Raise your hand if your bracket's Midwest region is still intact. Four lower seeds earned victories in the Midwest region's first round including Syracuse, Middle Tennessee and Utah's next opponent, the no. 11 seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs. Middle Tennessee's ousting of a Michigan State team that was a favorite to reach the final four, seems to have opened up an easier path for Utah to reach the Elite Eight. Even with Michigan State out, it is still a difficult road ahead, beginning Saturday night in what has become a huge game against the Zags.
Gonzaga played really well on the defensive end on Thursday against a Seton Hall team fresh off a Big East tournament title.