Follow live coverage as UConn, Purdue play for the national championship today
The 2024 NCAA Tournament got a little more interesting in the Sweet 16 as three 1 and 2 seeds lost on Thursday night in the East and West Regionals. The wins by Clemson and Alabama guaranteed that at least one team higher than a 3-seed will make this year’s Final Four in Arizona.
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It’s no surprise that defending champion UConn is in the Elite Eight. The Huskies have won their first three games in the NCAA Tournament by an average of 29 points, including a 30-point victory over San Diego State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
The Huskies are big favorites against Illinois in the East Regional final and can be the first team to clinch a spot in the Final Four. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 29 points in the Illini’s win over Iowa State in the Sweet 16 to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005.
Clemson upset Arizona in the Sweet 16, providing the biggest shock. The Tigers controlled the game from the tip, building a 10-point lead within the first 10 minutes of the game and leading by eight at halftime. Clemson held on in the second half. Arizona tied the game a couple times, but never took the lead.
Alabama beat No. 1 North Carolina to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2004 and looks to make the Final Four for the first time in program history.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Connecticut Huskies
6:09 p.m. ET on TBS
Clemson Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
8:49 p.m. ET on TBS
(Photo of Clemson’s PJ Hall: Harry How / Getty Images)