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And then there were 16. The first two rounds of the 2024 NCAA Tournament are in the books, which means we no longer have virtually unlimited high-stakes basketball for an entire weekend. That is a sad realization, but the tournament is just starting to heat up.
All No. 1 and No. 2 seeds advanced to the Sweet 16 for the just the fifth time ever. There was a number of shocking upsets in the first round but all of the potential Cinderella teams fell short in the round of 32. 12-seeds JMU and Grand Canyon, 13-seed Yale, and 14-seed Oakland all had their seasons come to a close this past weekend.
There were also quite a few blowouts. The average margin of victory over the first two rounds was 15.8, the second-highest mark since 1985, according to AP News. Couple this with a 3.3 average seed of the remaining teams and we have what is a fairly chalky Sweet 16. While that may be disappointing to some, it should also make for some really high-level basketball matchups the rest of the way. Here's a ranking of all the remaining teams based on their body of work and perceived Final Four/title aspirations.
1. UConn Huskies
Through two games, the Huskies still look almost immortal. They've walked their way into the Sweet 16 after a 39-point drubbing of 16-seed Stetson, followed by an easy victory over 9-seed Northwestern, 75-58.
UConn may not have blown out their second-round opponent the way Purdue, Illinois, or Duke did, but don't let the final score fool you. It was never a contest. The Huskies got a little complacent in the second half, which allowed Northwestern to avoid complete embarrassment, but the margin was 20+ for a majority of the game.
Consider this: UConn shot 3-of-22 from three-point range vs. Northwestern (one of those coming from a walk-on with 30 seconds left), and there was still never a shadow of a doubt they were going to win big. That's how ridiculous this team is.
The defense is elite inside and out led by the duo of Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan. Hurley's offensive sets also seem impossible to stop with how many disguises are thrown in combined with all the motion. A title game rematch in the Sweet 16 is a nice treat, but like that title game, I don't see this one being very competitive.
UConn is 24-6 ATS in their last 30 NCAA Tournament games pic.twitter.com/ZhDw4MIe8e
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) March 25, 2024
2. Purdue Boilermakers
The pressure has subsided...for now. The Boilermakers have cruised to the Sweet 16 on the back of the 2023 Player of the Year Zach Edey, who has been the most dominant player in the tournament thus far. The senior big man has put up 53 points, 36 rebounds, and six blocks through two games, and Purdue has won by an average of 33.5 points. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
While multiple teams have put up over 100 points this tournament, Purdue's performance against Utah State was maybe the most impressive from an offensive standpoint. Utah State was leading by one with eight minutes to go in the first half. Purdue then proceeded to outscore the Aggies 83-43 the rest of the way.
The defensive game plan to swarm Edey with double and triple teams whenever he touched the ball did not work out whatsoever, with Edey either powering through for multiple hoop and harms or making a great pass that led to an open look. This team looks primed to avenge its Fairleigh Dickinson debacle from a year ago and make a Final Four run.
Players w/ 50+ points, 30+ rebounds in first two rounds of NCAA Tournament since expansion in 1985:
Antonio McDyess, 61 pts, 36 reb for Alabama 1995
Blake Griffin, 61-30 for Oklahoma 2009
Zach Edey 53-35 for Purdue 2024 https://t.co/fdMpkcK8sk— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) March 24, 2024
3. Houston Cougars
The Cougars escaped A&M by the skin of their teeth in the round of 32, but they are still the toughest and most physical team in the tournament, as well as vastly underrated on the offensive end. Kelvin Sampson has three guys on the perimeter that can go toe to toe with anyone in the country.
First-team All-American Jamal Shead, Emanuel Sharp, and L.J. Cryer combined for 71 in the win against the Aggies, continuously hitting huge shot after huge shot to keep the Cougars in control of the game. Conceding 26 offensive rebounds and 45 free throws to the Aggies is a bit concerning, but if not for Wade Taylor IV morphing into Stephen Curry at the end of regulation, this one wouldn't have been all that close.
