END OF THE MADNESS FOR BRITS - Hoopsfix.com

END OF THE MADNESS FOR BRITS

All three British players in the NCAA Tournament have headed back to campus after their teams were eliminated during the competition’s frantic first weekend.

Teddy Okereafor’s VCU Rams put up the best fight, upsetting Wichita State on Thursday and coming within a missed three-pointer of defeating Indiana on Saturday. Okereafor, a freshman, did not get off the bench in either game.

Ohio State’s star-studded front line was too much for Shane Walker to handle as the Buckeyes defeated Loyola Maryland in the first round of the tournament. OSU big men Jared Sullinger and DeShaun Thomas combined for 43 points, while Northampton-born Walker was in foul trouble for much of the game, and finished with eight points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Davidson were overwhelmed by Louisville’s athleticism but managed to keep the score respectable, losing 69-62 in their first round matchup. The Wildcats’ Scottish forward Ali Mackay did not play in the game.

Elsewhere in the tournament, No. 1 overall seed Kentucky showed why they are favourites to win it all as they breezed past Western Kentucky and Iowa State.

Not everyone found it so easy though, as No. 2 seeds Duke and Missouri both lost their first-round games in two of the biggest upsets in recent history.

Other high seeds still alive include Syracuse, Michigan State, Kansas and North Carolina, though the Tar Heels’ point guard Kendall Marshall fractured his right wrist and is questionable for their Sweet 16 matchup with giantkillers Ohio.

Sweet 16 games will be played Thursday and Friday, with the Elite Eight following on Saturday and Sunday. You can catch the action on ESPN America, with the first game tipping off at around 11pm GMT on Thursday.

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