A look at the updated 2016 March Madness bracket after Virginia advanced to the Elite Eight with a win over Iowa State
The Virginia Cavaliers facing off with the Iowa State Cyclones was always going to be a matchup in March Madness where the pace could ultimately decide the game. While the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region in Virginia operates quite methodically, the Cyclones have a propensity for pushing the ball up the floor and getting things going at high speeds.
Iowa State controlled the pace right from the opening tip, but the interesting thing was that the Cavaliers seemed more than happy to run with the Cyclones and they jumped out to a huge early lead. In fact, Virginia led by 17 points at one point in the first half before going into the locker room up by 14 and with all of the momentum in their favor.
Things seemed to be taking a turn Iowa State’s way coming out of the locker room as they chipped away at the Virginia lead, even cutting it to single digits at one point. However, the Cyclones’ inability to grab rebounds at pivotal moments in the game and the fact that Georges Niang picked up an early fourth foul on a questionable call ultimately cost the Cyclones down the stretch and allowed Virginia to pick up the big win to move on.
After Virginia secured the victory to advance to the Elite Eight, let’s take a look at the updated 2016 March Madness bracket to see where things stand.
Virginia will have a matchup in the Elite Eight, their first trip since 1995 for what it’s worth, against a double-digit seed as they get the winner of Syracuse-Gonzaga. Either way, the Cavaliers are rolling and looking like potential title favorites after this big win in the Sweet 16.
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