March Madness: East Region Second Round Recap in NCAA Tournament
In the first big upset in the East Region, the Wisconsin Badgers upset the top ranked Villanova Wildcats 65-62 to head to the Sweet Sixteen. The Badgers overcame turnovers and foul trouble to defeat the defending champion Wildcats. Florida Gators dominated their match up against the Virginia Cavaliers and won 65-39 returning to the Sweet Sixteen. The Gators thoroughly dominated the undermanned Cavaliers team.
Here are the second round matchup recaps:
Saturday March 18, 2017 –
First Niagra Center – Buffalo, New York
1 – Villanova Wildcats (31-3) – 62
8 – Wisconsin Badgers (27-9) – 65
Wisconsin defeated Villanova 65-62. The Badgers over-came foul trouble for two of its star players to upset the defending champions. Nigel Hayes scored 19 points and made a nifty layup in traffic with 11.4 seconds left. Brandon Koenig was in foul trouble, but managed 17 points. The Badgers also over-came 14 turnovers compared to Wildcats eight.
The Wildcats were led by Josh Hart who scored 19 points. Hart was stripped on a drive in the final seconds to seal the win for Wisconsin. Wisconsin advance to face the Florida Gators in the Sweet Sixteen.
Saturday March 18, 2017 –
Amway Center – Orlando, Florida
5 – Virginia (23-10) 39
4 – Florida Gators (26-8) – 65
Florida completely dominated the Virginia Cavaliers. They led 31-17 at halftime and continued to dominate in the second half and won 65-39. Florida were led by forwards Justin Leon and Devin Robinson who both scored 14 points. Leon and Robinson both had double doubles with 10 and 11 rebounds each respectfully as well.
Virginia just could not get much offense going. They were led by center Jack Salt who scored eight points and grabbed ten rebounds. Guard London Perrantes scored six points. Florida will go on to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Sweet Sixteen.
On Sunday, March 19, 2017, the following two matchups are set.
