Friday Night Hoops: UConn, Duke, Michigan, and Tennessee Advance to Elite Eight

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The 2026 Men’s Sweet 16 concluded on Friday night with a slate of games that solidified a dominant showing for the Big Ten and set the stage for an explosive Elite Eight. While Thursday was defined by last-second heroics, Friday saw a mix of defensive grinds and high-powered offensive clinics.

Here is the recap of last night’s Sweet 16 action.

East Regional (Washington, D.C.)

No. 1 Duke 80, No. 5 St. John’s 75

In a classic Big East vs. ACC showdown at Capital One Arena, the Blue Devils fended off a gritty Rick Pitino-led Red Storm squad. Duke controlled much of the game, but St. John’s cut the lead to a single possession in the final minute. Ultimately, Duke’s poise at the free-throw line secured their spot in the Elite Eight.

No. 2 UConn 67, No. 3 Michigan State 63

The defending champions survived a massive scare. UConn jumped out to a 19-point lead, but Tom Izzo’s Spartans came roaring back to briefly take the lead in the second half. The Huskies relied on Tarris Reed Jr. (20 points) and Alex Karaban (17 points) to weather the storm and keep their repeat hopes alive.

Midwest Regional (Chicago, IL)

No. 1 Michigan 90, No. 4 Alabama 77

The Wolverines put on an offensive clinic at the United Center, overwhelming Alabama’s high-octane “Lando-ball” with superior size and efficient shooting. Michigan led from the jump and never allowed the Crimson Tide to get within striking distance in the second half, punching their ticket as the favorite to emerge from the Midwest.

No. 6 Tennessee 76, No. 2 Iowa State 62

The Volunteers reached their first Elite Eight in the Rick Barnes era with a defensive masterclass against the Cyclones. Tennessee’s physical perimeter defense forced Iowa State into double-digit turnovers and poor shooting percentages, turning a close halftime game into a double-digit rout by the ten-minute mark of the second half.