TNIAAM Friday night Sweet 16 open thread

Despite the Syracuse Orange getting knocked out last week, the NCAA Tournament continues this weekend.

On Thursday night, Gonzaga, Texas Tech, Purdue and Virginia all pulled off wins — with the latter nearly getting upset by yet another double-digit seed (this time, Oregon). On Friday night, we’ll see who will join those four teams in the Elite 8.

So if you’re watching, here’s a quick rundown of the games below, along with TV information.

(all times ET)

No. 2 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 3 LSU Tigers, 7:09 p.m. (CBS)

Despite being without Will “The Outlaw” Wade on the sidelines, LSU’s still managed to get to the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, after a scare against No. 15 Bradley, Michigan State finds themselves exactly where their seed would indicate they should be (for once, lately). MSU’s been playing well and possesses one of the country’s top offenses and defenses, respectively, by efficiency. The Tigers have their work cut out for them.as the “worst” remaining team in the field by KenPom’s overall efficiency rating.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 5 Auburn Tigers, 7:29 p.m. (TBS)

UNC dispatched Washington pretty easily in the second half last weekend, but Auburn’s a different animal. Following a close call vs. New Mexico State in round one, the Tigers absolutely blew by Kansas in the second round and are a top-10 offensive group. To little surprise here, I think the Heels are a championship contender and their top-15 defense guides them just past Auburn to get the Elite 8.

No. 1 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 4 Virginia Tech Hokies, 9:39 p.m. (CBS)

Duke won by inches against UCF last week, and now have to face a healthy Virginia Tech squad that already beat them once this season (77-72, but without Zion Williamson playing). Tech’s shot reasonably well in the NCAAs, but was also a bit shaky against upstart Liberty in round two. This one could end up being surprisingly low-scoring despite the talent both offenses display.

No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats vs. No. 3 Houston Cougars, 9:57 p.m. (TBS)

If PJ Washington goes for UK, he’s probably going to be limited. That could be a potential concern for the Wildcats, who outlasted Wofford last round but could need a little more firepower against high-flying Houston. It’s not surprising that UH is here given their seed, though some doubts arose following a big loss to Cincinnati in the AAC title game. If they manage to pull off the upset, it would be their first Elite 8 since 1984.