Cinderella Keeps Dancing: Loyola-Chicago, Kansas State Win Again

Their victories mean the Ramblers and the Wildcats will face each other in the Elite Eight.

Barry Brown #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with head coach Bruce Weber after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Barry Brown #5 of the Kansas State Wildcats celebrates with head coach Bruce Weber after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It’s well past midnight, but Cinderella refuses to leave the Big Dance and go home.

On Thursday night, Kansas State defeated Kentucky 61-58 and Loyola-Chicago knocked off Nevada 69-68, setting the stage for the No. 9-seeded Wildcats to face the No. 11-seeded Ramblers in the Elite Eight.

It’s a matchup few would have predicted as Kentucky and Nevada were both favored to win and advance for a shot to make it to the Final Four heading into play on Thursday evening.

The West Region had an upset of its own in the first portion of the Sweet 16, as No. 9 Florida State rolled to a convincing 75-60 win over No. 4 Gonzaga.

That means the Seminoles will take on the Wolverines in the Elite, as No. 3 Michigan was the only favorite to take care of business on Thursday, defeating the No. 7-seeded Texas A&M Aggies 99-72.

Elite Eight play will continue on Friday night. If the magic of Cinderella continues, look for Syracuse, West Virginia, Clemson and Texas Tech to emerge as winners.

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