The Sweet 16 is here and after this weekend we will be down to just four teams remaining in the NCAA tournament. From there, of course, we will be to the National Championship on April 6th. Let’s take a look at all eight of the sweet 16 games, as well as my predictions. Feel free to criticize me when I get them wrong.
Thursday’s games:
Notre Dame vs. Wichita State
Notre Dame is probably the better team, though the talent level is closer than most people probably realize. Despite going undefeated last year in the regular season and limping into the NCAA tournament this year with four losses, this year’s Shockers are a better team. This should be a very close game from the opening tip to the final buzzer. In the end riding their momentum from a big win in the round of 32, I think Wichita State wins this game.
North Carolina vs. Wisconsin
North Carolina can be very explosive on offense, the question for the Tar heels is can they be disciplined enough? Wisconsin is a very defensive team, typically not thought of as being high scoring, this year’s Badgers are not your typical Wisconsin team. They make fewer mistakes and capitalize on their fundamental play. The Badgers escape at the end.
West Virginia vs. Kentucky
By now everyone knows Kentucky is undefeated and easily has the most future NBA players on their team. They haven’t been tested many times this season. West Virginia’s style is very aggressive and designed to make you play fast and create turnovers. This could be a problem for the young Wildcats. Kentucky wins it, but the game is closer than expected and West Virginia gives Kentucky everything they can handle.
Xavier vs. Arizona
Sean Miller, former Xavier coach, is now the head coach at Arizona. He led Xavier as far as the Elite 8 and now he is trying to keep them from it. Xavier is a good team, I just don’t think they are good enough. I think Arizona will have their best game of the tournament so far. The game will be closer than the final score indicates, but Arizona is just too talented and wins this one.
Friday’s games:
UCLA vs. Gonzaga
UCLA has had a nice run to get to the Sweet 16, aided by a questionable call in the first round. Regardless, let’s give credit where credit is due, The Bruins have played very well. Bryce Alford has come through when needed and Tony Parker is clearly the X-factor for UCLA. I have Gonzaga in the National Championship, and I think UCLA’s run ends with this game. Zags win it and move on.
NC State vs. Louisville
This is maybe the most intriguing game of the Sweet 16. Louisville will play very physical and try to take NC State out of their game. NC State will try to get out and run, it will be a battle of completely opposite styles. NC State continues their magical run beating Louisville behind another big performance from Anthony Barber.
Utah vs. Duke
Utah’s run has surprised me this year. I haven’t picked them in a game yet but they just keep winning, I’m picking against them again so if you want Utah to win, you’re welcome, this means they will. Duke is playing some of their best basketball of the season, especially on the defensive end which is important this time of year. Duke wins it.
Michigan State vs. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is probably more talented, Buddy Hield is probably the best player on the court and Oklahoma could be on a magical run the Final Four. I don’t doubt that this could happen, but I’m picking it to end here. Michigan State just finds a way. You can’t pick against Tom Izzo and the Spartans this time a year. Michigan State takes it late and the Spartans move on.