NCAA Tournament 2019: Top takeaways from 2nd half of Round of 32 games

The second round of the NCAA Tournament wrapped up on Sunday with several thrilling finishes. Here are the biggest things we learned about each winner.

We needed a day like that, didn’t we?

After what had been a relatively ho-hum NCAA Tournament in terms of upsets, close games, crazy finishes, and storylines, Sunday finally delivered a handful of memorable moments.

Tennessee tied an NCAA Tournament record by blowing a 25-point lead to Iowa before recovering and winning in what was the first overtime game of the tournament. Then Duke and UCF played in a game that will surely dominate the news cycle for the next 24 hours.

For starters, the Blue Devils should’ve lost the game. UCF had a chance to take a six-point lead late before blowing a lob, which turned into the three for Duke on the other end.

Then there was extreme controversy late as Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett combined to put Duke ahead in the closing seconds on plays helped by non-calls on a charge and push in the back that many felt should’ve been called (which you’ve undoubtedly seen on social media).

Finally, UCF had TWO game-winning attempts fall off the rim as Duke held on for the dramatic victory.

It was easily the game of the tournament’s opening weekend and, while the tournament has lacked upsets, it sets up a stellar slate of heavyweight matchups in the Sweet 16. Every top three seed advanced for the second time since seeding began in 1985 and Oregon is the only non-top five seed still playing.

What are the biggest takeaways from today’s games and what could they mean for all eight teams that advanced? Find out in this new Rauf Report.