NCAA Tournament Day 2 - South Region

Two upsets highlighted the South Region on Day 2.

This article was written by contributor Zac Roder. Nick Denning also contributed.

Kansas (2) over Eastern Kentucky (15) 80-69

What is happening. If you were watching or keeping tabs on this game you would have seen how Eastern Kentucky tied the game at half 32-32. If you were paying attention earlier, you may have seen the solid lead Eastern Kentucky had built up. However, like all the other near losses for top seeded teams, this one would not be the bracket busting upset people hoped for. The Jayhawks of Kansas were able to turn it around in the second half by pounding the ball inside instead of settling for jumpers, something they need to fix in order to go deep- especially without Joel Embiid. Wiggins played stellar, his athleticism was something to watch for during the game, and he dropped 19 with two blocks. Perry Ellis had 14 with 13 boards and contributed solidly. Wayne Selden Jr., another potential draftee, struggled to say the least. Selden did not record a field goal, his two points coming off free throws, but did contribute four assists. Kansas moves on to play Stanford next round.

(10) Stanford over (7) New Mexico 58-53

Last year Harvard, this year Stanford. It’s official: stop picking the Lobos! The 7-10 upset isn’t necessarily even an upset, but New Mexico were favorites once again. Stanford had the lead during in the first half and was able to hold on due to strong three point shooting (53.3 percent from deep on 8 of 15). Chasson Randle led Stanford offensively, scoring 23 points, making all six of his free throws. Potential draft prospect Stanford senior Dwight Powell had a miserable game, going 0-8 from the field and only managing three points on 3-4 shooting from the foul line. His defense was solid enough though, Powell recorded two steals and four rebounds. New Mexico’s Cameron Bairstrow dropped 24 on the Cardinal, but alas, it wasn’t enough. Stanford will go on to play Kansas, who will likely be without star big man and defensive anchor Joel Embiid- watch out for a good fight from Stanford next round, especially if Powell plays up to par.

(12) Stephen F Austin over (5) VCU 77-75

The upsets just keep on coming. SFA was a popular choice, even against the tournament famous VCU squad led by Shaka Smart, but this time VCU found themselves on the wrong side of a classic finish. A tight game throughout, VCU took what looked to be a game clinching lead in the final minutes. However, a brief SFA run brought the game within four points with seconds to go. A desperation three was taken by Desmond Haymon – and in spectacular March fashion – swished it while being fouled by VCU’s JaQuon Lewis. Haymon made the free throw, and VCU’s desperation half courter missed. In overtime, SFA took a two point lead thanks to a three by Haymon and a clutch free throw by Thomas Walkup. VCU nearly won the game when JaQuon Lewis took an open corner three only to miss in the closing seconds and SFA took the upset win, the third of the tourney over a five seed. VCU’s draft prospect, senior Juvonte Reddic, played well but could not carry the team, recording seven boards and going for 10 points on 5-8 shooting. The SFA Lumberjacks (best nickname in the tourney?) advance to the round of 32.

(4) UCLA over (13) Tulsa 76-59

Leading by five at halftime, UCLA used a strong second half to pull away from Tulsa. Jordan Adams lead the Bruins with 21 points on 7-12 shooting along with eight rebounds. Tulsa was lead by 18 points from D’Andre Wright, who shot an efficient 7-10 from the field. UCLA’s draft prospects had interesting nights; Kyle Anderson did not shoot well, and finished with eight points on 3-11 shooting. He did provide six assists, six rebounds, and four steals however, holding true to his all around game. Zach LaVine however struggled, only scoring two points on 1-5 shooting. Four rebounds was about as good as it got for LaVine, whose stock has fallen in recent months.

Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!

NCAA Tournament Day 2 – South Region

Alan Draper

Two upsets highlighted the South Region on Day 2.

Alan Draper

Alan Draper