\u00a0Christian Anderson<\/a>\u00a0added 18 points, while\u00a0Josiah Moseley<\/a>\u00a0contributed a career-high 16 off an impressive 7 of 8 shooting.\u00a0Donovan Atwell<\/a>\u00a0chipped in 15 points and\u00a0LeJuan Watts<\/a>\u00a0added 14, as five Texas Tech players finished in double figures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite the final score, Akron remained competitive for much\u00a0of\u00a0the game.\u00a0Amani Lyles<\/a>\u00a0led all scorers with 26 points, and\u00a0Shammah Scott<\/a>\u00a0added 20, accounting for\u00a0the majority\u00a0of\u00a0the Zips\u2019\u00a0offense.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Akron closed the first half on a 10\u20133 run to cut the deficit to 40\u201335 and later trimmed the lead to just four points midway through the second half. However, Texas Tech pulled away late with a decisive 14\u20132 run, fueled by hot shooting and strong\u00a0offensive execution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Red Raiders shot a season-best 64.2% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc, while Akron struggled with efficiency outside\u00a0of\u00a0its top two scorers,\u00a0ultimately sealing\u00a0the 91\u201371\u00a0result.\u00a0<\/p>\n Akron head coach\u00a0John Groce<\/a>\u00a0praised his seniors, saying, \u201cOur guys kept playing, kept fighting, and gave us a chance until late. Credit to Texas Tech\u2014they made big plays.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cI thought we had a real chance when Watts fouled out,\u201d he added\u00a0\u201cHe was so effective early in the second half, but we just weren\u2019t able to capitalize.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Round One\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Alabama Crimson Tide vs Hofstra Pride\u00a0<\/p>\n Later in the Midwest\u00a0Region, 4-seed Alabama defeated 13-seed Hofstra, 90\u201370, using a dominant second-half performance to secure the win.\u00a0Labaron Philon Jr.<\/a>\u00a0led the Crimson Tide with a game-high 29 points, including 21 after halftime, while also contributing eight rebounds and seven assists.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0Aiden Sherrell<\/a>\u00a0recorded an impressive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, and Taylor Bol Bowen added 15 points on efficient shooting.\u00a0Amari Allen<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Latrell Wrightsell Jr.<\/a>\u00a0each chipped in 11 points, giving Alabama five players in double figures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Akron closed the first half on a 10\u20133 run to cut the deficit to 40\u201335 and later trimmed the lead to just four points midway through the second half. However, Texas Tech pulled away late with a decisive 14\u20132 run, fueled by hot shooting and strong\u00a0offensive execution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Red Raiders shot a season-best 64.2% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc, while Akron struggled with efficiency outside\u00a0of\u00a0its top two scorers,\u00a0ultimately sealing\u00a0the 91\u201371\u00a0result.\u00a0<\/p>\n Akron head coach\u00a0John Groce<\/a>\u00a0praised his seniors, saying, \u201cOur guys kept playing, kept fighting, and gave us a chance until late. Credit to Texas Tech\u2014they made big plays.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cI thought we had a real chance when Watts fouled out,\u201d he added\u00a0\u201cHe was so effective early in the second half, but we just weren\u2019t able to capitalize.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Round One\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Alabama Crimson Tide vs Hofstra Pride\u00a0<\/p>\n Later in the Midwest\u00a0Region, 4-seed Alabama defeated 13-seed Hofstra, 90\u201370, using a dominant second-half performance to secure the win.\u00a0Labaron Philon Jr.<\/a>\u00a0led the Crimson Tide with a game-high 29 points, including 21 after halftime, while also contributing eight rebounds and seven assists.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0Aiden Sherrell<\/a>\u00a0recorded an impressive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, and Taylor Bol Bowen added 15 points on efficient shooting.\u00a0Amari Allen<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Latrell Wrightsell Jr.<\/a>\u00a0each chipped in 11 points, giving Alabama five players in double figures.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hofstra was led by\u00a0Preston Edmead\u2019s<\/a>\u00a024 points, with\u00a0Cruz Davis<\/a>\u00a0adding 14, as the Pride built a 10-point lead in the first half. However, Alabama responded with a late first\u00a0half run to take a 37\u201335 lead into the break before taking control in the second half.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Crimson Tide shot significantly better after halftime and dominated the glass, finishing with a 46\u201334 rebounding advantage. A late 19\u20134 run sealed the 20-point victory, as Alabama\u2019s physicality, depth, and second-half efficiency proved too much for Hofstra.\u00a0<\/p>\n Wrightsell\u00a0emphasized focus and teamwork.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe came out with an energy and effort that wasn\u2019t matched,\u201d\u00a0Wrightsell\u00a0said.