2024 March Madness scores, takeaways: NC State joins North Carolina in Sweet 16 to continue Cinderella run

The ACC is 6-0 in the first and second round of the NCAA Tournament

The madness often synonymous with the month of March was nowhere to be found on Saturday as we tipped off the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Only one team with a worse seed defeated a better-seeded team (No. 5 Gonzaga over No. 4 Kansas), and every betting favorite projected to win its game won its game and moved into the Sweet 16.

That doesn't mean there wasn't entertainment aplenty, though. No. 14 seed Oakland played No. 11 seed NC State to the wire in an overtime thriller. No. 1 seed UNC got all it could handle from Tom Izzy's Spartans. And Tennessee coach Rick Barnes got the better of his former employer to make the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive season.

Our takeaways from the day that was are in the space below.

Top teams trudge forward

In the West Region, No. 1 seed North Carolina and No. 2 seed Arizona won big over No. 9 seed Michigan State and No. 7 seed Dayton. And in the East Region, No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 3 seed Illinois won big over No. 7 seed Washington State and No. 11 seed Duquesne. That was the theme of the day Saturday as all but one better-seeded teams forged ahead into the next portion of the bracket. After several chaotic years in which No. 1 seeds and No. 2 seeds have failed to make it to the second weekend, we're on track for something of a chalky bracket with one day of second-round action still left to play.

Barnes bests his old team 

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes helped lead the Vols to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances for the first time in school history and to within two wins of their first-ever Final Four appearance after a 62-58 victory over Texas — his former employer — on Saturday. Tennessee won it in vintage Barnes fashion with a stingy defensive performance, limiting the Longhorns to their second-lowest scoring total of the season.

NC State keeps double-digit trend alive

No. 11 seed NC State outlasted No. 14 seed Oakland 79-73 in overtime to become the first, and so far only, double-digit seed to make it to the second weekend of this year's tournament. The win for the Wolfpack means the streak of double-digit seeds advancing into the Sweet 16 will extend to 16 straight tournaments — the last one without one coming all the way back in 2007.

2024 NCAA Tournament TV schedule

All times Eastern | NCAA Tournament schedule | LIVE bracket

• (2) Arizona 78, (7) Dayton 68 -- Recap 
• (5) Gonzaga 89, (4) Kansas 68 -- Recap 
• (1) North Carolina 85, (9) Michigan State 69 -- Recap 
• (2) Iowa State 67, (7) Washington State 56 -- Recap
• (11) NC State 79, (14) Oakland 73 -- Recap 
• (2) Tennessee 62, (7) Texas 58 -- Recap 
• (3) Illinois 89, (11) Duquesne 63 -- Recap 
• (2) Iowa State 67, (7) Washington State 56 -- Recap
  
• (3) Creighton 86, (11) Oregon 73 2OT-- Recap

CBS Sports will be with you the entire way updating this story with the latest from every second-round game on Saturday. Keep it locked here for scores, analysis and highlights throughout the evening.

[Mar 24, 2024 at 12:26 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Creighton wins thriller

End 2OT: (3) Creighton 86, (11) Oregon 73

The final game of Day 1 of the second round of the NCAA Tournament provided a remarkable finish. Creighton delivered a 86-73 double overtime win over Oregon behind big performances from Steven Ashworth, Baylor Scheierman, and Ryan Kalkbrenner to advance to the Sweet 16.

Ashworth scored a team-high 21 points, and Alexander added 20 in the win. The Bluejays will face (2) Tennessee next week.

After (11) NC State eliminated (14) Oakland with a 79-73 overtime win at the same site in Pittsburgh hours earlier, Creighton's dramatic finish with Oregon provided more fireworks. This is the first time two games at the same site have gone to overtime at the same site in the NCAA Tournament since 1997. 

Oregon star N'Faly Dante had a monster performance in the loss — finishing with 28 points and 20 rebounds. Dante's co-star Jermaine Couisnard scored a game-high 32 points and hit a 3-pointer in the final moments to force a second overtime. The Ducks had to run the table at the Pac-12 Tournament to get a bid to the Big Dance, and they ended their season with a 24-12 record.

[Mar 24, 2024 at 12:14 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Double OT!

End OT: (3) Creighton 71, (11) Oregon 71

We are heading to double OT after Oregon star Jermaine Couisnard hit a game-tying 3-pointer. On the ensuing end, Creighton star Trey Alexander missed a floater at the buzzer to add an extra five minutes. This is the first time two games at the same site have gone to overtime at the same site since 1997. 

[Mar 24, 2024 at 12:01 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Overtime!

End 2H: (3) Creighton 62, (11) Oregon 62

We are heading to overtime after Creighton star Baylor Scheierman tied the game at 62 with a jumper, and Oregon star Jermaine Couisnard missed a floater on the other end that would've sent his team to the Sweet 16. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 11:02 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Illinois wins big in Round 2

Final: (3) Illinois 89, (11) Duquesne 63

Thanks to a stunning first-round upset that saw Duquesne down BYU, Illinois gets a police escort to the second weekend with two easy wins over double-digit seeds in the first and second rounds. The Illini dominated the Dukes from start to finish after winning 85-69 over Morehead State on Thursday with the same recipe: A heavy dosage of Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask. Shannon had 30 points and Domask finished with 22.

