NCAA BASKETBALL
March Madness games today: NCAA Men’s D1 basketball Sunday Elite Eight matchups
After UConn and Alabama secured their place in this year’s Final Four, played on April 6, we will have the chance to see who will join them next tonight.
Tonight’s Elite Eight matchups will feature the Duke Blue Devils (27-8, 15-5 ACC) against the NC State Wolfpack (25-14, 9-11 ACC). Additionally, top-seeded Purdue will play against fourth-seeded Tennessee.
(1) Purdue vs. (2) Tennessee | 2:20 p.m. ET | CBS
The Purdue Boilermakers and the Tennessee Volunteers will go head to head in the Midwest Regional Final to secure a place in the national championship. UConn’s recent victory in Houston has generated excitement for the upcoming season. The thrilling match will be played in Detroit’s Little Caesar’s Arena and can be watched live on CBS Sports on the final Sunday of the college basketball season.
Purdue is the slight favorite with a 3-point edge, setting the stage for an exciting and closely contested battle. Tennessee, led by head coach Rick Barnes, is known for its formidable defensive prowess, a hallmark of the program for years. However, the addition of Dalton Kunnert, a transfer from Northern Colorado, has injected new life into the team, making them a more well-rounded offensive unit.
Kunnert’s impact cannot be overstated, as he has seamlessly integrated into Tennessee’s lineup and provided a scoring threat that complements their defensive tenacity. His consistent contribution to the scoreboard has elevated Tennessee’s offensive efficiency, making them a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
As we look to Purdue, a sense of redemption lingers. Last year’s heartbreaking loss in the tournament has fueled their determination to rewrite the narrative and etch their names in the annals of college basketball history. With a formidable lineup led by Edy’s towering presence, Purdue poses a significant challenge to any opponent.
(4) Duke vs. (11) NC State | 5:05 p.m. ET | CBS
On Sunday, the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight will feature a match between the No. 11 NC State Wolfpack and the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils. This South Regional final will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
NC State hopes to make it to the Final Four for the first time since their championship victory 1983. Meanwhile, Duke is seeking its second Final Four appearance in three seasons and the first trip under head coach Jon Scheyer. These Tobacco Road rivals split both games this season, with NC State knocking Duke out of the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. In their previous game, NC State Wolfpack beat Marquette Golden Eagles 67-58, while Duke Blue Devils won their last game, triumphing 54-51 against Houston Cougars. NC State beat Duke with a 74-69 scoreline when the teams last met. Duke has won six of the past ten games that these teams have played.
On Friday, NC State (25-14) advanced to its first Elite Eight in 38 years, upsetting No. 2 Marquette 67-58. The Wolfpack had a strong start and maintained their lead throughout the night by holding the Golden Eagles to just 33.3% shooting. D.J. Horne led State with 19 points, while Mohamed Diarra provided a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Duke (27-8) won a tough, low-scoring battle against No. 1 Houston on Friday, advancing to the Elite Eight with a 54-51 victory. Both teams shot just 40.8% from the field, and the Blue Devils managed to gut it out despite being held scoreless in the final 1:16 of action. Kyle Filipowski put up 16 points and nine rebounds in the win.