March is about surviving and advancing — eight teams won again to reach the Sweet 16. Here’s a concise look at how each second-round game was decided and what each winner must do to get to the Elite Eight.
(4) Arkansas 94, (12) High Point 88 How Arkansas won: Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. erupted for 36 points and six assists in Portland. Tied 83-83 late, Acuff scored seven straight and finished 12 of Arkansas’ final 15 points in regulation, closing a wild back-and-forth. High Point’s Rob Martin turned in a memorable 30-point game with five assists and four rebounds. Sweet 16 opponent: Winner of (1) Arizona vs. (9) Utah State How the Razorbacks can advance: Arkansas lives and dies with Acuff’s late-game creation. With interior and wing balance from Malique Ewin (14 points, 12 rebounds), Billy Richmond III (15 and 10) and Meleek Thomas (19), opponents are forced to crowd Acuff — which should open looks for others. If the freshman maintains efficiency and poise, Arkansas has a real chance to keep rolling. — Myron Medcalf
(4) Nebraska 74, (5) Vanderbilt 72 How Nebraska won: Braden Frager’s layup with 2.2 seconds remaining iced the Cornhuskers’ second tou
