Given the way these teams match up, however, the key to the game is going to be in the battle of the bigs. ![]() Yes, UConn guard Jordan Hawkins just went for 24 points in the win over Arkansas, and Gonzaga wing Julian Strawther just dropped an iconic game-winner from the logo against UCLA. And while Timme may fill up a score sheet, he'll also have to worry about boxing out Sanogo on the other end since UConn is one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. Getting similar possessions in this contest would mean the game, and the season, hinges on winning those post-up battles. When Gonzaga has been pressed in tight games against TCU and UCLA in this tournament, the offense has solely focused on getting the ball to Timme down low. ![]() Now just one win from the Final Four, it's impossible to think he won't play a big role in Saturday night's showdown. The 6-foot-9, 245-pound junior has been an integral piece in UConn's build to this year's breakthrough. That path to Houston currently runs right through Sanogo, who lacks Timme's tournament experience but is playing at an elite level, averaging 23.3 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game across the Huskies' three wins. Now stepping on the court for his 13th career NCAA Tournament game, Timme likely needs another big performance to keep Gonzaga's title hopes alive. Timme is coming off an all-time NCAA Tournament performance with 36 points and 13 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win against UCLA, setting a new tournament record with 10 games of at least 20 points. The battles on the block between Gonzaga center Drew Timme and UConn forward Adama Sanogo will be entertainment worthy of its own promotional billboard in Las Vegas, advertising a clash of bigs that will determine the tournament fate of two proud programs. Let's get into some key storylines heading into both games. 9 seed FAU and will be followed by the West Regional final between No. Saturday's Elite Eight action starts with the East Regional final between No. This is the end of the road for the 2023 season, so just like the teams looking to capitalize on each remaining opportunity, there is an entire collection of sports fans who tune in to the Elite Eight to soak up each last shining moment. ![]() All the chaos of the early rounds is brought to a head here in the Elite Eight, with just one team emerging from each corner of the bracket.Īnd while there is some sadness that we no longer have wall-to-wall tournament action for 12 hours or need to flip back and forth between games, there is some urgency in the scarcity. Saturday's two regional finals will send the winning teams on to college basketball's biggest stage, the Final Four, where they'll play for a shot at the national championship in Houston. The 2023 NCAA Tournament has reached one of the most iconic points in the annual March Madness schedule: The Elite Eight is underway.
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