On Saturday, the Sweet 16 continued in women’s college basketball, with Caitlin Clark and Iowa delivering an impressive blowout against No. 5 seed Colorado. This set up a rematch of last year’s national championship game against LSU. JuJu Watkins helped lead the Trojans to the Elite Eight, despite struggling with shooting, and Paige Bueckers carried UConn to a victory over Duke. On the men’s side, top-seeded UConn dominated No. 3 Illinois, while Alabama secured its first Final Four berth in program history by defeating Clemson.
The results from Saturday included wins for LSU over UCLA, Iowa over Colorado, USC over Baylor, and UConn over Duke on the women’s side. For the men, UConn defeated Illinois, and Alabama triumphed over Clemson. Alabama’s impressive performance included lethal shooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by Mark Sears’ 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting from 3-point distance. The victory advanced Alabama to their first Final Four, where they will face powerhouse UConn.
Alabama’s run to the Final Four included wins over ACC teams North Carolina and Clemson, with the Tide finding success with their 3-point shooting. Mark Sears’ exceptional performance from beyond the arc played a crucial role in Alabama’s success, as they secured a spot in the program’s first Final Four. Despite a late surge from Clemson, Alabama held on for the win and now looks ahead to their matchup against UConn in the Final Four.
Throughout the game, Alabama showcased their 3-point shooting prowess, with Sears leading the charge with seven made 3-pointers. The Tide’s success from long distance allowed them to build a lead over Clemson, who struggled to keep up despite the efforts of standout players like PJ Hall. With strategic decisions on fouls and effective shooting, Alabama was able to maintain their lead and secure the victory, moving one step closer to a potential championship.
The women’s college basketball games on Saturday also featured standout performances, with UConn’s Paige Bueckers leading her team to a victory over Duke. Bueckers’ 24 points and strong overall performance propelled UConn to the Elite Eight, setting up a matchup against No. 1 USC. The Huskies will aim to continue their success and advance further in the tournament, while USC looks to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the Final Four.
Overall, Saturday’s games showcased the talent and determination of teams in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament. Both the men’s and women’s games featured high-stakes matchups and impressive performances from key players, setting the stage for exciting contests in the Final Four. As teams like UConn and Alabama continue their pursuit of a championship, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling moments as the tournament progresses.