And Then There Were 8 - NCAA Tourney Update
- Pre Game Sports
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 30
The NCAA tournament continues on Saturday, March 29, with two intense quarterfinal matchups featuring powerhouse programs and elite talent. As teams fight for a coveted spot of being one game away from the championship, the stakes have never been higher. Here’s a breakdown of the action ahead.
Saturday’s NCAA Matchups
(3) Texas Tech vs. (1) Florida – 6:00 PM ET
Texas Tech has made a strong statement in this tournament, showcasing a lockdown defense and disciplined play. Florida, on the other hand, has balanced scoring and a deep roster that can create matchup nightmares for opponents. The key to this game will be Texas Tech’s ability to control the pace and disrupt Florida’s offensive rhythm. Expect a battle from start to finish.
(2) Alabama vs. (1) Duke – 8:30 PM ET
A heavyweight showdown between two teams stacked with NBA talent. Alabama’s high-powered offense will be tested by Duke’s defensive intensity and experience. The Crimson Tide love to push the tempo and fire from beyond the arc, while Duke thrives in structured play with elite inside scoring. The winner of this game will likely come down to who controls the boards and limits turnovers.
Sunday’s NCAA Matchups
(2) Tennessee vs. (1) Houston – 2:00 PM ET
Tennessee’s tough defense and balanced scoring attack will be put to the test against Houston’s relentless pressure and physical play. Houston has been dominant all season, but Tennessee has the depth and experience to make this a thriller. Rebounding and second-chance points could decide this battle.
(2) Michigan State vs. (1) Auburn – 4:30 PM ET
Michigan State’s tournament pedigree has carried them through tough matchups, and they’ll need all of their experience against Auburn’s high-energy squad. The Tigers have been nearly unstoppable in transition, and the Spartans will need to slow the pace and execute in the half-court to keep their championship hopes alive.
Last Appearances in the Quarterfinals
As teams prepare for the final push toward a national championship, here’s a look at the last time each of Saturday’s squads reached this stage.
Team | Last Appearance in Round of 8 |
- Duke - Alabama - Tennessee | 2024 |
Houston | 2022 |
- Texas Tech - Michigan State - Auburn | 2019 |
Florida | 2017 |
These teams are no strangers to deep tournament runs, and they’ll be looking to capitalize on their experience and punch their ticket to move on
Pregame Like A Champion
As the tournament continues, be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming Pregame Sports bar crawls with exclusive drink specials and a great party with other fans. It's the number 1 pub crawl at the best sports bars with all the action!