Malik Newman Helps Kansas Advance to the Sweet 16

That was an insane game from the cover to the over hitting and to everything else going on. Despite Angel Delgado dropping a 24 point, 23 rebound game, Kansas was able to advance to the Sweet 16 thanks to Malik Newman. The former 5-star and Mississippi State transfer has continued to be really damn good for Kansas. He scored 28 tonight and more importantly had 0 turnovers to lead Kansas over Seton Hall 83-79 to advance to the second weekend.

Angel Delgado was insane for Seton Hall. As discussed since the brackets came out, Delgado had a huge advantage on the interior, especially with Azubuike limited due to injury. That said Azubuike was huge for this game, as he put up 10 points and 7 rebounds with a ridiculous +21 on the floor. While he didn’t necessarily shut down Delgado, the addition to Azubuike on the floor was massive for Kansas.

This was a brutal loss for Seton Hall. They took a lead late in the first half and had two guys with big games as Carrington pitched in with 28 points. This was a group of seniors that many expected to put together a run in March. Unfortunately they dealt with off the court problems and inconsistent play to get there. That said, tonight was all about Newman for Kansas. This is a guy that was scrutinized during his one year at Mississippi State, when he decided to stay home as a top-10 pick. He has found his role at Kansas though and really stepped up while Devonte Graham only scored 8 points and committed 5 turnovers.

Kansas moves on to play the winner of Auburn/Clemson next week in Omaha. Pretty crazy for a team that was a game back in the Big 12, dealing with Billy Preston not suiting up this year, trying to get Silvio De Sousa eligible and put together a group of four guards. Bill Self is just such a good coach.