The Sweet 16 stage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament delivered another thrilling night of intense matchups, dramatic finishes, and standout performances as teams battled for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight. Thursday’s action saw top seeds pushed to the limit, Cinderella stories continuing their runs, and some heartbreaking exits. Here’s a comprehensive recap of all the key moments from the Sweet 16 games.

Game 1: UConn Dominates to Advance
Defending champions UConn showed why they remain the team to beat, delivering a dominant performance to defeat San Diego State 82-65. UConn’s suffocating defense and precision offense overwhelmed San Diego State from the outset.

Tristen Newton led the Huskies with 21 points, while Donovan Clingan controlled the paint, adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. UConn established control early in the game, using a 14-2 run midway through the first half to create separation.

San Diego State struggled to find consistent scoring, with Jaedon LeDee being their lone bright spot, contributing 18 points. Despite their best efforts, the Aztecs couldn’t keep up with UConn’s relentless pace and offensive efficiency. The victory punched UConn’s ticket to the Elite Eight, where they will face a formidable opponent.

Game 2: Purdue Survives Late Scare Against Tennessee
Top-seeded Purdue survived a nail-biter against Tennessee, edging out a hard-fought 72-69 victory. Purdue’s star center Zach Edey was the difference-maker once again, recording a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Tennessee kept the game close with stellar three-point shooting and tough defense. Dalton Knecht led the Volunteers with 20 points and hit key shots down the stretch to keep Tennessee within striking distance.

In the final minute, Purdue’s defense held firm as Tennessee’s last-second attempts to tie the game missed the mark, allowing Purdue to advance to the Elite Eight.

Game 3: Alabama Holds Off Creighton in High-Scoring Thriller
Alabama and Creighton treated fans to one of the most exciting games of the tournament, with Alabama ultimately prevailing 87-83 in a back-and-forth contest.

Mark Sears starred for Alabama, scoring 28 points, including clutch free throws in the final seconds. Brandon Miller added 18 points and provided timely defensive plays that kept Creighton at bay.

Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner fought valiantly, leading his team with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but Alabama’s late-game composure proved decisive. The Crimson Tide secured their spot in the Elite Eight, continuing their pursuit of a historic Final Four appearance.

Game 4: Gonzaga’s Cinderella Run Ends Against Marquette
The magical run of Gonzaga came to an end as Marquette delivered a clinical performance, winning 78-70 to advance. Gonzaga, which had captured the hearts of fans with its underdog story, fought hard but struggled to overcome Marquette’s balanced attack.

Tyler Kolek paced Marquette with 20 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense efficiently and creating opportunities for his teammates. Kam Jones contributed 17 points, while the Golden Eagles’ defense limited Gonzaga’s transition game.

Gonzaga’s Anton Watson put up 16 points in a valiant effort, but Marquette’s composure in the closing minutes sealed their spot in the Elite Eight.

Key Takeaways from the Sweet 16

1. UConn’s Dominance Continues: The defending champions look poised for another deep run, with their defense and depth making them a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
2. Purdue’s Resilience: Despite facing a late challenge from Tennessee, Purdue proved they can win tight games under pressure. Zach Edey’s dominance in the paint remains a huge asset.
3. Alabama’s Offensive Firepower: Alabama’s ability to score in bunches and handle high-pressure situations makes them a legitimate title contender.
4. Marquette’s Poise and Balance: Marquette’s well-rounded approach, with strong guard play and defensive discipline, gives them an edge as they move deeper into the tournament.

What’s Next?
The Elite Eight matchups are now set, with UConn, Purdue, Alabama, and Marquette all looking to punch their tickets to the Final Four. The upcoming games promise even more high-stakes drama as the nation’s top teams battle for college basketball’s ultimate prize.