missed some more wide-open 3s. The Jayhawks never got hot. Shoot, they never got lukewarm. Remember, this was a Kansas team that routinely came back from double digits to win games. In reality, a second-half deficit shouldn’t have mattered.
Somehow, Kansas still got to within six points with two minutes left. They made a stellar defensive stand that forced Oregon to heave up a prayer 3-pointer to avoid a shot-clock violation. At last, the tide was turning — for about a half-second.
Now, the Ducks are in their first Final Four since the first NCAA tournament played back in 1939. In the end, Kansas will take the short bus ride back to Lawrence, leaving behind another March disappointment.
Final score: Oregon 74, Kansas 60
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
