Hoops Fans, Get Ready for a Thrilling Elite Eight Sunday!
We’ve got two massive matchups on tap today as the road to the Final Four continues. From defensive showdowns to high-powered offenses, here’s everything you need to know before tip-off.
Daily News for Curious Minds
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.
Midwest Regional Final
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Houston Cougars
Tip-Off: 2:20 p.m. ET on CBS
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN)
Betting Line: Houston favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points | O/U 123.5
Storylines & Stats to Know
Defensive Clash:
Houston enters with the nation’s best defensive efficiency since February 1 (per Bart Torvik), anchored by stifling interior defense and aggressive turnover-forcing.
Tennessee ranks 10th nationally on defense, applying relentless pressure that holds opponents to sub-40% shooting and around 4.8 blocks per game.
ShotQuality Standouts:
Houston’s Offense leads in post-ups, ranks 2nd in 3-point efficiency (39.1% from deep), and uses frequent pick-and-roll sets.
Tennessee counters with top-25 offensive rebounding and strong spacing, though it’s a slower-paced attack (Vols rank 359th in adjusted tempo, Cougars 360th).
Players to Watch:
Houston:
Guards L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, and Milos Uzan (all shooting over 40% from three).
Forwards J’Wan Roberts and JoJo Tugler, who grab offensive rebounds at a 35% clip.
Tennessee:
Guard Chaz Lanier, averaging 17+ points per game this tourney.
Distributor Zakai Zeigler and streaky shooter Jordan Gainey.
Big man Felix Okpara battling on the glass against Houston’s frontcourt.
Historical Stakes:
Tennessee has never reached a Final Four.
Houston eyes its second trip under head coach Kelvin Sampson (first was in 2021).
Expect a sizeable Volunteer crowd, giving Tennessee a potential home-court feel in Indianapolis.
Bottom Line: This figures to be a methodical, defensive grind with every possession magnified. Look for a low-scoring affair decided in the final minutes, where rebounding and free throws could tip the balance.
South Region Elite Eight
No. 1 Auburn Tigers vs. No. 2 Michigan State Spartans
Tip-Off: 5:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Venue: State Farm Arena
Betting Line: Auburn favored by 4.5 points | O/U 147.5
Storylines & Stats to Know
Tournament Runs:
Auburn (31-5) sets a school record for single-season wins, capturing its third Elite Eight appearance in program history. All three of the Tigers’ tourney wins have been by double digits.
Michigan State (30-6) is scorching hot, winning 11 of its last 12 games since mid-February, with its only loss coming in the Big Ten Tournament.
ShotQuality Strengths:
Auburn: Ranks in the top 20 in attacking the rim, spacing, low turnover rate, offensive rebounding (33.6%), and 3-point efficiency.
Michigan State: Boasts top-25 marks in offensive rebounding (33.9%), free-throw shooting (77.8%), and defensive rebounding. Also adept at limiting opponents’ rim attempts.
Players to Watch:
Auburn:
All-American Johni Broome (22 points, 16 rebounds last game), recording his 20th double-double of the season vs. Michigan.
Guard Tahaad Pettiford (20 points with 15 in the final 12 minutes vs. Michigan).
Transfer Denver Jones providing scoring punch.
Michigan State:
Freshman Jase Richardson (20 points in the Sweet 16) and high-flying forward Coen Carr (15 points vs. Ole Miss).
Head coach Tom Izzo looking to guide the Spartans to yet another Final Four.
Key Factor: Free Throws
Michigan State ranks in the top 50 nationally in free-throw attempts and percentage.
Auburn tends to foul (310th in free-throw rate allowed), which could give the Spartans a crucial edge at the stripe.
Coaching Rematch:
Izzo and Bruce Pearl last met in an Elite Eight showdown in 2010. Izzo’s Spartans prevailed 70-69 over Pearl’s Tennessee.
Bottom Line: Auburn’s speed and rim attacks clash with Michigan State’s interior defense and free-throw prowess. The Tigers thrive as favorites, but the Spartans have been covering machines (10-2 ATS in their last 12). Expect a close battle that could come down to which team handles late-game foul trouble and pressure best.
Don’t Miss the Action!
With a pair of physical, high-stakes contests on deck, Sunday’s matchups promise to deliver the drama we’ve come to love in March. Grab your favorite game-day snacks, settle in, and enjoy what could be the most intense doubleheader of the tournament. Let’s see who punches their ticket to the Final Four!