The first two rounds of March Madness this year were electric, giving college basketball fans four straight days that were jam-packed with close games, clutch shots, amazing performances and of course, shocking upsets.
Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City has been the story of the tournament thus far, stunning second-seeded Kentucky in the first round before ending Murray State’s 21 game-win- streak in the round of 32. Along with Saint Peter’s, three other double-digit seeds: Michigan, Iowa State, and Miami have also pulled off surprising upsets that have brought them to the Sweet 16.
Moving to some of the top teams in the bracket, Baylor was the only one seed to fall, coming back from 25 down against North Carolina before losing in overtime. The other one seeds — Gonzaga, Arizona, and Kansas – all survived tough second round matchups to make the Sweet 16.
The mix of strong top seeds and intriguing underdogs has made for some very compelling Sweet 16 matchups, and I’ll be giving you my picks for each game.
Arkansas vs. Gonzaga
To get to the Sweet 16, Arkansas played two tough games against Vermont and New Mexico State, grinding out close wins in both. The fact that they struggled in two games against lower seeded mid-major opponents concerns me, and I think Drew Timme, Chet Holmgren, and the rest of the Zags will be too much for them, so I’m taking Gonzaga in this one.
Texas Tech vs. Duke
I really like this Texas Tech team and their defense, bolstered by their swarming traps and no-middle philosophy that funnels the ball to the sides of the court, along with four long and athletic guards in their starting lineup that are all listed between 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-8. I think this defense will give Duke some serious problems, so I like Texas Tech to win in a low scoring battle.
Michigan vs. Villanova
Michigan, a team that many thought didn’t even deserve to make the tournament, has played great so far in their run to the Sweet 16. However, I think Villanova will bring their time in the tournament to an unceremonious end in this one, as they will be too much for the Wolverines. Nova shoots the ball astonishingly well from the outside, are the best free throw shooting team in college basketball, and play tough on defense, all things that will give Michigan some serious problems and lead to a big Villanova win.
Houston vs. Arizona
I am very tempted to pick Houston in this one, especially considering how well they played against Illinois in the Round of 32, as well as Arizona’s struggles against TCU. However, I think Arizona’s size advantage down low compared to Houston’s big men, and the fact that Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa will have time to recover from his injury and most likely be back at full strength, will propel the Wildcats to victory.
Saint Peter’s vs. Purdue
Saint Peter’s has gone on amazing run this tournament, going from an obscure mid-major that almost no one had heard of to one of the 16 teams left standing in all of college basketball. I want Saint Peter’s to win this game and make the Elite 8, but sadly, just like the other two 15 seeds to make it to the Sweet 16, I expect their Cinderella run to end against the Boilermakers. Jaden Ivey is better than any guards the Peacocks have faced so far, and they will be unable to handle the size of Purdue big men Zach Edey and Trevion Williams, so I like Purdue to win this one comfortably.
North Carolina vs. UCLA
North Carolina pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of the tournament by stunning number one seeded Baylor, while UCLA beat a solid Saint Mary’s squad. In this game, I think UCLA’s talented returners with Final 4 experience, along with the great coaching of Mick Cronin, will be the difference and lead them to their second consecutive Elite 8.
Providence vs Kansas
Going into the tournament I did not have high expectations for Providence, as they struggled mightily in the last few weeks of the regular season. They ended up proving me wrong and have impressed me in the first two rounds, and that is why I think they will keep this one close with the Jayhawks. However, this Kansas team won the Big 12 Tournament and is on a seven-game win streak, and I expect them to keep their hot streak going and win a close one against the Friars.
Iowa State vs. Miami
In a Sweet 16 matchup few could’ve predicted, the 11th seeded Iowa State Cyclones will take on the 10th seeded Miami Hurricanes. One of the best parts of March Madness is its lack of reseeding in later rounds, which gives us intriguing matchups like this one between two underdog teams that few expected to make it past the first round. I think Miami gets the victory in this battle of the Cinderella’s, as Iowa State won’t be able to produce enough offensively to match Miami’s fast paced offensive attack, which will do just enough against the Cyclones’ strong defense to bring the Hurricanes to a close win.