Previewing the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 showdowns on Thursday
The 16 teams remaining in the NCAA tournament are just two victories away from reaching the Final Four in Glendale, Ariz.
Here's a breakdown of the action scheduled Thursday night from the Midwest and West Regions in Kansas City and San Jose, respectively.
Midwest Region
No. 1 Kansas (30-4) vs. No. 4 Purdue (27-7)
Time, TV: Approx. 9:39 p.m., CBS. Site: Kansas City, Mo.
Why Kansas will win: The Jayhawks are keyed by the steady play of senior guard Frank Mason III, USA TODAY Sports’ national player of the year, and clutch shooting from Mason and Devonte’ Graham. But it’s freshman phenom Josh Jackson’s potential to elevate his game on both ends of the floor that makes Kansas so good.
Why Purdue will win: It’s about being big — or “Biggie.” Caleb “Biggie” Swanigan (6-9, 250 pounds), the Big Ten’s player of the year, could help the Boilermakers exploit Kansas’ lack of size and interior depth. Swanigan set a Big Ten record with 28 double-doubles, but it’s not just Swanigan. Vincent Edwards, a 6-8, 225-pound junior, averages 12.7 points. Off the bench, 7-2 junior center Isaac Haas scored 14 points in a second-round victory against Iowa State.
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No. 3 Oregon (31-5) vs. No. 7 Michigan (26-11)
Time, TV: 7:09 p.m., CBS. Site: Kansas City, Mo.
Why Oregon will win: The Ducks have a multitude of offensive options, starting with junior forward Dillon Brooks, the Pac-12’s player of the year. But the postseason re-emergence of sophomore guard Tyler Dorsey — at least 20 points in the last five games — makes them even more potent. Oregon struggled against Rhode Island but escaped with the same relentless attack that characterized its play all season.
Why Michigan will win: Enough with the team of destiny stuff. Michigan has morphed into a very solid team, winning 12 of its last 14 games (and seven in a row). Derrick Walton Jr. and D.J. Wilson are averaging 18 points apiece in two NCAA tournament games. But there’s also something to be said for getting hot at the right time.
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West Region
No. 1 Gonzaga (34-1) vs. No. 4 West Virginia (28-8)
Time, TV: 7:39 p.m. ET, TBS. Site: San Jose, Calif.
Why Gonzaga will win: The Bulldogs are 3-0 against West Virginia over the last six seasons, and with Gonzaga having arguably the best team in school history, there’s little reason to think that will change. Though Mark Few is 1-5 in Sweet16 games, this team is different because of its defense, which has held opponents to 36.8% shooting. It will be difficult for West Virginia, with no rotation player taller than 6-9, to deal with 7-1 center Przemek Karnowski (12.4 points per game) starting and 7-0 freshman Zach Collins (10.3 ppg) coming off the bench.
Why West Virginia will win: Though the popular theory is good guards can beat full-court pressure, the Mountaineers have a top-five defense in efficiency, buoyed by 10.2 steals and a nation-leading 20.1 turnovers created per game. Gonzaga committed 11.3 turnovers per game but gave up an alarming 11 in the second half against Northwestern. Gonzaga hasn’t played a team all season that could generate the kind of defensive energy of West Virginia.
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No. 2 Arizona (32-4) vs. No. 11 Xavier (23-13)
Time, TV: Approx. 10:09 p.m. ET, TBS. Site: San Jose, Calif.
Why Arizona will win: The Wildcats have a lot of ways to beat you, and when all else fails they can turn to certified bucket-getters in 7-0 Lauri Markkanen (15.8 points per game) and 6-5 guard Allonzo Trier (17.1 points per game) as they did down the stretch against Saint Mary’s. It would take both Arizona stars having off games for Xavier to have a real chance, and that seems like a long shot, given how consistent they’ve been the last month of the season.
Why Xavier will win: It’s possible the Musketeers simply got hot at the right time and will stay hot. Xavier dominated the second half against Maryland and then completely exposed Florida State, putting together an opening weekend as impressive as anyone in the Sweet 16 field. After a rocky February, Xavier is getting a huge contribution from junior Sean O’Mara, averaging 14.5 points in the tournament and getting to the foul line with regularity. If Xavier wins, it’s likely because junior guard Trevon Bluiett goes crazy — and he’s capable of it, with 18 games of 20-plus points.
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