NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Set

The dust has settled after the exciting resolution of the 2nd Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Only 16 teams remain, comprising the “NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.” The third stage of the tournament is set to resume on March 24th. There were, as usual, the fair share of upsets and surprises. However, this season all four top seeds from each region get to advance and this has not happened since 2012.

The landscape is looks quite familiar at least to everyone who follows the ACC. Six of the Sweet 16 teams come from the ACC, a very impressive showing by the conference.

In the South region we have tournament favorite and overall top seed Kansas facing off against Maryland. Kansas defeated UConn and Maryland ended Hawaii’s dream run to get here. Miami and Villanova will be an interesting match-up to watch.

Arguably, the marquee match-up of the Sweet 16 is taking place in the East. UNC will go head-to-head against Indiana. Both programs have been here before and this should prove to be a tactical encounter piloted by the respective coaching staffs. The other East match-up on tap will be between Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

In the West it will be Oregon vs. Duke and Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma. Texas A&M endured a double overtime slugfest against Northern Iowa in order to advance to this stage. Expect more exciting games from this team.

UVA takes on Iowa State in the Midwest. Gonzaga, which totally demolished third seeded Utah in the 2nd Round, will be put to the test by Syracuse.

Which teams will make it to the tournament Elite Eight and which teams’ season will come to a bitter end?