Physical Vols bully Blue Devils

Olivier Nkamhoua tied his career high with 27 points, including 13 straight for Tennessee during a decisive span in the second half, and the fourth-seeded Volunteers beat Duke, 65-52, in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.

Tennessee (25-10) ended Duke’s 10-game winning streak by using a brand of “bully ball” to send the fifth-seeded Blue Devils (27-9) packing.

West Region UCLA 68, Northwestern 63

In Sacramento, Calif., Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 24 points and UCLA withstood a second-half push from Northwestern (22-12) to get back to the Sweet 16.

The Bruins got good news after the game, learning key guard David Singleton didn’t break his ankle, giving UCLA (31-5) hope that he might be able to return when they play in the Sweet 16 next week.

Midwest Region Texas 71, Penn State 66

In Des Moines, Iowa, Dylan Disu had a season-high 28 points on 14-for-20 shooting, steadying Texas down the stretch after a late Penn State surge and leading the Longhorns (28-8) to their first regional in 15 years.

Houston 81, Auburn 64

In Birmingham, Ala., Marcus Sasser looked just fine, scoring 22 points and top-seeded Houston (33-3) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit, stifling Auburn (21-13) in the second half to advance.

South Region Alabama 73, Maryland 51

In Birmingham, Ala., Brandon Miller heated up — scoring 19 points, and so did Alabama (31-5), which avoided the fate of two other top NCAA Tournament seeds and brushed aside Maryland (22-13).

San Diego State 75, Furman 52

In Orlando, Fla., San Diego State (29-6) ended March Madness darling Furman (28-8), getting 16 points from Micah Parrish to pace a balanced scoring attack.