Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.
Mangia!
Things To Sample
Meet Jack Gohlke
Five years ago, March Madness’ newest star was a redshirt freshman at Hillsdale College (Division II). Today, he’s the breakout star of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The 6-3 Gohlke scored 32 points and made 10 three-point shots in Oakland’s 80-76 win over Kentucky on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. If the Golden Grizzlies continue to advance in the NCAA Tournament, Gohlke will only continue to be a household name. Oakland will meet NC State on Saturday in the Round of 32.
Kentucky fans have been taken to the Gates of Hell
Things have not been pretty recently for the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament. Since 2020, Kentucky missed March Madness in 2021, lost to St. Peter’s in the first round in 2022, lost to Kansas State in the second round in 2023, and then last night, lost to Oakland. What does this mean for John Calipari? Most likely nothing because his buyout is currently a whopping $33,375,000 million dollars. That’s a lot of calamari.
Nebraska aims to make history
The Huskers are the only power conference program to never win a game in the NCAA Tournament and they’ll try and change that today against Texas A&M in Memphis. Nebraska hasn’t been a part of March Madness since 2014. The Aggies meanwhile, are making their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under Buzz Williams and have tangible momentum. Texas A&M has won five of its last six games since it was 15-13 on Feb. 28th. Tip off for today’s game is at 6:50 PM ET on TNT.
On The Side
- Purdue has a combined 31 turnovers in its last two NCAA Tournament losses to Fairleigh Dickinson (2023) and St. Peter’s (2022). Keep a close eye on this team’s ball security today in the Round of 64 against Grambling State.
- Gonzaga has won 15 consecutive first round games in the NCAA Tournament.
- Auburn’s depth could be a major factor. The Tigers have 10 different players who average double figure minutes, which could be significant if this team advances in the bracket. Bruce Pearl’s squad begins March Madness today against Yale.
- Baylor’s Langston Love (ankle) is OUT for this week’s NCAA Tournament games and is doubtful to play for the rest of the season, Scott Drew told College Hoops Today on Thursday. The 6-5 Love averages 11 points and is one of the top sixth men in college basketball. The Bears will face Colgate today in the Round of 64.
- Today’s matchup between New Mexico and Clemson is a major contrast in styles. According to the analytics website KenPom.com, the Lobos are eighth nationally in adjusted tempo while the Tigers are 259. New Mexico is seeking its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012.
