Creighton Guard: Ryan Nembhard #2
The six seeded Creighton Blue Jays end the 15-seed Princeton Tigers miraculous run in the Men’s NCAA March Madness tournament after defeating them 86-75 sending Creighton to the Elite 8.
The Blue Jays guard was one of the main facilitators of their teams’ offense, despite only scoring 9 points, the Canadian registered 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Nembhard sets the tournament high amongst the Canadians this year in assists and is only one of two Canadians to advance to the Elite 8.
Creighton has continued to show their talented scoring roster in each round, shooting over 50% from the field and almost 85% from the freethrow line. However, the Blue Jays will have to fix their high turnover rate that is amongst the highest in the tournament this year.
With 13 turnovers against Princeton, Creighton will need to come out confident if they want to stand any chance against fifth-seed San Diego State in the Elite 8 at 2:20pm est. on Sunday
Texas Forward: Marcus Carr #5
Marcus Carr and the Texas Longhorns advanced to the Elite 8 of the Men’s NCAA March Madness tournament after defeating the third-seed Xavier Musketeers 83-71.
The Longhorns guard was all-around his team’s best player, scoring 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists with just under 50% from the 3-point line. The Canadian has once again shown why Texas is one of the best teams’ in the country.
By shooting over 55% from the 3-point line, Texas has shown that their perimeter scoring has become a major threat amongst the teams in this year’s tournament. Carr contributed to his team’s scoring, shooting 2/3 from the 3-point line and in total shot just under 50% from the field.
The Toronto native will go-on to face the fifth-seed Miami Hurricanes in the Elite 8 at 5:05pm est. on Sunday
Alabama Center: Charles Bediako #14
The last one-seed to get sent home are the Alabama Crimson Tide after being upset 71-64 to the fifth-seed San Diego State in the round of 16.
Despite being eliminated, the Alabama center played his role efficiently, scoring 10 points on 5/7 shooting while tallying up seven rebounds.
Alabama struggled from the 3-point line, shooting a tournament low 11% on 27 attempts and found themselves in foul trouble in the game as well.
Bediako has been non-stop entertainment since his freshman year and will continue to grow his game for the Crimson Tide, which will benefit Canada Basketball.
The fifth-seed San Diego State will go on to play the six-seed Creighton Blue Jays and Ryan Nembhard in the Elite 8.
