The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continued to deliver high-stakes drama on Thursday as four teams punched their tickets to the Elite Eight. Texas Tech, Duke, Alabama, and Florida emerged victorious in a night filled with comebacks, record-breaking performances, and intense battles that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Texas Tech Stages Historic Comeback Against Arkansas
The most electrifying game of the night saw Texas Tech rally from a 16-point deficit to defeat Arkansas 85-83 in overtime. Darrion Williams, the hero of the night, sealed the win with a driving layup in the final seconds of overtime, capping off an incredible comeback—the second-largest in Sweet 16 history.
Arkansas, despite leading for most of the game, faltered under defensive pressure late in regulation. The Razorbacks had one final shot to force a second overtime, but DJ Wagner’s attempt came up short, sending the No. 3 seed Red Raiders to a showdown with Florida in the Elite Eight.
“We going to fight ‘til the end. It don’t matter the score,” Williams said postgame. “We could be down 20, we gone keep fighting.”
Duke Outlasts Arizona in High-Scoring Thriller
In a battle of heavyweights, Duke fended off Arizona 100-93 to secure their 25th Elite Eight appearance. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg showcased why he is considered one of the best young players in the country, delivering a standout performance with 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks.
Despite Duke leading for most of the game, Arizona’s Caleb Love kept the Wildcats in contention with a game-high 35 points. However, clutch shooting and defensive stops in the final minutes secured the win for the Blue Devils, who now prepare to face Alabama in the next round.
Alabama’s Three-Point Barrage Sets NCAA Record
Alabama put on a historic shooting display against BYU, draining a record-breaking 25 three-pointers en route to a 113-88 victory. The Crimson Tide’s backcourt trio of Mark Sears, Aden Holloway, and Chris Youngblood combined for 21 of those long-range shots, surpassing the previous tournament record set in 1990.
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Sears led the way with 34 points, while Holloway added 23. The No. 2 seed will now face Duke in what promises to be another high-powered matchup.
Florida Dominates Maryland to Advance
Top-seeded Florida had no trouble dispatching Maryland, securing an 87-71 victory with a well-balanced offensive attack. The Gators had six players score in double figures, led by Will Richard’s 15 points.
Florida’s depth and relentless rebounding proved too much for the Terrapins, setting up a high-stakes Elite Eight clash with Texas Tech.
What’s Next?
The remaining Sweet 16 games continue on Friday, with marquee matchups including Tennessee vs. Kentucky and Auburn vs. Michigan. Meanwhile, the Women’s NCAA Tournament also features a strong lineup, with South Carolina, UCLA, and Duke among the teams looking to advance.
As the road to the Final Four narrows, anticipation builds for what promises to be another weekend of unforgettable basketball moments.
