March Madness live tracker for Friday’s Sweet 16 games – ESPN

We’re down to the final 11 games of March Madness, with four Sweet 16 matchups on the docket Friday night.

Michigan State and Tennessee have punched their tickets to the Elite Eight. Now the Auburn Tigers and Houston Cougars will look to join fellow No. 1 seeds Duke and Florida in the Elite Eight.

Follow along as we track all the action from each of the games, including color from our reporters on-site in Atlanta and Indianapolis.

Jump to: Results and analysis | (3) Kentucky vs.

(2) Tennessee

Final: Tennessee defeated Kentucky 78-65

How Tennessee won: Tennessee jumped out to a double-digit lead within the first eight minutes and didn’t look back, extending the advantage to as many as 19 points and never letting the game get within single digits in the second half. It was a complete effort for the Volunteers, who held a 34-24 edge on the glass while shooting 50.9% from the field to punch their ticket to their second straight Elite Eight. Zakai Zeigler led the Vols with 18 points, adding four assists to claim the SEC record for most in a single season. Chaz Lanier also finished in double figures with 17 points, while Jordan Gainey added 16 off the bench. — ESPN Staff

(6) Ole Miss vs.

(2) Michigan State

Final: Michigan State defeated Ole Miss 73-70

How Michigan State won: Before Friday’s matchup against Ole Miss, Tom Izzo said this Spartans team is one of the most “connected” Michigan State squads he has ever coached. That chemistry proved to be vital for the Spartans in overcoming a double-digit deficit against the Rebels.

Just after Jaden Akins scored on a go-ahead layup late, Tre Holloman cut off Ole Miss star Sean Pedulla on a shot that would have tied the game. Jase Richardson made big plays. Coen Carr‘s second-half dunk electrified the Spartans fans at State Farm Arena, too. It wasn’t always pretty (Michigan State missed 11 of its first 17 field goal attempts), but that’s how these blue-collar Spartans (36-30 advantage in points in the paint) prefer to win — and why they are on their way to the Elite Eight for the 11th time under Izzo. — Myron Medcalf

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *