Sweet 16 Predictions

By Stephen Barston

Madness: the one word to describe what’s happened so far in the NCAA Tournament. The lower seeds have dominated thus far, with underdogs like #12 Oregon, #13 LaSalle, and #15 FGCU finding their way into the Sweet 16. But what I’m loving most right now is that there is still more madness to come. Here are my predictions and players to watch in the Sweet 16 matchups:

EAST:

#3 Marquette vs. #2 Miami (3/28)- The Golden Eagles find themselves as one of the last 16 remaining teams after two close wins during the past week, sneaking out victories over Davidson and Butler by a combined 3 points. Vander Blue has carried the rest of his team, but turnovers have seriously hurt Marquette thus far. I see Miami’s athleticism and versatility posing a real mismatch for the Golden Eagles. Look out for Kenny Kadji to dominate the less mobile Marquette big men, while Shane Larkin continues his hot streak.

Verdict: Miami

#1 Indiana vs. #4 Syracuse (3/28)- Both of these teams won close games in the round of 32, but one squad definitely impressed me more. While Syracuse let their double-digit lead slowly wither with missed free throws and ugly turnovers, Indiana showed confidence and found a way to sneak by Temple. Look for this Hoosier poise to shine through again on Thursday when the two teams go head-to-head, and while Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller might not put up huge numbers, stingy defense and depth will help Indiana pull out the victory.

Verdict: Indiana

WEST:

#6 Arizona vs. #2 Ohio State (3/28)- Arizona has shot the lights out so far in the tournament, knocking down 56 out of 100 of their shots and hitting 18 three pointers in two games. Iowa State’s ability to hit the three allowed them to stick around in their game against the Buckeyes. Look for the Wildcats to make the most of their size advantage down low, but to find shots on the perimeter when they need to. If Arizona can take Deshaun Thomas out of his groove and control the Buckeyes’ supporting cast, they will move on to the Elite Eight in exciting fashion.

Verdict: Arizona

#9 Wichita State vs. #13 LaSalle (3/28)- LaSalle is at an extreme disadvantage in terms of height in this game, as well as having to deal with impressive three point shooting from the Shockers. Ramon Galloway has led the way so far for the Explorers, knocking down shot after shot. It will be difficult for him to continue such a torrid shooting streak and for LaSalle as a whole to stop the physicality and (as of late) perimeter shooting of Wichita State, who even outmuscled a strong Gonzaga team including Wooden Award finalist Kelly Olynyk, a high-caliber big man that LaSalle unfortunately lacks. THIS will undoubtedly pose a problem for the Explorers and gives Wichita State an edge.

Verdict: Wichita State

MIDWEST:

#1 Louisville vs. #12 Oregon (3/29)- Louisville’s Peyton Siva and Russ Smith are pesky guards—there is no way around that. Louisville flaunts the second-highest forced turnover percentage in the nation, and with Oregon turning the ball over so much recently (18 turnovers in each of their first two games), the Ducks’ guards should be wary. Not undermining the way Oregon has been playing in the first two rounds, especially for a 12 seed, but the way Louisville is playing, with such confidence and poise, I don’t see the Cardinals falling any time soon.

Verdict: Louisville

#2 Duke vs. #3 Michigan State (3/29)- The depth of these two teams is incredible. Both squads are led by a combination of experienced veterans and sensational youngsters (like Gary Harris for MSU and Rasheed Sulaimon for Duke), but I see the poise and versatility of Duke’s big men, like the strong, sharp-shooting forward Ryan Kelly, leading the Blue Devils to a close win over the Spartans—it might just be the closest game of the week overall, and the matchup that I would most suggest to watch, because it’s going to be a tight one throughout.

Verdict: Duke

SOUTH:

#1 Kansas vs. #4 Michigan (3/29)- Trey Burke is one of the best players in the nation right now, and seems to be a truly great NBA talent. His versatility and ability to drive and dish will be difficult to contain for the Jayhawks, and although Jeff Withey (an intimidating interior force for Kansas who can block and contest shots with ease) will hold down the post, Mitch McGary and his never-ending hustle on both ends of the ball for the Wolverines will be the X-factor in this game. Look for McGary to dominate the game on both offense and defense and continue to impress college basketball fans everywhere as Michigan advances again.

Verdict: Michigan

#3 Florida vs. #15 Florida Gulf Coast (3/29)- This is the matchup you’re probably looking forward to the most. “Dunk City” continues its magical run as they travel to Cowboys Stadium to take on the Gators. The alley-oop-loving FGCU Eagles may have met their match in terms of athleticism, and may even be at a size disadvantage, but how can anyone who has a heart pick the Gators here? Even if the Gators pound the interior with Patric Young and Will Yeguete, the Eagles will play with the same looseness that they have in the past couple of games and will continue to feed off of Head Coach Andy Enfield’s coaching style. They will excite us all and they will shock the world yet again.

Verdict: Florida Gulf Coast

Photo Caption: FGCU may have come into the tournament as an unknown, but all college basketball fans know about the Eagles and their high-flying, energetic style of play now.