Men's March Madness live tracker: Purdue holds off Miami,...

What’s Happening

Let’s talk about ESPN reporters are on-site, from Philadelphia to San Diego, tracking all the second-round action.

Men’s March Madness live tracker: Updates from all of Sunday’s games Jeff Le/Imagn Images ESPN Multiple Authors Mar 22, 2026, 12:30 PM ET Email Print Open Extended Reactions The first half of the Sweet 16 is set, with 16 teams playing for one of the final eight tickets to the second weekend of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament as the second round continues Sunday. ESPN reporters are on-site across the country, from Philadelphia to San Diego, to deliver courtside insights. (it feels like chaos)

Follow along as they and the staff track all the action.

The Details

Jump to : Previews for rest of Sunday’s games Previews All times Eastern . (2) Iowa State , (7) Kentucky 2:45 p.

, CBS How Iowa State can advance to the Sweet 16: Even with Joshua Jefferson unlikely to play , Iowa State has enough to beat Kentucky. The Cyclones have the individual perimeter defenders to slow down the trio of Otega Oweh , Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen — particularly Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure — and could have success forcing turnovers.

Why This Matters

Kentucky also doesn’t have an answer for Milan Momcilovic , who has a case to make as the best shooter in the country and stands at 6-foot-8. The Wildcats will likely have to guard him with 6-4 Oweh or 6-5 Chandler, so Momcilovic should have the edge there. Without Jefferson, TJ Otzelberger could opt to go with a smaller lineup that features Momcilovic at the 4, which might create a tougher individual matchup but would also space out the Kentucky defense and remove some of its shot-blockers from the paint.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• — Jeff Borzello How Kentucky can advance to the Sweet 16: It starts with taking care of the ball.
• Iowa State thrives when it can force turnovers and get out in transition for easy baskets.
• The Cyclones are fourth in the country in defensive turnover percentage and in points off turnovers per game.

The Bottom Line

The Cyclones are fourth in the country in defensive turnover percentage and in points off turnovers per game. Kentucky was 12th in the SEC in turnover percentage, although the Wildcats have tightened things up lately, giving it away just 46 times in their last five games.

Are you here for this or nah?