The NCAA Tournament has seen 52 tremendous basketball games, and they are down to 15 more. There are 16 teams remaining, and the action will get back on the hardwood on Thursday night. Thursday and Friday is the round of 16, while Saturday and Sunday, we find out which four teams will head to San Antonio and play in the 2018 Final Four. Let’s take a look at the Sweet 16 Matchups coming up this weekend:
Loyola Ramblers +2.5 vs. Nevada Wolf Pack
Porter Moser and his Loyola Ramblers are the underdog, make no mistake about it. But, this team is talented, and seem to be running on good luck. Two thrilling wins over Miami and Tennessee, and now get the 7th seeded Wolf Pack. If Loyola was not in the mix, there would be more talk about Eric Musselman and his Wolf Pack. They also are coming off an interesting finish, where the result went Wolf Pack way.
Texas A+M Aggies +3 vs. Michigan Wolverines
The Texas A+M Aggies probably pulled the biggest shocking blowout of the tournament. The Aggies completely manhandled the North Carolina Tar Heels in Charlotte. This is a team that had high expectations at the beginning of the year, but were in danger in the middle of the season of not reaching the Big Dance. The Aggies are one of two SEC schools remaining in the field of 64.
Kansas State Wildcats +6 vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Make no mistake about it – the Kentucky Wildcats are the more athletic team here. But, kudos to Bruce Weber and Kansas State, as they reach the Sweet 16 without their top scorer Dean Wade. Wade is expected to return for this game on Thursday. Kansas State will do everything possible to make this game ugly. Kentucky will need to continue to make shots.
Florida State Seminoles +5.5 vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Florida State pulled off a great come from behind win over the top seeded Xavier Musketeers on Sunday. There is no doubt that Florida State will come into this game with no worries. The Seminoles have seen good teams up and down the loaded ACC all season. Florida State is one of four conference schools remaining. Gonzaga is seeking their second straight trip to the Final Four.
Clemson Tigers +4 vs. Kansas Jayhawks
The first game on Friday. Devonte Graham was not very good in the win over Seton Hall, and the Jayhawks could not guard the paint. Look for Bill Self to clean those things up over the couple day lay-off. Clemson is red hot, as they once led by 40+ in the second round over Auburn.
West Virginia Mountaineers +5 vs Villanova Wildcats
Many feel the Villanova Wildcats are the team to beat in the tournament at this point. But, they will have a tough road to hoe as they have West Virginia in this game, then a meeting against either Texas Tech or Purdue. If they win those two, their Final Four opponent is likely Duke or Kansas. The Mountaineers are a team that can beat anyone. They are talented, they play hard and are hungry.
Syracuse Orange +11.5 vs. Duke Blue Devils
These two teams played less than a month ago, and it did not go so well for Jim Boeheim and his Orange. Now, tournament time, there is no doubt, he will have his team more prepared. No one could use the rest like Syracuse, as they won 3 games so far in the tournament. The Blue Devils will have to make shots against the Orange zone, but Syracuse will have to do a better job on the glass.
Texas Tech Red Raiders +1.5 vs. Purdue Boilermakers
The final game in the round of 16. Texas Tech is better athletically, but Matt Painter and his Boilermakers are not only talented, but smart. This should be an incredible game, with a battle of wills at hand. Both teams can really guard when push comes to shove as well. The winner will have earned it in Boston.
There is a look at the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Matchups. We are looking forward to these games, and are excited to see more hoops. Best of luck with all your NCAA Basketball betting, and if your team is still alive, we wish them luck for four more games!
