Steve Layman

Preds get a big 3-1 win over Kraken. Some other results pending it could be a very good night for Nashville’s team.

BIG WIN.

I thought Vandy had good composure against a McNeese team that would not go away. That late three by Tanner to make it three possessions was huge.

Vanderbilt moves on, fighting off a game McNeese team 78-68. Tyler Tanner had 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists as the Commodores shot 51% to pull away for their first NCAA Tournament win since 2012. Vandy will face four seed Nebraska Saturday. @NC5

The Tigers know Iowa State is really good but they believe they can compete behind stars Dante Harris, Travis Harper II and OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah.

Nolan Smith guided TSU to OVC regular season and tournament titles in his first year as head coach.

Scenes from @TSUTigersMBB open practice at its first NCAA Tournament since 1994. @NC5

Win or lose I am so happy for Bruce Thornton. What a player. He deserves the tourney stage.

@TSUTigersMBB guard Dante Harris on being back on NCAA Tourney stage, matchup with Iowa State and the opportunity to make history. @NC5

Nkrumah says the fake story about him leaving the team this week was wild. TSU coach Nolan Smith told him that’s what can happen when you have success and people take notice of you.

Tennessee State’s Aaron Nkrumah says it’s surreal to be at the NCAA Tournament. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here with a mic in front of me. It’s like out of 2K.” @NC5

Smith says TSU has to be gang rebounders on defense and value the basketball. No live ball turnovers and no extra possessions given to Iowa State.

Smith says he hasn’t decided whether or not he will bring up the 15 over 2 history or what a win would mean. But he remembers the Hampton upset of Iowa State and knows it can be done by a HBCU.

Nolan Smith says he just wants his Tennessee State team to relax and be us. We’re tough and we’re a championship team, so let’s go play like it. @NC5

Legendary Middle Tennessee coach Rick Insell is retiring. His son Matt, MTSU’s top assistant and former Ole Miss coach will be the new head coach. @NC5

Miami (OH) beats SMU 89-79 to improve to 32-1 and advance to Friday’s Midwest Region first round game against no. 6 Tennessee. @NC5

Mid-major winners > over high-major average teams.