March Madness Sweet 16 Preview

The Sweet 16 is here. There are several intriguing matchups that should highlight the action on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday games

7:09: 4 Arkansas vs 1 Gonzaga–

The Zags look to advance against a tough Arkansas team. Gonzaga has had a few struggles in the first two rounds. The Razorbacks will make this a game but ultimately come up a little short.

Winner- Gonzaga

7:29: 11 Michigan vs 2 Villanova

The Wolverines have had a season of ups and downs. Which team shows up in San Antonio. Villanova is always fundamentally strong and the play of Collin Gillespie is simply great to watch. This will be a tight game.

Winner: Villanova

9:39: 3 Texas Tech vs 2 Duke

The Red Raiders hope to close out the career of Coach K with a win. The toughness of Texas Tech will be the reason this happens. On the other hand, the Duke Blue Devils have the talent to outscore the Red Raiders. This game comes down to the last minute to be decided.

Winner: Duke

9:59: 5 Houston vs 1 Arizona

This will be a fun game to watch. Toughness and athleticism all around. Houston is one of the toughest teams in the country. Arizona struggled on the glass against TCU. Arizona will have to play a clean game to come out on top. Look for Houston to pull of the upset.

Winner: Houston

Friday Games

7:09: 15 Saint Peter’s vs 3 Purdue

The Peacocks are the darlings of the tournament. Their run ends here. Purdue is simply too big and powerful and will be fully or should be fully locked in to this Peacock team. The entire building will be against Purdue, but they will prevail

Winner: Purdue

7:29: 4 Providence vs 1 Kansas

Providence has simply won games this year. A lot of close games should give Providence a lot of confidence going forward. The Jayhawks have more talent and should be able to win this game. Kansas wins by 8-10

Winner: Kansas

9:39: 8 North Carolina vs 4 UCLA

A matchup to watch for sure. Two blue blood programs fighting for a spot in the Elite 8. UCLA has injury concerns with Jaime Jaquez being a game time decision. North Carolina has been placing their best basketball of the season. This game will come down to a late shot.

Winner: UCLA

9:59: 11 Iowa St vs 10 Miami Fla

.Two double digit seeds meet in an interesting matchup. Miami has veteran wings, Iowa St has a bunch of quality transfers who have jelled together. We lean toward the guards of Miami being the difference here.

Winner: Miami Fla

Our Upset Pick

Houston over Arizona

Others

Michigan over Villanova

Texas Tech over Duke

Favorite Coaches

Jim Larranaga – Miami

Ed Cooley – Providence

Players to enjoy in the Sweet 16

Doug Edert- St. Peter’s

Isaiah Wong- Miami

Fabian White Jr.- Houston

Adonis Arms- Texas Tech

Eli Brooks- Michigan