2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Saturday's Round of 32 games

2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Saturday’s Round of 32 games

Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) reacts with guard Andrew Nembhard (3) and Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren (34) in the second half against the Georgia State Panthers during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan Wolverines NCAA Tournament Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

There are eight games on the Saturday slate as we enter the Round of 32 in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Here’s a look at the most intriguing matchups in each region for tonight’s slate.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Tennessee Volunteers (South Region) – 5:15 PM EST

The Big Ten and SEC will square off on Saturday evening in what should be a defensive slugfest against the Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Volunteers. Tennesee made quick work of the Longwood Lancers in the opening round, 88-56, led by 18 points from junior guard Santiago Vescovi and 17 points from Josiah-Jordan James.

While the Volunteers shot 60 percent from the field as a team, they held the Lancers to 38.5 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent shooting from behind the arc for the game

They also shot 14-of-24 from 3-point land as a squad led by six from Vescovi and three apiece from Kennedy Chandler and James. They’ll look to bring similar pressure to Michigan on Saturday.

Michigan surprised a lot of folks with their comeback victory 75-63 against the Colorado State Rams. Freshman wing Caleb Houstan is partly to thank for that.

Houstan turned his game up a notch in the second half against the Rams and finished with 13 points to spark the Wolverines‘ run early to pull off the “upset” over the No. 6 seed.

Now, Houstan, Hunter Dickinson, and company will look to play spoiler once again against one of the three SEC teams left in the NCAA Tournament field.

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