NCAA Tournament results, Day 3: Big Ten’s strong run continues

After 10 consecutive wins in the NCAA Tournament, the Big Ten Conference finally suffered a loss, as Wisconsin was unable to complete an incredible comeback vs. BYU.

A second Big Ten team, UCLA, was unable to get by Tennessee, falling 67-58.

Despite the losses of the Badgers and Bruins, the league sent two teams through to the Sweet 16 on Saturday, as Purdue and Michigan both advanced. They have the chance to add four more as Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State and Oregon all play on Sunday.

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

(Please refresh for the latest updates)

Cinderella McNeese can’t solve Purdue

Purdue didn’t just rely on its size advantage, they decided to out-shoot McNeese, knocking down six 3-pointers in the first half on way to a 76-62 victory and spot in the Sweet 16.

The Boilermakers finished 11 of 26 from deep as Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 22 with 15 rebounds. He was one of the few Purdue players to not hoist up a triple, as Fletcher Loyer had 15 with three made 3-pointers.

McNeese, who upset Clemson in the first round, was led by Sincere Parker’s 17 off the bench. Will Wade announced following the game that he has signed a six-year deal to become head coach at N.C. State.

Houston holds on late vs. Gonzaga

Once known as the little giants of the NCAA Tournament, Gonzaga nearly returned to that role against Houston. The Zags cut into a second half deficit, holding the ball down three late in the contest.

But the Cougar defense rose up, securing the win without allowing a potential game-tying triple to get off, winning 81-76. The Big 12 regular season and conference champions were led by star L.J. Cryer, who scored 30.

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)