HoopsHD continues its simulation of what would have happened in TTTW (The Tournament That Wasn’t). Up next it is time to continue with the First and Second rounds of the NCAA Tournament with a look at the second of the four pods in the Midwest Region. This pod was being played in Sacramento, California, though it featured a huge matchup of two teams from the State of Ohio – Xavier and Ohio State. Those two teams, together with Louisville and New Mexico State, were looking to advance to the Sweet 16 and a chance to take on 1-seed Baylor.
FIRST ROUND – MIDWEST REGION – SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
(5) Ohio State vs (12) Xavier
Following their five point win over Richmond in the First Four, the Xavier Musketeers had set up a classic all-Ohio battle between themselves and 5-seed Ohio State. Naturally this game was being played in . . . Sacramento. Despite both teams having to travel across the country, the Musketeers and Buckeyes both knew that bragging rights within the state where on the line in this game. Xavier had limped into the NCAA Tournament before winning their First Four game, while Ohio State had been a force throughout the Big Ten season, even if they only finished in a tie for 5th place.
The Musketeers were out to prove that just because a team struggles late in the regular season does not mean they cannot win in the postseason. Xavier jumped out early and built a six point lead by the halftime break. The second half saw Ohio State fight back to tie the game at 41 early, but the Buckeyes could not take the lead. Instead, it was Xavier again surging out to an even bigger lead and eventually winning the game going away, by a final score of 77-62. Paul Scruggs led the way for Xavier with 19 points, while both Naji Marshall and Tyrique Jones both notched double-doubles.
Final Score: (12) Xavier 77, (5) Ohio State 62
(4) Louisville vs (13) New Mexico State
The South Region had already produced as 12 vs 13 second round matchup. In the second game of the day in Sacramento, New Mexico State was out to create a second one in the Midwest and advance to take on Xavier. The Aggies had been perfect in the WAC this season, going undefeated against conference foes in the regular season and winning the conference tournament. Their opponent, however, was not a WAC team. Louisville had been one of the top teams in the ACC all season, and the Cardinals entered this game looking to prove that they were worthy of being counted among the list of teams with a legitimate shot at cutting down the nets in Atlanta.
The Louisville Cardinals felt they had something to prove, and prove it they did in this game. New Mexico State kept the score close for about the first 12 minutes, but then the Cardinals turned it on and did not bother turning it back off again the rest of the night. Louisville led 42-28 at halftime a cruised home for a 75-60 win and a date with Xavier in the Round of 32. Jordan Nwora led the way with 23 points in the win, while Dwayne Sutton had a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards.
Final Score: (4) Louisville 75, (13) New Mexico State 60
SECOND ROUND – MIDWEST REGION – SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
(4) Louisville vs (12) Xavier
Louisville had come out like a team on a mission in their first round game against New Mexico State. The Cardinals were now looking to eliminate the Big East’s Xavier Musketeers and advance to a Sweet 16 matchup with top-seed Baylor. Xavier, however, seemed to be on a mission of their own. After barely sneaking into the NCAA Tournament as one of the very last at-large teams selected, the Musketeers had already knocked off Richmond in the First Four and upended in-state foe Ohio State in the Round of 64.
The Louisville Cardinals once again showed up ready to take care of business in this game, jumping out to a very quick 17-4 lead. Xavier tried to fight back, but was only able to cut the lead to 10 points at the halftime break. The second half saw Louisville counter every run that the Musketeers made, including their final late push to pull within a point with 4:27 left to play. A Jordan Nwora 3 on the very next possession extended the lead again, and Xavier seemed to simply run out of gas. Louisville won by a final score of 78-69 led by Nwora’s double-double and 17 points off the bench from Malik Williams. The Cardinals were off to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis, while the Musketeers were heading home with their season having come to an end.
Final Score: (4) Louisville 78, (12) Xavier 69
