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March Insanity made its triumphant return in 2021 and it didn’t disappoint. Among the finest Cinderella tales from the match got here from 11-seed UCLA who one way or the other managed to claw its method to the Last 4 with wins over Michigan St., UConn, Maryland, Alabama, and Michigan. Gonzaga was unbeaten heading into the sport and thought they’d have a straightforward path to the Finals towards UCLA. That wasn’t the case.
Match standout Johnny Juzang dropped 29 factors because the 22-9 Bruins virtually ruined the Bulldogs’ hopes at an ideal season. These hopes can be dashed just a few days later towards Baylor, however because of the heroics of 1 Jalen Suggs, the Bulldogs stored their dream alive a bit of bit longer. With the rating tied at 90 in time beyond regulation and simply three seconds left within the sport, Suggs took the inbound move, crossed half court docket and chucked up a prayer simply earlier than the buzzer. It banked in. The Last 4 is thought for bringing heart-pulsing moments, and this one was unimaginable to observe occur dwell.
The ladies’s Last 4 was simply as outstanding. Perennial powerhouse Stanford was set for a match with fellow 1-seed South Carolina, and the sport stayed extremely aggressive all through. The biggest lead for both crew on the finish of 1 / 4 was six, and the fourth quarter was completely bonkers.
After ending the third quarter up three, the Cardinal went on a brief run to begin the fourth and go up six with six minutes to go. After that, the Woman Gamecocks slowly clawed their method as much as Stanford, however may by no means take the lead for themselves.
With a minute and a half to go, South Carolina was down 5, however refused to surrender. After a three-point play from guard Destanni Henderson, the Woman Gamecocks have been inside two. South Carolina had a possibility to tie after a steal led to a 3-on-2 quick break, however an important block by Stanford’s Haley Jones stored her crew in entrance. Then, with 40 seconds left, Henderson hit a triple to take the lead, it was South Carolina’s first lead of the quarter. Stanford answered proper again with a deep baseline jumper from Jones. South Carolina had one final alternative to take the lead. Henderson tried to make a play, however when making an attempt to kick the ball out to the perimeter, was intercepted by Stanford’s Ashten Prechtel. The Cardinal would go on to win the sport and confronted Arizona within the championship. One other extremely shut sport ensued, however the Cardinal got here out victorious, securing their third-ever nationwide title. Right here’s to hoping 2022’s March Insanity tournaments are simply as thrilling.
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