Illinois moves to the Sweet 16 to face No. 2 seed Iowa State next.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 10:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee wins a clunker

Final: (2) Tennessee 62, (7) Texas 58

Tennessee made 3 of 25 attempts from 3-point range but somehow managed to escape with a win over Texas in a battle between Vols coach Rick Barnes and his former school. Dalton Knecht hit four free throws in the final 10 seconds. He led all scorers with 18 points, though it took him 18 shots to reach that mark. It was just that kind of game. A 15-5 edge in points off turnovers was critical for the Vols.

The Volunteers will play either Creighton or Oregon next Friday in Detroit as they make their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 9:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oakland's Cinderella run ends

Final: (11) NC State 79, (14) Oakland 73

It took overtime, but NC State eliminated Oakland, 79-73. No. 11 seeds improve to 7-0 all-time against No. 14 seeds in NCAA Tournament play. NC State will face the winner of (2) Marquette and (10) Colorado next week in the Sweet 16. NC State star D.J. Burns scored a team-high 24 points, and Michael O'Connell added 12 points and eight assists.

Oakland forward Trey Townsend scored a game-high 30 points, and Jack Gohlke added 22 with six 3-pointers. Gohlke drilled 10 3-pointers in a win over Kentucky. Oakland ends its magical season with a 24-12 record.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 9:14 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Overtime!

End 2H: (14) Oakland 66, (11) NC State 66

We are heading to overtime after NC State's halfcourt heave at the horn hit the front of the rim. Oakland forward Trey Townsend has a game-high 27 points, and Jack Gohlke has 22 with six 3-pointers. NC State big man D.J. Burns has a team-high 18 points. The winner of this game faces either (2) Marquette or (10) Colorado next week in the Sweet 16.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 8:17 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Iowa State advances

Final: (2) Iowa State 67, (7) Washington State 56

Iowa State is moving on to the Sweet 16 after overcoming a slow start against Washington State. The Cyclones trailed by eight midway through the opening period before settling in during the second half for a 67-56 win. The victory came behind strong play from Tamin Lipsey, Curtis Jones, Milan Momcilovic, and Keshon Gilbert. Iowa State will face the winner of (3) Illinois vs. (11) Duquesne next week.

Washington State's magical season comes to a close with a 25-10 record. The Cougars made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008 and defeated (10) Drake in the first round. WSU coach Kyle Smith will be one of the top candidates for several high-major positions in the coaching vacancy carousel this offseason. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 7:53 pm ET · David Cobb]

North Carolina marches on

Final: (1) North Carolina 85, (9) Michigan State 69

This one was closer than the final score indicated. Michigan State led 28-17 early, and it was a close game for much of the second half. Ultimately, UNC's veteran duo of RJ Davis and Armando Bacot overpowered the Spartans with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Harrison Ingram contributed 17 on 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point range. The Stanford transfer is shooting like Oklahoma transfer Brady Manek did in 2022 when the Tar Heels reached the national title game. Tyson Walker led Michigan State with 24 in his final game as a Spartan.

UNC will play either Alabama or Grand Canyon in Los Angeles next week for the Sweet 16. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 7:02 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Upset alert in Omaha?

HALF: (7) Washington State 27, (2) Iowa State 27

Washington State guard Jaylen Wells is carrying his team as the Cougars attempt to pull off an upset Omaha. The former Division ll star has 16 of Washington State's 27 points in the first 20 minutes of action, and no one else on his team has more than four. The winner of this game faces either (11) Duquesne or (3) Illinois next week in the Sweet 16. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 6:39 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

UNC back on top heading to half

HALF: (1) North Carolina 40, (9) Michigan State 33

It's been a game of momentum swings early with UNC back on top after trailing big to start this game. Michigan State jumped out to a 12-point lead in the opening minutes but it was all Tar Heels late as they roared back with a 23-3 run to close the half. Michigan State finished the half with seven misses on its last eight shot attempts.

Armando Bacot and RJ Davis have 11 and 10 points, respectively, after starting slow and UNC has done a good job taking care of the ball. Tyson Walker put up to 12 points for Sparty but he's the only player in double figures leading into the break.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 6:16 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Michigan State ahead early

No. 8 seed Michigan State is giving No. 1 seed North Carolina all it can handle and more early. The Spartans lead 28-20 with 7:20 remaining in the first half. They have done a great job keeping UNC on its heels and out of sync on offense. UNC is struggling to adapt to Michigan State's pressure and playing a little tight. It feels like the Tar Heels are forcing the action and feeling the nerves a bit. Michigan State's been hot shooting it early, too, with three makes on its five 3-point attempts and an 11-18 line from the field. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 5:40 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Gonzaga blows Kansas out in Round 2

Final: (5) Gonzaga 89, (4) Kansas 68

No. 4 seed Kansas' season came to an end at the hands of No. 5 seed Gonzaga as the Bulldogs blasted the Jayhawks to the tune of 89-68. Without star Kevin McCullar Jr., KU had no answers on offense and could not keep pace with the red-hot Bulldogs. The Jayhawks made 2 of 23 field goal attempts in a stretch that freed Gonzaga to go on a 32-4 run. 