JAMAL SHEAD WITH THE DUNK OF THE TOURNAMENT 😱#MarchMadness | @Thejshead pic.twitter.com/VY7Hcf39eS
— Hoops Nation (@_HoopsNation) March 25, 2024
4. Duke Blue Devils
While this team sort of picked and prodded their way to a win against Vermont, the floodgates burst wide open vs. James Madison. The Blue Devils went 14-of-28 from beyond the arc, thanks in large part to freshman sensation Jared McCain going 8-of-11.
While it was an offensive clinic from the Blue Devils, the defensive was mighty impressive as well, holding JMU to 55 total points, including 22% from three and 38% overall. 14 forced turnovers turned into 24 points for Duke, who was extremely active and locked in on that end of the floor.
Both sides of the ball are clicking right now for Jon Scheyer's talented squad, but they will have to show a different kind of toughness to beat Houston. The perimeter matchup in this game with the aforementioned Houston stars going head to head against McCain, Jeremy Roach, and Tyrese Proctor might be the best we've seen in the tournament over the past few years. Make sure you don't miss this one.
Jared McCain joined some elite company 👀#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/2yRbNaT8ga
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 25, 2024
5. North Carolina Tar Heels
Coming into the tournament, the Tar Heels were perceived as the weakest No. 1 seed, most prone to a round of 32 upset with Tom Izzo potentially waiting for them. People forgot that the Tar Heels own Michigan State in the tournament, and just improved to 6-0 vs. the program after a convincing 85-69 win on Saturday.
RJ Davis and Armando Bacot are at it again, proving that they are the best 1-2 punch in the field with two dominant performances. Can the supporting cast provide enough to take them back to the Final Four? Time will tell, but all I ask for is a Davis - Caleb Love meeting in the Elite Eight. That alone would make up for all of the blowouts in the round of 32.
6. Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats have been a bit difficult to assess thus far. They've won both of their games by double digits, but did look relatively vulnerable for large stretches in both. Still, they took care of business against No. 15 Long Beach State and No. 7 Dayton (who had to pull off a miracle to win their first-round game) without many theatrics.
Tommy Lloyd's squad is one of the most balanced in the country -- one of three teams in the top 10 for offensive and defensive efficiency -- and hasn't come close to playing its best basketball in this tournament. A scary thing for its opposition, starting with Clemson on Thursday night.
Caleb Love with 13 points already 🔥@ArizonaMBB pic.twitter.com/b2xTXDiF0L
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 23, 2024
7. Tennessee Volunteers
Like the team above, the Vols' play during the tournament has been variable, but even slightly more so than Arizona. They beat the doors off a St. Peter's team that had no chance from the jump, but then barely squeaked by Texas in one of the ugliest games we've seen over the past two weeks.
The muck-fest that played out on Saturday has been the winning formula for Tennessee over the past few years... in the regular season. It's the exact style of play that has kept them from making a deep tournament run, but it also feels like they may have turned a corner by winning this one, even with the atrocious 3-of-25 performances from three-point range.
This was the exact type of game they lost in prior years. If the Vols shoot like that vs. Creighton, it will be another disappointing exit for coach Rick Barnes, but I have a feeling they will regain form on the offensive end. This is still a really deep team that has legitimate star power with Dalton Knecht and Zakai Zeigler manning the backcourt.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini
Aside from maybe San Diego State, Illinois has had the easiest path to the Sweet 16 that featured blowout wins over 14-seed Morehead State and 11-seed Duquesne. You don't pick your opponents, though, and the Illini have been lights out on the offensive end, shooting 57% from the field in the tournament thus far.
This hot start has has propelled them to the No. 1 adjusted offense in the country, per KenPom, jumping slightly ahead of UConn. Terrence Shannon Jr. continues to score at will, averaging 28 points through the first two games, which is tied for the second-highest remaining scorer in the tournament with Alabama's Mark Sears.
