March Madness Update – 22 March 2022
Men’s NCAA Division I National Championship,
Sam Waardenburg and University of Miami Hurricanes are through to the Sweet Sixteen at the Big Dance after knocking off second-seeded Auburn 79-61. Waardenburg was his usual solid self, making 7 points on 3 from 4 shooting, securing 5 boards and blocking a couple of shots in a dominant display by the #10 Miami. The Hurricanes now head to Chicago to play Iowa State on Friday.
Harrison Young and Texas Christian University almost doubled the number of Kiwis in the round of 16 but the Horned Frogs were outscored 10-5 in overtime as they were edged 85-80 by Arizona University.
Women’s Basketball Invitational
St Mary’s College Gaels concluded their season with silverware as they won the Women’s Basketball Invitational beating Cleveland State 80-73 making it three wins in three days. In the Final Tayla Dalton posted 9 points, 5 rebounds and a pair of assists while Tall Ferns forward Amy West came up with 4 rebounds and 4 points. St Mary’s guard Jade Kirisome missed the tournament as she recovers from shoulder surgery.
Men’s Basketball Invitational
In the Men’s Invitational Abilene Christian are through to the semi-finals after defeating Troy University 82-70. Tobias Cameron secured a team high 7 rebounds to accompany 4 assists and 3 points.
Men’s NIT
Taine Murray and Virginia Cavaliers prevailed 71-69 in an overtime thriller to defeat North Texas in the second round of the National Invitational Tournament. The Cavaliers move on to a quarter-final match up against St Bonaventure later this week.
Women’s NIT
In the second round of the Women’s NIT, Portland University Pilots found the going too tough at Oregon State – losing 74-56 against Pac 12 opponents. Emme Shearer had 5 points and 3 assists plus her customary 2 steals for the Pilots – the former Harbour standout has led Portland in that statistical category this season.
NJCAA (Junior College) National Championships
Izzy Cook, Rashaan Smith and Western Nebraska College Cougars enjoyed a great run at the NJCAA (Junior College) National Championships going all the way to the Final Four. Unfortunately a Grand-Final spot wasn’t forthcoming as Western Nebraska were defeated 88-76 by Tyler College in the semi-finals. Izzy Cook was absent through injury while Smith grabbed a couple of rebounds for the Cougars.
