Wingspan defense and big-name exits reshape the second round

Michigan’s length anchored a defense-first second round victory over Saint Louis, while late-game drama and standout performances—like Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner’s 27 before a near-miss—highlighted the night. Illinois produced a rim-rocking, high-energy showing; Iowa, under Ben McCollum’s leadership, edged Florida in a bruising grind; Kansas suffered a shocking exit to St. John’s as Bill Self faces a program in transition; Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. erupted for 36 to push High Point aside, and Cinderella stories appear to be fading as power programs advance toward the Sweet 16.