JEROME HUNTER

Jack Nunge scored 18 points, Adam Kunkel added 15 on five first-half 3-pointers, and No. 3 seed Xavier beat 11th-seeded Pittsburgh 84-73 to reach its first Sweet 16 since 2017.

Jack Nunge blocked Terrell Burden’s driving attempt at a go-ahead layup in the final seconds, and Xavier dug out of a 13-point hole against surprising Kennesaw State to escape with a 72-67 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Zach Freemantle scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Colby Jones also scored 16, helping No. 22 Xavier hand No. 2 UConn its first loss, 83-73.

Purdue has won nine straight in the series, matching the second-longest streak in school history. The Boilermakers also won nine straight from 1929-35 when future coach John Wooden was playing, plus they won 12 straight from 1908-14. It quickly cut a 29-20 deficit to 35-31 early in the second half before the Boilermakers answered with eight straight points. Starting guard Armaan Franklin missed his fourth straight game (right foot). The Boilermakers won despite going 6 of 21 on 3s and having 15 turnovers.

They've also won eight straight over Indiana, three in Bloomington, and it didn't take Michigan long to break this one open. AdAljami Durham led Indiana (12-12, 7-10) with 15 points while Race Thompson added 11 points and six rebounds. Michigan made Indiana uncomfortable against full-court pressure, stayed in front of the Hoosiers in half-court defense, and challenged shot after shot. Indiana: The Hoosiers trailed 22-21 with 8:36 left in the first half — and then let another one get away. Indiana: hopes to earn a split in the season series Tuesday at Michigan State.