
NCAA Sweet 16
By Rafael Bandayrel
The top 16 teams in college basketball are ready to go, with a lot of heartbreaks and euphoric moments along the way. To begin the next stage in a positive note, here are 16 reasons why each team could win:
16. Kansas State
KSU was able to defeat the Creighton University Blue Jays even without their star Dean Wade. They also got to the Sweet 16 after sending home the UMBC Retrievers. What the Wildcats lack in star power, they make up for in heart. This is why fans should expect them to be a very tough team.
15. Loyola-Chicago
The basketball gods have been kind to the Ramblers. First, Donte Ingram scored the game-winning three-pointer to eliminate Miami. Then, Clayton Custer beat Tennessee with an ice-cold jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining. If Loyola-Chicago keeps making the right plays when it matters the most, their Cinderella story could have a happy ending.
14. Nevada
The Wolfpack advanced after crushing the dreams of Mohamed Bamba’s Texas Longhorns. Nevada is a really tough team. They were trailing the Longhorns by 14 but somehow managed to claw back and pull off the victory. Should they advance to the Elite Eight, their toughness will be a valuable asset.
13. Syracuse
No one – other than their fans – believed that the Orange could make it to the Sweet 16 but they have silenced all the doubters. They also proved that defense wins games as they pulled-off the heist of the century, unseating the heavily-favored Michigan State Spartans. And if you still are not convinced that Syracuse can win it all, they may have to shock you again come April.
12. Michigan
It looked like Houston was going to end the Wolverines’ run but Jordan Poole had other plans. Poole sank a heroic three-point game winner, and just like that, Michigan is back at the Sweet 16. Michigan needs to improve offensively but their defense is excellent. And to reiterate the famous saying in sport: defense wins games.
11. Purdue
The Boilermakers have a legitimate chance of making the finals. But the injury of their star center Isaac Haas is a concern for them. If Haas can make it back before squaring off with Texas Tech, the Boilermakers should be fine. Otherwise, Carsen and Vincent Edwards really need to up their game to carry the team to the next round.
10. Florida State
The Seminoles dominated Florida State then made a comeback against Xavier. They have not been consistent but they showed that they can flip a switch when push comes to shove.
9. West Virginia
The Mountaineers were relentless against Murray State and Marshall. West Virginia thrashed the Racers, 85-68, then whipped the Thundering 94-71. But standing in the way of the Mountaineers is Villanova. If there is a way of making it past the favorites, they need to be as ruthless as they had been in the first two rounds.
8. Texas Tech
Another defensive-minded team is the Texas Tech. They beat the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks comfortably and escaped the Florida Gators, 69-66. They showcased their superior defense as they did not allow the Gators to score a game-tying three before the buzzer went off. We could expect the Red Raiders to turn their defense up even higher when they face Purdue.
7. Gonzaga
To reach the Sweet 16, Gonzaga had to comeback against UNC Greensboro and Ohio State. But when Zach Norvell Jr. and Rui Hachimura are hitting their shots, the Bulldogs are unstoppable. Just ask the Spartans and the Buckeyes.

6. Kentucky
The Wildcats might be playing with mostly freshmen, but all those guys have NBA talent. Having NBA prospect Kevin Knox also helps their chances. More importantly, Kentucky will have face underdogs should they advance, which means the Wildcats have the easiest path to the Final Four.

5. Clemson
The Tigers were also not a popular pick during the beginning of the tournament. However, they shocked the world as they have been playing the best brand of basketball ever. Clemson will be playing Kansas next, and if everything went clicking for them, they have a strong chance to prove doubters wrong once again.
4. Kansas
The Jayhawks are an experienced team and not all contenders could say the same. They built momentum from the Big 12 and did not show signs of slowing down. With Devonte Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk leading the charge, the chances of Kansas to win is greater than likely.
3. Texas A&M
The Aggies are the ultimate jaw-dropper of the entire tournament this year. They dethroned the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and busted several brackets in the process. Texas A&M may not be the most popular team in the tournament, but that could change real quick.
2. Duke
Duke is a college basketball dynasty and it seems like they find a way to be successful every single year. This season, Marvin Bagley III has been playing phenomenal basketball for the Blue Devils which is why they have dominated the first couple of rounds. Duke will be the favorite against Syracuse and if they continue to play as well as they have been, there is no reason why they won’t win it all.
1. Villanova
The Villanova Wildcats are one of the favorites coming into the tournament. And unlike other heavyweights like Virginia and UNC, they have not disappointed. Villanova is also loaded with weapons. NBA prospect Mikal Bridges and hopefuls like Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo are the reasons why they are the team to beat.