\u00a0\u201cWe played for each other, one possession at a time, focusing on defense and getting stops.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Round One\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Iowa Hawkeyes vs Clemson Tigers\u00a0<\/p>\n In the South Region, 9-seed Iowa defeated 8-seed Clemson, 67\u201361, in a physical, low-scoring matchup where neither team shot above 41% from the field.\u00a0Bennett Stirtz<\/a>\u00a0led the Hawkeyes with 16 points despite an inefficient shooting night, while\u00a0Kael Combs<\/a>\u00a0added 15 points on an efficient 5\u00a0of\u00a07\u00a0performance.\u00a0Alvaro Folgueiras<\/a>\u00a0also contributed 14 points, giving Iowa three players in double figures.\u00a0<\/p>\n The game remained tight throughout, but Iowa\u2019s second-half adjustments proved to be the difference. After struggling to score inside early, the Hawkeyes found success attacking the rim and capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 17\u00a0of\u00a022 attempts in the second half.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Iowa also dominated the\u00a0offensive glass, grabbing 15\u00a0offensive rebounds that led to key second-chance points. Clemson kept pace but ultimately could not overcome Iowa\u2019s physicality and late-game execution, as the Hawkeyes closed out the 67\u201361 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n Clemson head coach\u00a0Brad Brownell<\/a>\u00a0credited Iowa\u2019s toughness.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTheir kids played\u00a0really hard. Very physical team\u2014nothing we\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0expect,\u201d He added.\u00a0\u201cWe just\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0seem comfortable early and missed shots we normally make. Defensive rebounding and fouling were the big differences.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Round One\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Florida Gators vs Prairie View A&M Panthers\u00a0<\/p>\n Top-seeded Florida closed out the first round with a dominant\u00a0114\u201355\u00a0win over 16-seed Prairie View A&M, delivering one\u00a0of\u00a0the most lopsided performances\u00a0of\u00a0the tournament. The Gators shot an efficient 64% from the field and\u00a0showcased\u00a0their depth with seven players scoring in double figures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Boogie Fland<\/a>\u00a0led the way with 16 points, while\u00a0Rueben Chinyelu<\/a>\u00a0recorded his 19th double-double\u00a0of\u00a0the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds.\u00a0Thomas Haugh<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Alex Condon<\/a>\u00a0added 14 and 13 points, respectively, as Florida\u2019s balanced attack overwhelmed Prairie View A&M.\u00a0<\/p>\n After a\u00a0brief tie, Florida took complete control with a massive first-half surge, including a 27\u20132 run to enter halftime with a commanding 60\u201321 lead. The Gators continued to dominate in the second half, finishing with program NCAA Tournament records in points scored,\u00a0assists\u00a0(29), and margin\u00a0of\u00a0victory (59). Prairie View A&M struggled to keep pace after its early shooting success, as Florida\u2019s defense, ball movement, and depth sealed the emphatic 114\u201355 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n Chinyelu reflected on fundamentals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAfter a game where we didn\u2019t play our best, we knew we had to focus on taking care\u00a0of\u00a0the ball, rebounding, and making good decisions,\u201d Fland said. \u201cControlling what we could control allowed us to play our game.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe knew the team coming\u00a0in and\u00a0setting that record tonight was a big statement to the world,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n Round Two\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Iowa Hawkeyes vs Florida Gators\u00a0<\/p>\n The second round delivered one\u00a0of\u00a0the tournament\u2019s biggest upsets as 9-seed Iowa stunned top-seeded Florida, 73\u201372, on a clutch late three-pointer. With just 8.9 seconds\u00a0remaining\u00a0and Iowa trailing by two,\u00a0Alvaro Folgueiras<\/a>\u00a0knocked down a corner three to silence the pro-Florida crowd and give the Hawkeyes the lead for good.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tavion Banks<\/a>\u00a0led Iowa with 20 points on an efficient 7\u00a0of\u00a010 shooting performance, including 14 in the second half.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWatching film, I saw the physicality. I knew we were more physical and had the opportunity to win,\u201d Banks\u00a0said.\u00a0Folgueiras\u00a0added 14 points, while\u00a0Bennett Stirtz<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Cooper Koch<\/a>\u00a0contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, as Iowa placed four players in double figures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Stirtz\u00a0also explained the final shot with\u00a0Folgueiras, \u201cThe play was drawn up for me to get downhill and then this\u00a0dude\u00a0came up to me.