This next matchup against Iowa State is the perfect clash of playing styles with Illini's No. 1 ranked offense squaring off against the Cyclones' No. 1 ranked defense. While the path to get here was easy, it's quite possible Illinois has the toughest road to the title game with UConn likely awaiting them in the Elite Eight.
Preston Spradlin, the head coach of Morehead State men’s basketball, provides insightful feedback on the versatility of the Illinois basketball team. #Illini ⤵️ 🎤. pic.twitter.com/h15RdkPXHh
— Kedric Prince (@KedPrince4) March 22, 2024
9. Gonzaga Bulldogs
How incredible would it be if Mark Few won a title with THIS Gonzaga team? I really don't mean any disrespect to the Zags, they have looked like one of the best teams in the tournament thus far by absolutely shellacking McNeese State (a popular upset pick) and Kansas by 21 points each.
Let's face it, though. This is one of the least talented teams Few has taken to the tournament in quite some time -- it's the worst seed Gonzaga has earned in the Big Dance since 2016, as well as the lowest ranking in KenPom.
So, why do I have them at No. 9? The Bulldogs appear to be finally playing up to their potential at the most crucial moment of the season. With Purdue standing between them and a Elite Eight berth, the road to a title is still a long shot, but the Zags have seen this team before (lost by 10 in the Maui Invitational back in November), so nothing should catch them off guard. This will be a fight.
10. Creighton Bluejays
The Bluejays definitely should not be this high based on how they've played most recently, but I'd still trust them over the rest of the teams below. An no-nonsense win against Akron was followed up by ultra-dramatics vs. the Oregon Ducks, winning a double-OT thriller after finding themselves down four with a minute to go in regulation.
Oregon's N'Faly Dante (28 points, 20 rebounds) and Jermaine Couisnard (32 points, eight rebounds) had a historic performance, but Creighton outlasted the Ducks by nailing 15 shots from long-range, the most by a team in any tournament game this year. Balance on both ends can get them back to a second straight Elite Eight, and maybe even further.
Baylor Scheierman (@playforhim3) makes the step-back jumper FOR THE TIE with 9.0 left to go. And #3 Creighton forces OVERTIME with #11 Oregon
(video via @CowardlyDoggo) pic.twitter.com/U9fTHrl10T— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 24, 2024
11. Marquette Golden Eagles
I don't think the oblique is bothering Tyler Kolek anymore. The second-team All-American is playing like the best guard in the country right now with 39 points and 22 assists through two tournament games. While all the talk has been about Kolek's play, I want to make sure Kam Jones gets his flowers as well.
Marquette wouldn't be in the Sweet 16 if not for Jones' contributions. The crafty marksman scored 28 points in the first round vs. 15-seed Western Kentucky (a game in which Marquette was down by seven at the half, by the way) and followed it up with 18 in the nail-biter against Colorado. With these two guys running the show and playing lights out, Marquette is more than capable of getting to its first Final Four since Dwyane Wade took them there in 2003.
KAM JONES KEEPS DRAINING THREES 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/SWB9PHXSnG
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2024
12. Iowa State Cyclones
The offense still scares me, people. It may not be fair that I have the Cyclones ranked this low, but I think the general public is still overrating them. They beat an over-seeded Washington State team by 11, but only shot 40% from the field. Their 28-point drubbing of Houston in the Big 12 title game might be the most impressive win by anyone all year, but this team hasn't faced an offense as hot as Illinois's in a while. I'm excited to see if they can step up to the challenge.
13. Alabama Crimson Tide
It also feels wrong putting Alabama this far down, but that's just a testament to how many great teams are left in this tournament. Its most recent game against Grand Canyon was also not easy on the eyes to say the least, with 27 turnovers and almost 50 combined fouls, but the Crimson Tide still held serve against a formidable opponent who handled St. Mary's the game prior.
