Sweet Sixteen Rankings

1.              Louisville- With a high paced defense that challenges every offensive possession, this team definitely has a chance to go far into the tournament.

2.              Miami- After cruising through the ACC conference bracket, this team also has the potential of getting on a roll. Also, if they can be as consistent on their free throws as they are now, they definitely are a threat in this tournament.

3.              Michigan- After VCU, Michigan proved to everyone that they can withstand a high pressure defense, only turning over the ball 15 times, a season low against VCU’s defense. Also, Michigan proved that others that even if Burke is shut down offensively, the other players can step up and hit tough shots.

4.              Indiana- Barely escaping the second round against a tough Temple team, Indiana showed that they can play a both slow and a fast offense while still maintaining their composure.

5.              Ohio State- With their star point guard Aaron Craft, the Buckeyes have been on a roll and haven’t lost since Feb. 17^th. They prove to everyone that a strong defensive team can also be a threat on the offense.

6.               Duke- After 2 convincing games they proved to everyone why they are a 2^nd seed. With their star shooter Ryan Kelly, they are undefeated in regular season play. He gives them an edge that not a lot of teams can defend against or possess.

7.               Syracuse- The Orange might be the most inconsistent team in college basketball, however when they’re playing well they will challenge any team. In order to have a chance against Indiana they will need to be more dominant on offense.

8.                Michigan State- Michigan State could be the most physical team in college basketball, which will give them an advantage against almost every other team left in the bracket, however for the Spartans to win they are going to have to drive better

9.                Florida- Florida doesn’t win any games within 10 points of another team. This might be the only thing wrong with this strong, high scoring team. People shouldn’t sleep on the Gators though, if their defense can step up and force turnovers, they have a chance of winning it all.

10.                  Kansas- Although the Jayhawks are a number one seed, and did have a nice comeback over North Carolina last weekend, the Tar Heels were able to point out some sore spots in the Jayhawks defense. This may cause a few problems in their tough game coming up against Michigan.

11.                  Oregon- The ducks have shocked everyone by making it to the sweet sixteen but however, this may be the end of the road for the ducks facing a very tough Louisville. If the Ducks’ star Marcus Smart can score as many field goals as he did the last two games, than they might be able to pull of the major upset.

12.                  Wichita State- There is a lot of talk about the Shockers right now after upsetting two teams including a number one seed. However, the Shockers played over their head in that game from the three-point line, knocking off 14 of 28 field goals. We will see how well this team can do against someone who can guard the perimeter more efficiently.

13.                  Arizona- The Wildcats have lived up to their name this year, being another one of the most up and down teams in all of college basketball next to the Orange. Fortunately for them, they found the right time to be hot, winning their last to games, each by at least 10 points. They definitely are a team that can challenge and possibly beat the Buckeyes.

14.                  La Salle- After one more game than anyone else left in the bracket, many are questioning how La Salle pulled off two major upsets back-to-back. They do this by having one of the most difficult defenses to play against, this could help La Salle against a offense based team.

15.                  Marquette- The Golden Eagles somehow were able to pull off two stunning upsets against quality teams. However, if the Golden Eagles go down as many points as they did the last two games against the Hurricanes, than they might not be able to pull off another stunning win.

16.                  Florida Gulf Coast- This team has many questions surrounding it as they stunned two great teams. If they can keep the Gators close throughout the game than they might be able to pull off another upset, and be the first team to make it to the sweet sixteen.