Michigan State vs Kansas State

In arguably one of the best games of the tournament, it took overtime to decide this one as the Kansas State Wildcats took down the MIchigan State Spartan 98-93. If you didn't know his name before, you certainly do now -- Markquis Nowell put on a historic performance breaking the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game finishing with 19 dimes, 20 points and 5 steals. Keyontae Johnson had 22 points and four other Wildcats were in double figures. Two plays left an everlasting mark on this game both by Nowell. With less than a minute to go, as Nowell is dribbling the ball up the court, the star point guard seemed to be disagreeing with his coach Jerome Tang on what the next play call should be but this was all a ruse. Suddenly out of nowhere, Nowell heaves a pass to a cutting Keyontae Johnson who slams it home for the alley-oop putting K-State up two. The second defining play -- with less than :10 in OT, Michigan State has the ball down 3. The Spartans are desperately trying to get off a three to tie the game, but Nowell makes an incredible play on the ball, strips it from a Spartan as he's shooting a three. Nowell is then off to the races to seal the victory.

Arkansas vs UConn

Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman would have no shirtless celebration in this one as the UConn Huskies absolutely dominate the Razorbacks 88-65 to advance to the Elite Eight. Jordan Hawkins led the way for the Huskies scoring 24 points. The big stat for this game was UConn's three point shooting. They were 9 of 20 from three and were able to put Arkansas to bed real quick.

FAU vs Tennessee

This Cinderella wasn't invited to the dance but she doesn't care what you think. FAU got the upset victory over Tennessee 62-55 propelling them to the program's first Elite Eight appearance in program history. This one came down to who wanted it more. Florida Atlantic was undoubtedly the smaller team but still outrebounded Tennessee 40-36. Star of the game was Michael Forester. With less than 10 minutes to go, Forester hit a 3 pointer putting the Owls up 41-39. Forester started a scoring run the Volunteers simply couldn't stop and now our Cinderella has a potential Final Four date in her sights.

Gonzaga vs UCLA

These programs have some heartbreak March Madness history. Most recently in 2015 when Gonzaga beat UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen and then in 2021 when the Bulldogs would win again in a Final Four matchup. The first 39 minutes were the Drew Timme show. He put on a full display of his offensive arsenal. Timme would end the game 36 points but you couldn't count the Bruins out until the buzzer sounded. Down 8 with less than a minute to go, UCLA stormed back due to silly turnovers and missed free throws by the Zags. With less than :10 to go, UCLA now up 76-75, Gonzaga's Julian Strawther inbounded the ball to Hunter Sallis and followed him up the court. In an instance, NCAA March Madness fans may have wondered if this was 2016 again as the Bulldogs ran the exact play that won Villanova their national championship. Sallis got across halfcourt and dribbled close to the three point line, he then passed the ball back to Strawther for a deep three-point shot that ended up sending Gonzaga to the Elite Eight. The nostalgia was awesome but the execution was even better.