Loyola-Chicago Stuns Kansas State, On To Final Four
(Atlanta, GA) — Led by a career-game from senior Ben Richardson, 11-seed Loyola Chicago stunned Kansas State 78-62 in the Elite Eight on Saturday from Atlanta. Richardson put up a career-high 23 points as the Ramblers move on to the Final Four for the first time since 1963. Marques Townes added 13 points for Loyola-Chicago, which shot 57-percent from the field. The Ramblers will represent the South Region at the Final Four next weekend in San Antonio. Xavier Sneed keyed Kansas State with 16 points in defeat. The Wildcats trailed by a dozen at halftime and couldn’t rally. They’ll end the season at 25-and-12.
Michigan Fights Off Florida State, Advances To Final Four
(Los Angeles, CA) — Third-seeded Michigan held off a late surge from Florida State for a 58-54 win in the Elite Eight from Los Angeles. Michigan led by 10 with less than three minutes left, but Florida State trimmed the lead to two before the Wolverines closed it out. Charles Matthews led the way with 17 points for Michigan, which advances to play Loyola-Chicago at the Final Four in San Antonio next Saturday. Phil Cofer led the Seminoles with 16 points and 11 rebounds in defeat. Florida State shot less than 33-percent from the field, and ends the season at 23-and-12.
Pistons Roll Over Bulls
(Detroit, MI) — The Pistons jumped out to 21-point lead at halftime and coasted to a 117-95 victory over the Bulls in Detroit. Anthony Tolliver came off the Pistons bench to score a game-high 25 points. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 20 rebounds in the win. Eight Pistons scored in double figures as they won for the third time in four games. Denzel Valentine led the Bulls with 18 points. Chicago has lost five in a row.
Devils Edge Lightning
(Newark, NJ) — Keith Kinkaid stopped 35-of-36 shots sent his way as the Devils edged the Lightning 2-1 in Newark. Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri each tallied goals for New Jersey, which inches closer to a playoff spot. The Devils currently hold the final Wild Card slot in the East. Ondrej Palat notched a power play goal for the Lightning. Despite the lost, Tampa is tied with Nashville for first in the league with 106 points. The Bolts have already locked up a playoff bid.
Blues End Blue Jackets’ Winning Streak
(Columbus, OH) — Jake Allen logged 33 saves as the Blues nipped the Blue Jackets 2-1 in Columbus. Alexander Steen scored on the Blues’ initial shot. Vladimir Tarasenko scored the other St. Louis goal in the second period. The Blues have won five straight and seven of eight and are clinging to the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Cam Atkinson scored an unassisted goal in the second period to pull the Blue Jackets within a goal. The loss snapped the Jackets’ 10-game winning streak.
Blackhawks Trip Up Islanders
(Brooklyn, NY) — Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad scored second period goals as the Blackhawks turned back the Islanders 3-1 at the Barclays Center. Chicago goalie Anton Forsberg logged 31 saves and Brent Seabrook added a late insurance goal. The Blackhawks snapped a five-game losing streak. John Tavares scored his 33rd goal early in the third period as the Islanders cut the lead to 2-1. New York goalie Jaroslav Halak rejected 22 of 24 shots. New York lost for the fifth time in six games.