A No. A No. The 2s didn’t make it past the first weekend. To reach the Sweet 16, a group of Peacocks from Jersey City defeated a blue blood. A team that won two of their last seasons’ games will join them.
March Madness delivered as promised in the first rounds of The NCAA Tournament. This week, we turn the corner and reach the Sweet 16! We can expect more madness in the Final Four in New Orleans, if history is any guide.
These are some things to keep an eye on as the tournament moves to San Francisco, San Antonio and Chicago for the regional rounds.
Arts and entertainment
March Madness viewer’s guide to the Sweet 16
By JOHN MARSHALL just a few seconds
A No. A No. The 2s didn’t make it past the first weekend. To reach the Sweet 16, a group of Peacocks from Jersey City defeated a blue blood. A team that won two of their last seasons’ games will join them.
March Madness delivered as promised in the first rounds of The NCAA Tournament. This week, we turn the corner and reach the Sweet 16! We can expect more madness in the Final Four in New Orleans, if history is any guide.
These are some things to keep an eye on as the tournament moves to San Francisco, San Antonio and Chicago for the regional rounds.
NCAA TOURNAMENT MARCH MADNESS
TOP SEEDS
Gonzaga (1 seed). It took the Zags a while to get started against Georgia State. They also had to face a tough test against Memphis. However, they were able to make it to the Sweet 16 for their seventh consecutive season.
Arizona (1). Arizona (1). These wildcats are swashbuckling and have a flair to the dramatic. Their coach says they have very little room for error. You should know that Tommy Lloyd’s group is entertaining to watch once they get going.
Kansas (1). Another NCAA Tournament, another Sweet 16 The Jayhawks now have 32 players, which is a good sign for them as they have the right roster to continue winning.
Duke (2): Coach K had to force the Blue Devils to win against Michigan State in order for him to continue his final run through the bracket. They will face Mark Adams’ roughneck Red Raiders.
Villanova (2). Jay Wright and Collin Gillespie will lead a difficult team.
UNDERDOGS
Saint Peter’s. The tiny Jesuit school located in Jersey has quickly become America’s favorite hoops spot. No. No. 2 seed Kentucky was defeated in the first round. It also helps to be accompanied by a backup guard with a rad’stache.
Iowa State. Two wins and two wins in the NCAA Tournament last season. These Cyclones, who are a bit scrappy, will be playing in the Final Four for only the second time since ’44.
Miami. Jim Larranaga’s scramble defense made the Hurricanes feel trapped. They are now one of three ACC teams remaining.
Providence. Ed Cooley’s team is in Sweet 16 for first time since 25. They have left their opponents battered and bruised.
Michigan. It is difficult to call the Wolverines underdogs, but they are an 11-seed that barely made it into the bracket. Preseason predictions of greatness are finally coming true.
KEY PLAYERS
Drew Timme, Gonzaga. The footwork of a ballerina is amazing. She knows all the angles and lives for the big moments. You have a great’stache.
Jaden Ivey, Purdue. His anticipation on the drives to the basket is similar to waiting for a rocket in the air to explode — his dunks feel more like explosions.
Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona. Spring loaded and clutch. Spring loaded and clutch.
Doug Edert from Saint Peters. He has become a March folk hero, with his caterpillar-like lip and penchant to hit big shots.
Ochai Agbaji, Kansas. He has a gift for making big plays down the stretch.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Gonzaga vs. Arkansas West Region, Thursday, in San Francisco The Zags want to play fast. The Muss Bus will try to slow down their progress.
North Carolina vs. UCLA East Region, Friday, Philadelphia A spot in the Elite Eight is at stake for blue bloods. Yes, please.
Iowa State vs. Miami Midwest Region, Friday, Chicago. One of these two upstarts with defensive minds is going to the Elite Eight. It may be the first one to 50.
Texas Tech vs. Duke West Region, Thursday, San Francisco Coach K’s fate could rest in the hands of Red Raiders coach Mark Adams, who is likely to be a diabolical defensive force.
Arizona vs. Houston South Region, Thursday, San Antonio In their first season of Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats were not supposed to make it this far. The Cougars were not as fortunate after they lost two starters to injury. They won’t give up now that they are here.
THE ODDS
A few Sweet 16 odds according to FanDuel Sportsbook
The best bet to win: Gonzaga plus240, Kansas plus500, Arizona plus650
Worst title odds: Saint Peter’s plus-35,000, Iowa State plus-10,000, Providence plus-7,500.
Biggest spread: Purdue minus-12.5 over Saint Peter’s.
Smallest spread: Duke minus-1 over Texas Tech.
WHAT TO WATCH
If you are looking for a TV or streaming service that is exciting, then
Thursday, March 24, 2009: West Region semifinals in San Francisco, CBS. South in San Antonio, TBS.
Friday, March 25, 2015: East Region semifinals in Philadelphia, CBS. Midwest in Chicago, TBS.
Saturday, March 26th: TBS airs the West and South regional finals.
Sunday, March 27, 2012: Finals East and Midwest on CBS.
