The Columbus region started out pretty chalky but featured arguably the biggest March Madness upset of all time.
(16) Fairleigh Dickinson upset (1) Purdue, 63-58. (9) FAU squeaked by (8) Memphis, 66-65. (7) Michigan State controlled the game and beat (10) USC, 72-62. (2) Marquette surged in the second half to beat (15) Vermont, 78-61.
1) Michigan State looks like they could make a run in March Madness
Michigan State will need to shore up some of its pick-and-roll coverage, but the guard play looks like they could go on a run for the Spartans. They were in control for almost all of the game against USC, trailing for only a minute. Joey Hauser was also huge, going 4-for-6 from deep and having 17 points. Four players contributed double-digit points, and they only turned it over 7 times.
(7) MSU takes on (2) Marquette at 5:15 p.m. ET on Sunday in the round of 32.
2) Marquette can dominate at a moment’s notice
After letting Vermont stick around in the first half, Marquette really turned it up in the second half. This is an offense that can put up a ton of points in a hurry. Kam Jones scored all 19 of his points in the second half. This was truly a team performance as five guys scored in double-digits, and Tyler Kolek contributed 8 points. This is a Golden Eagles team that can beat anyone when they are on.
(2) Marquette takes on (7) MSU at 5:15 p.m. ET on Sunday in the round of 32.
3) FDU does the unthinkable
Fairleigh Dickinson pulled off one of the biggest upsets in March Madness history. It was a game in that FDU dared anyone besides Zach Edey to beat them, and no one could. Purdue missed plenty of open threes, and knocking down a couple would have changed the outcome.
The Knights put themselves in the spot to pull off the upset. They seemed to want it more from start, and it seemed like they got all the bounces. Those are the two things that are needed for an upset of this magnitude. Sean Moore had a season-high 19 points.
(16) FDU takes on (9) FAU at 7:45 p.m. ET on Sunday in the round of 32.
4) FAU pulls it out late to knock out Memphis
In a close game for most of the game, FAU was the team that ultimately pulled it out. Nicholas Boyd made a layup with 2 seconds left to put FAU up one. The Owls are a solid team all around. They did not shoot well, but they had 18 offensive rebounds and only 9 turnovers. Now with FDU in the next round, FAU has a legitimate chance to make the Sweet Sixteen.
(9) FAU takes on (16) FDU at 7:45 p.m. ET on Sunday in the round of 32.