Mark Sears and Co. remain terrifying because of their potential to drop 100 on any given night, but the Tar Heels present a different kind of challenge with their versatility and discipline on the other end of the floor (No. 6 adjusted defensive efficiency). It's hard seeing this Alabama team make it all the way to the title game with the treacherous ascent they have in front of them.
this Alabama - Grand Canyon game right now
pic.twitter.com/sduLbHkSFw— Slim (@ayeslim_) March 25, 2024
14. Clemson Tigers
Perhaps the most unlikeliest of Sweet 16 participants, the Clemson Tigers were limping their way into the NCAA Tournament, having lost three of four, which included a seven-point loss to a 11-17 Notre Dame team and a 21-point defeat at the hands of Boston College.
Whatever head coach Brad Brownell said to this team in between the ACC Tournament and the round of 64 must've lit a fire in them because they have played extremely well against two very good opponents in New Mexico and Baylor.
The Tigers offense has been humming thanks to their point guard Chase Hunter, who has completely elevated his game to unforeseen levels by his standards. The 6-foot-4 Atlanta native has been the best guard on the floor through both games, which is definitely not something I thought I would be saying at this point in the tournament.
If you're at all familiar with New Mexico and Baylor, you know that they feature some of the best and deepest guard rotations in college basketball. What's also been surprising about the Tigers is how much they've controlled both games with their First-team All-ACC forward and leading scorer PJ Hall contributing very little on offense.
Versatile forward Ian Schieffelin has blossomed into an awesome player and has helped pick up the slack. Arizona is a different beast, but with the way this team is playing, it would not shock me in the slightest if Clemson pulled off the upset here. I expect them to keep it very competitive throughout.
Clemson MBB is off to the Sweet 16 after beating Baylor. Guard Chase Hunter to TNT postgame: “We came here to fight. We came here to show who we are. I’ve got blood all over me, man. I’m ready for another one” pic.twitter.com/V4dYXzynDb
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) March 25, 2024
15. NC State Wolfpack
Who would've thought that the Wolfpack would become America's team, but it seems as though everyone is now riding the DJ Burns Jr. train and hoping the behemoth keeps on chuggin' along. That's what happens when you become the second team ever to win its conference tournament playing five games in five days, beating Duke and UNC in the process. The 2011 UConn team did the same, and ended up winning the title. Why not this squad?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news for the Wolfpack faithful out there, but this team isn't winning a national championship. That 2011 UConn squad was top 15 in KenPom entering the tournament (NC State currently ranks 53), playing in a historically tough league that year (seven teams inside the top 21), and had the best player in the country in Kemba Walker.
I hope for the sake of mayhem that this team keeping on winning because they are the only true "Cinderella" left in the field, but the magic is going to wear off sooner than later.
DJ Burns with a grown man move 😤#MarchMadness @PackMensBball pic.twitter.com/psToA52jKU
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2024
16. San Diego State Aztecs
The only Mountain West school left in the Big Dance, SDSU has the longest odds of making another title run of these 16 squads, and rightfully so. The Aztecs barely dodged UAB before manhandling Yale to set up a lopsided title game rematch from a year ago.
Other than Oregon's Jermaine Couisnard, who dropped 71 over two games before losing to Creighton, the Aztecs' Jaedon LeDee has been the highest scorer of the 2024 NCAA Tournament with 58 points. He's a load down low, but will be going up against one of the more dominant defensive bigs in the sport in UConn's Donovan Clingan.
The only shot SDSU has of advancing to the Elite Eight is if they can get Clingan in foul trouble very fast. That or hit 15-20 threes. Like I said, it's a long shot. But not impossible.
SAN DIEGO STATE DOMINATES THEIR WAY TO THE SWEET SIXTEEN👏🔥
Jaedon LeDee is DOMINATING THE TOURNAMENT SO FAR WITH 58 points, 17 rebounds on 20-30 shooting, 3-3 from 3 IN TWO TOURNAMENT GAMES😱 pic.twitter.com/Yg7dVm9XrW
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 25, 2024
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