NCAA Tournament results, Day 3: Perfect round for Big 12 teams

It was a perfect Saturday for the Big 12 Conference at the NCAA Tournament, as all three teams in action advanced to the next round.

Texas Tech secured its spot in the Sweet 16, bullying its way past upset-minded Drake, 77-64. The Red Raiders got a season-high 28 points from Darrion Williams and 25 by All-American JT Topping, who also had 12 rebounds.

Led by Richie Saunders, BYU held off a spirited Wisconsin rally, winning 91-89 in one of the more entertaining games of the week. The Cougars couldn’t miss early, and held a double-digit lead late into the second half before John Tonje willed the Badgers back into it.

Houston, a No. 1 seed, made sure there would be no upset for Gonzaga, denying a potential game-tying 3-pointer late to earn an 81-76 decision. L.J. Cryer led the conference champions with 30 points, including two key late free throws to seal it.

Iowa State takes to the court on Sunday, as the Cyclones meet Ole Miss in Milwaukee at 6:45 p.m. CST. Baylor plays Duke and Arizona finishes the day against Oregon.

Here are headlines from day three of the NCAA Tournament and complete results:

(Please refresh for the latest updates)

Arkansas denies St. John’s, eliminates No. 2 seed

The SEC showed just how strong the top-half of the league is this year, as Arkansas dominated St. John’s, eliminating the No. 2 seed in the West Region on Saturday, 75-66.

Three players reached double figures for the Razorbacks, who placed in a tie for ninth in their conference this past season. They were able to overcome a 2-for-19 shooting performance from deep, as St. John’s wasn’t much better.

BYU uses hot shooting early to hold off late Wisconsin rally

For the majority of 40 minutes, BYU was the superior team against Wisconson. But behind All-American John Tonje, the Badgers somehow stayed in the game. Tonje scored a tournament-high 37 points, but the Cougars won, 91-89.

Wisconsin had the ball in the final seconds, but Tonje was well-defended on a potential game-tying field goal attempt, securing the win and a spot in the Sweet 16 for BYU.

NCAA TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Second Round

(Saturday, March 22)

Purdue 76, McNeese 62
Arkansas 75, St. John’s 66
Michigan 91, Texas A&M 79
Texas Tech 77, Drake 64
Auburn 82, Creighton 70
BYU 91, Wisconsin 89
Houston 81, Gonzaga 76
Tennessee 67, UCLA 58

(All times are approximate and CST)