Elite 8 highlights, bracket update
The Des Moines Register • • sports
Key Points:
- Iowa State Cyclones (29-7), the No. 2 seed, face No. 6-seed Tennessee Vols (24-11) in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at the United Center in Chicago, with tip-off around 9:25 p.m. CT on TBS.
- Tennessee leads at halftime 34-33 in a closely contested game, with both teams showing strong defense and Tennessee dominating offensive rebounds but missing many layups.
- In the second half, Tennessee has built a double-digit lead, capitalizing on Iowa State's missed free throws and physical advantage inside, while Iowa State struggles to find offensive rhythm, especially without injured Joshua Jefferson.
- Key Tennessee players Ament and Burg are in foul trouble, which could impact the final minutes, but Iowa State has yet to fully exploit these weaknesses despite forcing 12 turnovers so far.
- If Iowa State wins, they will advance to play the winner of Michigan vs. Alabama in the Elite Eight; the game is being closely followed with live updates due to its late start and high stakes.
