In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), no Lithuanian will triumph this season – no compatriot has reached the quarterfinals.
The longest lasting ones Motiejas Krivos and Paulius Murauskas represented by the University of Arizona Wildcats in the Round of 16 72:77 (31-39, 41-38) fell to the Clemson University Tigers.
The Wildcats were seeded second in the West and were considered favorites against the sixth-ranked Tigers, but fell short of expectations.
Jaden Bradley started the last minute with a three-pointer, reducing the deficit of the Arizona team to two points (70-72), but Chase Hunter responded with a two-pointer with a foul, and another exchange of points did not help the favorites to save themselves.
In this match, M. Krivas scored 2 points (1/1 double point) in 9 minutes, rebounded 3 balls, blocked a shot and fouled once, P. Murauskas did not appear on the court.
M. Krivo’s numbers in his debut season reached 12 minutes, 5.5 points (55 percent of 2-pointers), 4.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks. P. Murauska’s average statistics are 5 minutes, 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds.
In the decisive match for the Arizona team, J. Bradley scored 18 points from the bench, Oumar Ballo added 15 (15 rebounds, 7/10 double-pointers, 1/7 free-kicks), 13 – Caleb Love (0/9 three-pointers ). C.Hunter scored 18 points for the winners (0/5 three-pointers, 7 rebounds, 5 rebounds), 17 – PJHall (8 rebounds), 14 – Ian Schieffelin (7 rebounds).
The battle for the NCAA trophy continues with twelve teams – the East and the South are clear finalists, the South and the Midwest are waiting for the semi-finals.
East Division Final:
University of Connecticut Huskies (1) – University of Illinois Fighting Illini (3)
West Division Finals:
University of Alabama Crimson Tide (4) – Clemson University Tigers (6)
South Division Semi-Finals:
University of Houston Cougars (1) – Duke University Blue Devils (4)
North Carolina State University Wolfpack (11) – Marquette University Golden Eagles (2)
Midwest Division Semifinals:
Purdue University Boilermakers (1) – Gonzaga University Bulldogs (5)
Creighton University Bluejays (3) – University of Tennessee Volunteers (2)
The long break: Waterman’s value, Jack’s Republic, the Vovor effect, the battles for 3rd and 6th place and which LKL clubs will be satisfied with the season
