Rob‘s March madness bracket update – Sweet 16 edition, day 1

Thursday night featured four matchups—the first half of the Sweet 16. As we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty and there are fewer games on the docket, I’ll go through each game one by one with my picks—assuming, of course, I even had a team left in either game on my bracket.

#9 Iowa vs. #4 Nebraska

In a meeting of two Big Ten rivals, Iowa topped Nebraska 77-71. Nebraska led for almost the entire game—up by 10 at one point—but Iowa closed on a massive 14-3 run to steal it in the final minutes. I actually thought Vanderbilt was going to make their way to the Elite Eight from this pod. WRONG

#2 Purdue vs. #11 Texas

In a matchup that went down to the very last shot, Purdue edged out Texas 79-77. While the finish was a classic thriller, I’d be worried if I were a #2 seed that barely squeaked by an #11. Once again, I didn’t even have Texas in this game; I had BYU going all the way to the Final Four. My lack of college basketball knowledge is really starting to show. WRONG.

#3 Illinois vs. #2 Houston

Illinois beat Houston 65-55. A minor upset based on seeding, but at this point, the tournament is really about who gets hot at the right time. This was a total defensive grind—the lowest-scoring first half for both teams all season (24-22 at the break)—but the Illini’s height was just too much for the Cougars. I didn’t expect Illinois to make it this far; I actually had Saint Mary’s going to the Elite Eight and beating Iowa here. WRONG.

#1 Arizona vs. #4 Arkansas

The X’s are piling up… Arizona looked every bit like a #1 seed as they decisively beat Arkansas 109-88. It was a literal dunk-fest in the first half, but Arizona’s depth took over, with six different players in double digits. My bracket had Wisconsin not only making the Sweet 16, but beating Arizona in this spot. What was I thinking? WRONG.

The x’s are piling up…

The Damage

0/4! Perfection. It’s not the kind of perfection I was looking for, but it’s what I’ve got. Technically, my bracket was ruined on Day 1, but I still have a path for Michigan to win the National Championship. Go Blue!

Today’s post is inspired by the WordPress Daily Prompt. While I’ve taken the topic in my own direction for the Road to 1,000 Days, you can find more responses to today’s prompt HERE .

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