\u00a0He\u2019s\u00a0like,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0going to be ready and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0going to make it.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0what he did.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The Hawkeyes built momentum early and\u00a0maintained\u00a0composure late, knocking down key shots and executing under pressure.\u00a0<\/p>\n Florida mounted a strong second-half comeback but\u00a0ultimately fell\u00a0short.\u00a0Alex Condon<\/a>\u00a0led the Gators with 21 points and seven assists, while\u00a0Thomas Haugh<\/a>\u00a0added 19 points after a quiet first half.\u00a0Xaivian Lee<\/a>\u00a0contributed 17 points, including a key late three to keep Florida within striking distance. However, a final possession fell apart, as Florida was unable to get a shot\u00a0off in time, sealing the 73\u201372 upset and ending the Gators\u2019 tournament run.\u00a0<\/p>\n Round Two\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Alabama Crimson Tide vs Texas Tech Red Raiders\u00a0<\/p>\n In the final game in Tampa, 4-seed Alabama defeated 5-seed Texas Tech, 90\u201365, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Crimson Tide controlled the game from the start, building a commanding 49\u201325 halftime lead behind strong shooting and dominance on the boards. Alabama connected on 19 three-pointers and exploited its size advantage, outrebounding Texas Tech 47\u201335.\u00a0<\/p>\n Latrell Wrightsell Jr.<\/a>\u00a0led Alabama with 24 points, knocking down six shots from beyond the arc, while\u00a0Houston Mallette<\/a>\u00a0added 15 points\u00a0off the bench, including five three-pointers.\u00a0Labaron Philon Jr.<\/a>, coming\u00a0off a strong first-round performance, contributed nine points and a team-high 12 assists.\u00a0<\/p>\n Wrightsell\u00a0described the team\u2019s mindset.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0want it to end, so you fight to move on. We played for each other, one possession at a time, focusing on defense and getting stops,\u201d\u00a0Wrightsell\u00a0said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve\u00a0been incredibly prepared. Trell\u2019s presence set the tone\u2014he\u2019s\u00a0elite defensively, and that helped us win,\u201d Mallette added.\u00a0<\/p>\n Texas Tech struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 34.4% from the field and 4 of25 from three-point range.\u00a0LeJuan Watts<\/a>\u00a0led the Red Raiders with 16 points, while\u00a0Donovan Atwell\u00a0<\/a>added 12. Alabama\u2019s defensive pressure and efficient scoring proved overwhelming, as the Crimson Tide pulled away early and never looked back in the 90\u201365 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n Alabama and Iowa advanced out of Tampa, each building momentum heading deeper into the tournament. The Sweet 16 is being held across four cities, Houston, San Jose,\u00a0Chicago\u00a0and Washington,\u00a0for the regional semifinals from March 26 to March 29.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/260320-March-Madness-0127-1024x683.jpg\")
Josiah Moseley goes for a layup during round one against Akron. Photo by Kendall\u00a0Bulkiewicz | The Crow\u2019s Nest<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/260320-March-Madness-0389-1024x683.jpg\")
Josiah Moseley goes for a layup during round one against Akron.\u00a0Photo by Kendall\u00a0Bulkiewicz\u00a0| The Crow\u2019s Nest\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Felski_3_20_2026_March_Madness_MBB_Session_2_8319-1024x683.jpg\")
Ace Buckner scans the court for Clemson Tigers during their game against Iowa Hawkeyes.\u00a0Photo by Alexander Felski\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/260320-March-Madness-0840-1024x683.jpg\")
Isaiah Brown dunks for the Gators against the Panthers in round one.\u00a0Photo by Kendall\u00a0Bulkiewicz\u00a0| The Crow\u2019s Nest\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Felski_3_23_2026_March_Madness_MBB_Round_2_0252-1024x683.jpg\")
Alvaro\u00a0Folgueiras\u00a0shares his victory with Hawkeye fans that came to support.\u00a0Photo by Alexander Felski\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Felski_3_23_2026_March_Madness_MBB_Round_2_0501-1024x683.jpg\")
Amari Allen screams in excitement during round two game against Texas Tech Raiders.\u00a0Photo by Alexander Felski\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t Post Views: 44
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n![\"More](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4e9114125192f5a30d18cc102e7b33b9.png\")
<\/a>
Written by: Kendall Bulkiewicz<\/a> on March 25, 2026.
Last revised by: Julia Ferrara<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Fans fill the arena during March Madness first- and second-round games, as teams compete for a spot in…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":205626,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[202,204,203,199,201,200],"class_list":["post-205625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-st-petersburg","tag-st-pete","tag-st-pete-headlines","tag-st-pete-news","tag-st-petersburg","tag-st-petersburg-headlines","tag-st-petersburg-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205625\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}