The South Regional held so much potential with a few high level programs being able to meet up. We saw Creighton/Baylor, and we could have seen either of those teams matchup with Arizona. However, the Cinderella of this year’s dance is still going, and we witnessed history as the first ever matchup between a 6 and 15 seed in March Madness history.
1 Alabama (31-5)/ 5 San Diego St. (29-6)
With a contrast of styles, this was probably my second most anticipated game for this weekend, with Creighton/Princeton being first. While the Aztecs length and grit on the defensive has proven them capable opponents for anyone in this field. Matt Bradley and co. ran away from College of Charleston (63-57) and squashed the Paladins of Furman (75-52). The Tide were riding a wave of momentum after beating Texas A&M-CC by 21 and Maryland by 22.
The first half was everything that the Aztecs could have asked for. Getting Brandon Miller in foul trouble was a big reason San Diego State took a 28-23 lead into halftime. Led by Darrion Trammell who had nine points, Brian Dutchers group displayed their stout defensive style. Alabama was led by Mark Sears, who had a team high five points. As mentioned above, the Crimson Tide’s superstar in Brandon Miller was saddled with two personal fouls early.
The second half was a game of runs as the Tide jumped out to take their largest lead of the night at nine points. But a second half surge was led by the Aztecs Darrion Trammell, who had a game high 21 points to go along with five boards. San Diego State went on a 19-4 run at the 11 minute mark to not only get the lead back, but put the game away as well.
Alabama’s star freshman Brandon Miller might have had the worst game of the season as he went 3-19 from the field to total nine points, and 11 rebounds. It wasn’t just the freshman that had an off night. The Aztecs had a total of eight blocks, and just like that the 1 seed in the South Regional is officially eliminated.
No. 5 San Diego State 71 – No. 1 Alabama 64
6 Creighton (23-12)/ 15 Princeton (23-8)
Early in the season it was no secret that this Creighton team had the talent to get to the second weekend of the tournament. During the season, however, it was often discussed if this team would even make it into the Big Dance. The Blue Jays caught fire, though, when Ryan Kalkbrenner got healthy. Creighton are starting to finally play like the team everyone thought they would be. Princeton, America’s Cinderella, was still grooving as they had bounced Arizona 59-55 and mauled Missouri 78-63.
It was a completely different style game, as well as a completely different officiated style of game. The first half was 20 minutes that you would want to watch if you love good ball movement, good player movement, and just good offensive basketball. The Blue Jays were led by a trio of birds in double digit scoring: Baylor Scheierman (13), Trey Alexander (10), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (11). Princeton was led by their star man Tosan Evbuomwan who led all scorers with 15 points. Creighton took a slim 47-43 lead after a fun first half.
In the second half, Creighton was just able to hit another gear that Princeton wasn’t able to keep up with. You saw the big man in the middle for the Blue Jays really take control of the game. Along with Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman found his stroke and they combined for 43 of Creighton’s 86. Princeton hung in there for a good portion of the game, but could never get over the hump. The Ivy Leaguers did everything they could to keep the game in reach, but in the end it wasn’t enough.