Gonzaga went more than 26 consecutive minutes without missing consecutive field goals.. Anton Watson had 21 points and Nolan Hickman added 17 in the demolition. Ben Gregg and Graham Ike combined for 30 points and 18 boards.

With the win, Gonzaga punches a ticket to the Sweet 16 for the ninth consecutive tournament under Mark Few. It will face No. 1 seed Purdue or No. 8 seed Utah State in the next round.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 4:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kansas and Gonzaga battling

Half: (4) Kansas 44, (5) Gonzaga 43

Second-round action in the Midwest Region is off to an entertaining start after Kansas and Gonzaga played a tightly contested first half. Both teams led by six at one point, and there were five lead changes. Hunter Dickinson leads all scorers with 13 points for Kansas while Braden Huff has 11 for Gonzaga. Neither team has much depth, so the second half will be a test of endurance in the altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah. If it was anything like the first, a great finish is ahead.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 3:06 pm ET · Kyle Boone]

Arizona holds off frisky Flyers

Final: (2) Arizona 78, (7) Dayton 68

Days after storming back from a double-digit deficit to down Nevada in the first round, No. 7 seed Dayton tries -- but this time fails -- to do the same vs. No. 2 seed Arizona. The Wildcats led by as many as 17 points before allowing Dayton to get within a few possessions on several occasions, but they led throughout and were able to fend off every furious Flyers run late.

Jaden Bradley was big off the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and three blocks, adding immediate energy to supplement the starting five. UNC transfer Caleb Love led the way with 19 points and sunk clutch free throws down the stretch to keep Arizona's cushion comfy.

Arizona is the first team to punch its ticket to the Sweet 16 in this year's NCAA Tournament, and it will face the winner of Baylor vs. Clemson in the next round. 

[Mar 23, 2024 at 1:41 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Arizona in control

Halftime: (2) Arizona 40, (7) Dayton 33

Arizona led by as many as 17 points during the first 20 minutes of action before Dayton closed the half on a 10-0 run. Arizona star Caleb Love scored 13 points in the opening frame and Oumar Ballo added eight to pace the Wildcats. Dayton All-American big man DaRon Holmes ll leads all scorers with 14 points.

The winner of this game faces the winner of (6) Clemson vs. (3) Baylor next week in the Sweet 16.

[Mar 23, 2024 at 12:15 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Storylines to watch on Saturday

From unpredictable upsets to high-scoring track meets and plenty of thrills along the way, the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament had about everything that we want out of March Madness. But now the stakes have been raised as the goal of the weekend is not just to celebrate making it to the Big Dance, but punching a ticket to the Sweet 16. 

Eight games on Saturday's second-round schedule will give us half of the picture for the second weekend, and the slate includes several top teams putting their expectations of playing through the weekend on the line. No. 1 seed North Carolina, No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 2 seed Tennessee have been considered among the top teams in the country for much of the season, and given that status it would be a disappointment for their season to end before at least reaching the regional semifinal. 

Read more below for storylines to watch during Saturday's Round 2 action. 

2024 March Madness live stream: NCAA Tournament TV schedule, watch basketball streaming online Saturday

Chip Patterson

[Mar 23, 2024 at 11:45 am ET · Chip Patterson]

Expert picks for Saturday's second-round games

The 2024 NCAA Tournament has officially started its second round which means there will be plenty non-stop March Madness action entering the weekend. Games continue Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET, as the field will shrink from 32 to 24 teams ahead of contests being played Sunday to wrap up the second round.

The sun-up to sun-down schedule continues through the weekend, though there will be fewer games played head-to-head, which allows for a more complete viewing experience. While we know you no longer have a perfect bracket (don't lie), hopefully you are still in competition to win your bracket pool. Either way, it never hurts to ensure you have a reason to be tuned into each game other than the friendly competition.

2024 March Madness predictions: Expert picks against the spread, NCAA odds in Saturday second-round games

Kyle Boone

[Mar 23, 2024 at 10:55 am ET · Matt Norlander]

How to watch all the Round 2 action this weekend 

The 2024 NCAA Tournament is through its first round, and what was once a 68-team field has been whittled down to 32 with 16 more teams set to be eliminated over the weekend. With multiple upsets already in the books, there are a variety of wonderful matchups on tap beginning Saturday.

Read more below to learn how you can watch every second-round matchup this weekend: 

2024 March Madness TV schedule: How to watch NCAA Tournament championship, announcers, times, live stream

Matt Norlander