2019 NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 Begins with Gonzaga vs. Florida State

March Madness resumes today as the Sweet 16 begin play. There are four games on tap today and four more tomorrow.

Today’s games begin at 4:09 pm PT when the Gonzaga Bulldogs face the Florida State Seminoles. This is a rematch of one of last year’s Sweet 16 games. Last year, Florida State was a 9 seed and they defeated the Bulldogs, who were the 4 seed. This year, the Zags are the #1 seed in the region while the Seminoles are the 4 seed. Last year, I thought Gonzaga would win and I was wrong, but I don’t think Florida State knocks them off again this year.

The second game today features a matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Purdue Boilermakers. I didn’t think either of these teams would be playing today. I thought Villanova and Cincinnati would advance. I was wrong. Regardless, this should be a really interesting game.

Today’s third game the Michigan Wolverines playing the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In just four seasons at the Division I level, Texas Tech coach Chris Beard is on the verge of his second Elite Eight. A win over Michigan would accomplish that and it would certainly turn some heads as the UCLA coaching search continues.

The final game tonight will pit the Virginia Cavaliers against the Oregon Ducks, who are the only remaining Pac-12 team. I’m not one of those “Back the Pac” guys. Frankly, I think that’s stupid. That said, there’s a darn good reason to root for the Ducks in this game. If Virginia loses, UCLA can start aggressively pursuing Tony Bennett.

Here are all the details for tonight’s action:

This is your NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16, Day 1 open thread.


Go Bruins!