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26. Northwestern Wildcats (No. 9 seed, 22-11)
Because of a final-2d tying shot in legislation and a scorching beyond regular time, Northwestern knocked out the darlings of the 2023 tournament. Ryan Langborg scored 12 of his game-excessive 27 aspects in the extra session. Up subsequent? A, um, subtle date in opposition to top-seeded UConn.
25. Huge Canyon Antelopes (No. 12 seed, 30-4)
Practically all season, Huge Canyon stood out as a problematic first-round foe. Extra importantly, the Antelopes backed up the hype and bounced fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s. While offensive depth just isn’t any longer a strength for GCU, the Lopes score a ton of free-throw opportunities and will lifeless Alabama’s blistering tempo in an racy formula.
24. Michigan Verbalize Spartans (No. 9 seed, 20-14)
Oh boy, is Mr. March about to manufacture another elope? Michigan Verbalize’s peaceful grab over Mississippi Verbalize has created a showdown with North Carolina. Tom Izzo’s squad need to take care of UNC indispensable person Armando Bacot in the publish, nonetheless the Spartans’ lifeless tempo and improbable defense will show an aesthetic matchup.
23. Colorado Buffaloes (No. 10 seed, 26-10)
As if a 102-100 victory just isn’t any longer sufficient of a video game, Colorado’s field score is improbable. Every starter level-headed as a minimum 12 aspects, four rebounds, four assists and a expend in the thrilling grab over Florida. Fair to narrate CU desires to play indispensable greater defense with No. 2 Marquette on the horizon.
22. Texas A&M Aggies (No. 9 seed, 21-14)
Nebraska put up small resistance in a lopsided loss to A&M. Getting into the game, the Aggies owned the third-worst field-purpose share of any tourney crew. They proceeded to rack up 98 aspects with a trio of 20-level scorers, which desires to be mildly demanding to a top-seeded Houston squad that will perhaps reach upon some ice-chilly spurts on offense.
21. Dayton Flyers (No. 7 seed, 25-7)
Now no longer precisely how you method it up, nonetheless live on and come! Dayton overcame a 17-level deficit in the final eight minutes of the clash with Nevada, in the damage squeezing out a 63-60 grab. Arizona’s excessive-scoring offense possible gained’t be as forgiving in the 2d round.
