Rob‘s 2026 March madness bracket update – Sweet 16 edition, day 2

There were four more games held Friday night to determine the rest of the Elite Eight going into the remainder of this weekend. Thursday I went 0–4; it’s not like I could do any worse for Friday. Let’s look at last night’s results.

UConn vs. Michigan State: Powerhouse vs. Persistence

Result: UConn defeats Michigan State 67–63

UConn has been a basketball powerhouse in both the men’s and women’s brackets for years. While I love Tom Izzo—and Michigan State is a perennial contender—the Spartans haven’t been to the national championship in 20 years.

The Highlights:

• UConn looked like they were going to run away with it early, leading by as many as 19 points.

• The Spartans stormed back to actually take a one-point lead (45–44) midway through the second half.

• Tarris Reed Jr. led the Huskies with 20 points, and a clutch three-pointer by Alex Karaban with 1:39 left finally sealed MSU’s fate.

My Pick: I didn’t even have MSU making it to the Sweet 16. In fact, I had Louisville beating UConn. WRONG.

Michigan vs. Alabama: The Road to the Natty

Result: Michigan defeats Alabama 90–77

This tracks for my bracket, as I have Michigan winning the national championship.

The Highlights:

• This was a historic win for the Wolverines, setting a new program record for wins in a single season.

• Yaxel Lendeborg was a force, putting up 23 points and 12 assists.

• Michigan blew the game open with an 8-0 run early in the second half and never looked back, proving their structured defense could handle Alabama’s high-tempo “Crimson Tide.”

My Pick: Michigan winning the Natty. RIGHT.

Duke vs. St. John’s: The Old Man’s Wisdom

Result: Duke defeats St. John’s 80–75

This is the one game I actually watched last night. It was closer than the final score suggests; St. John’s was fouling Duke late in the game just to try and get the ball back.

The Highlights:

• Duke’s Caleb Foster made a huge return from a broken foot to steady the Blue Devils.

• Cameron Boozer (22 points, 10 rebounds) and Isaiah Evans (25 points) were the standout duo that kept Duke alive after they trailed by 10 in the second half.

• I always question the late-game fouling strategy because I feel like you’re essentially giving the other team points when you’re down. I know the idea is that you automatically get the ball back, but still…

As the Old Man always told me: FREE THROWS WIN BASKETBALL GAMES. My Pick: I had Duke winning this one and ultimately playing Michigan for the national championship. RIGHT.

Tennessee vs. Iowa State: The Blowout

Result: Tennessee defeats Iowa State 76–62

Tennessee delivered the biggest blowout of the day, securing their third straight trip to the Elite Eight.

The Highlights:

• Freshman Nate Ament led the Volunteers with 18 points.

• The real story was the rebounding: Tennessee absolutely dominated the glass, out-rebounding Iowa State 43–22.

• Iowa State was clearly hurting without their star, Joshua Jefferson, who was out with an ankle injury.

My Pick: I didn’t have either of these teams in the Sweet 16. VERY WRONG.

The Damage Report: The State of the Bracket

2/4 for the day. 2/8 for the Sweet 16 overall. My bracket is a train wreck. It’s ugly, and yet I cannot bring myself to look away. I have to see how this plays out.

I am feeling better about having Michigan beating Duke for the “Natty.” Of the Elite Eight teams, they are the only two I still have left in the fight.

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