Purdue, Miami, Iowa State, and More Advance in NCAA Tournament

The second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continued on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with several teams securing their spots in the Sweet 16. ESPN reporters provided courtside insights as games unfolded across the country.

Purdue Defeats Miami, Advances to Sweet 16

No. 2 seed Purdue defeated No. 3 seed Miami 80-72, continuing their strong performance in the tournament. Braden Smith led the Boilermakers with 26 points and 8 assists. Purdue’s success hinges on Smith controlling the pace of the game and their frontcourt dominating Miami’s. Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed 25 points and 9 rebounds, while Fletcher Loyer added crucial three-point shooting.

For Miami, Malik Reneau needed to be the standout player to have a chance at victory, and while he played well, it wasn’t enough to overcome Purdue’s balanced attack. The Hurricanes needed to pressure Smith and play disciplined in the paint, but ultimately fell short.

Iowa State to Face Kentucky in Sweet 16 Matchup

Iowa State advanced to the Sweet 16, despite potential challenges with Joshua Jefferson’s availability. The Cyclones are expected to slow down Kentucky’s perimeter attack, relying on the defensive skills of Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure. Milan Momcilovic is poised to exploit a potential mismatch against Kentucky’s defenders.

Kentucky will demand to protect the ball against Iowa State’s aggressive defense and make shots from beyond the arc, with Otega Oweh, Collin Chandler, and Denzel Aberdeen needing to contribute.

Kansas and St. John’s Set for Sweet 16 Battle

Kansas will face St. John’s in the Sweet 16, with Flora Bidunga expected to be a key player for the Jayhawks. Bidunga’s performance against Ejiofor, one of St. John’s best two-way big men, will be crucial. Kansas needs to limit St. John’s in transition and force them to rely on perimeter shots.

St. John’s aims to control the offensive glass, leveraging the rebounding abilities of Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell. Their defense, which has been strong in recent weeks, will likewise be vital in containing Kansas.

Virginia and Tennessee Clash in Sweet 16

Virginia will take on Tennessee in a Sweet 16 matchup. Virginia’s success relies on its ability to knock down three-pointers and maintain a rugged defense, particularly against Tennessee’s strong offensive rebounding. Limiting Nate Ament’s touches will also be a priority.

Tennessee, led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie, will look to dominate the paint and exploit any weaknesses in Virginia’s defense. They will need Ament to perform at his best and control the offensive glass.

Florida and Iowa to Compete for Sweet 16 Spot

Florida will face Iowa in the Sweet 16. Florida’s game plan centers on stopping Bennett Stirtz and forcing the ball out of his hands, with Boogie Fland tasked with defending him. The Gators will aim to impose their size and athleticism, speeding up the game and making Iowa uncomfortable.

Iowa will need to control the pace and exploit Florida’s size in the paint, mirroring their success against Michigan. They will also need to limit Florida’s second-chance points.

Arizona and Utah State to Battle in the West Region

Arizona will compete against Utah State in the West Region. Arizona’s depth and recent shooting accuracy are key strengths, with five players scoring at least eight points in their previous win. They will need to defend against Utah State’s ball screens and contain MJ Collins Jr. And Mason Falslev.

Utah State will rely on the strong play of Collins and Falslev, and will attempt to exploit Arizona’s defense with backdoor cuts and screens. They will also need Zach Keller and Adlan Elamin to protect the paint.

UConn Faces UCLA in Sweet 16 Showdown

UConn will face UCLA in the Sweet 16. UConn’s versatility and depth, even with potential absences like Silas Demary Jr., make them a formidable opponent. Tarris Reed Jr.’s recent performance, with 31 points and 27 rebounds, highlights their potential.

UCLA will need Tyler Bilodeau to return to provide spacing and offensive firepower. Donovan Dent will also need to step up and play to his potential, while Xavier Booker will be tasked with containing Reed.

Alabama and Texas Tech to Clash

Alabama will face Texas Tech in the Sweet 16. Alabama’s success hinges on their three-point shooting, while Texas Tech will look to match their perimeter prowess. Labaron Philon Jr. Will be a key player for Alabama, while Donovan Atwell will be tasked with defending against Christian Anderson.