UCLA won 86-80. But because of the pandemic, it’s been 710 days since last we saw the NCAA Tournament — who’s counting? The first four games were grafted onto the 64-team main bracket in 2011, naturally, to pad the NCAA coffers. Michigan State’s brief appearance in the tournament was coach Tom Izzo’s 23rd straight, but it was small consolation. They told me that the flight was leaving tomorrow at 9:30 (am),” Norfolk State coach Robert Jones said.

Joseph Yesufu scored 21 points and Drake held on to beat Wichita State 53-52 in a tense First Four matchup between former Missouri Valley Conference rivals. Wichita State left for the American Athletic Conference in 2017. Both mid-major powers were given at-large bids into the NCAA field, and their matchup was dominated by defense — Drake shot 38% while Wichita State shot 34%. We just didn’t get it done tonight.”AdDrake missed 10 straight shots as Wichita State built an early 18-6 lead. Wichita State was scoreless for the last five minutes of the half.

It was their eighth victory this season by five points or fewer, and their highest-ranked victim at home since beating No. Suddenly, a program that began the season in turmoil is on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. At one point the Ducks had six of seven games postponed by COVID-19, and that streak ended with an ugly loss to Washington State. But they followed with five straight wins, including one over fellow bubble-dweller Colorado, heading into an important game against No. That makes their game against Oregon on Thursday night crucial for helping out a shaky resume.