Mar 22, 2026, 12:30 AM ET
March is about surviving and advancing — eight teams won again to reach the Sweet 16. Reporters break down how each second-round game was decided and assess each winner’s chances to reach the Elite Eight.
(4) Arkansas 94, (12) High Point 88
How Arkansas won: Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. exploded in Portland, scoring 36 points and adding six assists. Tied 83-83 late, Acuff scored seven straight points and finished 12 of Arkansas’ final 15 in regulation, closing out a wild game. High Point’s Rob Martin had 30 points, five assists and four rebounds in a memorable performance.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (1) Arizona vs. (9) Utah State
How the Razorbacks can advance: Arkansas needs Acuff to keep delivering in high-pressure moments and to create for teammates. With Malique Ewin (14 points, 12 rebounds), Billy Richmond III (15 and 10) and Meleek Thomas (19) providing balance, opponents must collapse on Acuff, opening looks for others. If the freshman maintains efficiency and poise, Arkansas can push deeper. — Myron Medcalf
(4) Nebraska 74, (5) Vanderbilt 72
How Nebraska won: Braden Frager’s layup with 2.2 seconds left sealed the Cornhuskers’ second NCAA tournament win in two days. Nebraska featured balanced scoring with four players in double figures and controlled the paint, outscoring Vanderbilt 38-22 and shooting 56% overall.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (1) Florida vs. (9) Iowa
How the Cornhuskers can advance: Nebraska’s season strength is 3-point shooting and stingy defense. With four players who hit 50+ threes this year, they’ll need another big perimeter night and continued defensive discipline. If they make double-digit threes and keep forcing turnovers, they can reach the Elite Eight. — Jeff Borzello
(3) Illinois 76, (11) VCU 55
How Illinois won: Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 and Zvonimir Ivisic had 14 and 11 rebounds as Illinois turned a two-point halftime deficit into a dominant second-half run, outscoring VCU by 23 over the final 23 minutes and stifling the Rams’ momentum.
Sweet 16 opponent: Houston
How the Fighting Illini can advance: Illinois boasts the nation’s top offense and can weather defensive pressure by continuing to convert when Houston hits a cold stretch. Against the Cougars’ unique pressure, Illinois must capitalize on scoring spurts to widen leads; Houston’s struggles to mount comebacks play into Illinois’ favor if the Illini sustain offensive efficiency. — Myron Medcalf
(11) Texas 74, (3) Gonzaga 68
How Texas won: Jordan Pope hit a clutch 3 with 2:31 left that proved decisive. Matas Vokietaitis and Pope led Texas with 17 points each; Vokietaitis has been a focal offensive force under Sean Miller, and his recent scoring and rebounding surge continued to carry the Longhorns.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (2) Purdue vs. (7) Miami
How the Longhorns can advance: Texas has ridden momentum from the First Four into the Sweet 16, with Vokietaitis averaging big numbers recently. To beat Purdue or Miami, Texas must sustain its defensive turnaround (now allowing about 1.03 points per possession in the tournament) and rely on Vokietaitis to handle bigs; interior matchups will be decisive. — Jeff Borzello
(2) Houston 88, (10) Texas A&M 57
How Houston won: The Cougars closed a game-altering 19-4 run after A&M briefly cut the lead to one. Houston outrebounded A&M 46-29 and forced 11 turnovers. Freshman Chris Cenac Jr. finished with 17 and nine rebounds, Kingston Flemings was efficient, and Emanuel Sharp led with 18 points.
Sweet 16 opponent: Illinois
How the Cougars can advance: Houston’s defense thrives when it slows opponents and forces methodical possessions. To handle Illinois’ elite offense, the Cougars must get balanced, efficient guard play and take away Illini momentum swings. If Houston executes its gritty defense and gets timely offense from Cenac, Flemings and Tugler, it can reach the Elite Eight. — Myron Medcalf
(1) Duke 81, (9) TCU 58
How Duke won: Cameron Boozer dominated the second half after a quiet first, scoring 17 on 7-of-9 shooting and sparking a 43-18 run over the final 16 minutes as Duke turned a two-point deficit into a blowout. Foul trouble for key TCU players also opened opportunities for the Blue Devils.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (4) Kansas vs. (5) St. John’s
How the Blue Devils can advance: Duke’s defense (top-ranked by KenPom) and Boozer’s consistent two-way impact are its advantages. If Boozer remains the focal point and the defense stays stifling, neither Kansas nor St. John’s presents a matchup likely to derail Duke’s path to the Elite Eight. — Jeff Borzello
(3) Michigan State 77, (6) Louisville 69
How Michigan State won: Jeremy Fears Jr. dished 16 assists, becoming the first Big Ten player in 50 years with 27 assists over a two-game NCAA span; Coen Carr posted a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double. Michigan State limited Louisville’s offensive leaders and converted at the line.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (2) UConn vs. (7) UCLA
How the Spartans can advance: Tom Izzo’s coaching and defensive schemes that neutralize opposing stars are Michigan State’s path forward. If Izzo can remove an opponent’s primary scorer from the game and get efficient contributions from his supporting cast, the Spartans can reach another Elite Eight. — Myron Medcalf
(1) Michigan 95, (9) Saint Louis 72
How Michigan won: Yaxel Lendeborg scored 25 with no turnovers, and Michigan shot 55.7% while recording nine blocks and outrebounding Saint Louis 42-27. The Wolverines pulled away in the second half with dominant paint play and perimeter discipline from the Billikens.
Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (4) Alabama vs. (5) Texas Tech
How the Wolverines can advance: Michigan’s frontcourt size and paint dominance are decisive advantages. If Aday Mara and Lendeborg control the rim and Michigan defends inside while containing perimeter threats, the Wolverines should outmuscle either Alabama or Texas Tech en route to the Elite Eight. — Jeff Borzello