NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Day 2: Underdogs Lie Down
The Bobcats had the chance to make it to the Elite Eight when Walter Offutt made the layup to the Tar Heels into overtime. Unfortunately, Ohio went 0-for-6 from the field and series of missed opportunities led North Carolina to take the victory.
Game MVP
The ACC Player of the Year, senior forward Tyler Zeller, led the Tar Heels with 20 points and a career high 23 rebounds to help UNC emerge with a victory despite missing point guard Kendall Marshall due to a broken wrist.
Why UNC came out on top
Ohio shot 23 for 71 (32.4%) from the field, which truly damaged the run of the Bobcats offense. Though Ohio managed to hold North Carolina very well with rebounds and coverage, the offense lacked the accuracy that gave the Tar Heels the chance to maintain a lead and win in overtime.
No. 3 Baylor 75 vs. No. 10 Xavier 70
As the Bears played a dominant game against the Musketeers (Baylor never trailed), Xavier was hurt by their poor shooting, especially from behind the arc. The Musketeers were 0-for-11 from three-point range until Justin Martin brought that streak to an end when there were only two minutes remaining.
Game MVP
Quincy Acy for the Bears pulled through with a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds to help bring Baylor the win. With 2:50 remaining in the game, Acy hit a basket to extend the lead to 13 points, which managed to be too much for the Musketeers. As the only senior in the Baylor starting lineup, Acy proved that he was a pivotal ingredient to the overall success of the Bears’ game.
Why Baylor came out on top
Xavier managed to put up shots, but without the constant passing and efficiency in their three-point shooting, the Musketeers couldn’t pull away with a successful run to surpass the Bears.
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