The opening weekend of the NCAA males’s match is formally within the books. Whereas there could not have been as many upsets as some had hoped for, there must be quite a few thrilling, high-quality matchups within the Candy 16, and past, because of this.
With that in thoughts, listed here are 10 sizzling takes for the Candy 16 based mostly on the outcomes of the NCAA males’s match’s first two rounds.
Anticipate a extra tightly contested contest in Purdue’s rematch with Gonzaga
The Boilermakers routed their first two opponents of the NCAA Match by a mixed margin of 67 factors, establishing one other assembly towards Gonzaga, a group they beat 73-63 within the Maui Invitational quarterfinals.
Whereas we cannot go so far as to say Gonzaga will upset Purdue, the upcoming conflict must be extra aggressive, particularly if the Bulldogs play like they did within the second half of Saturday’s win over Kansas.
In spite of everything, Gonzaga has the dimensions to problem Purdue middle Zach Edey, and it has switched up its beginning 5 for the reason that final encounter with the Boilermakers. Moreover, the Bulldogs are a way more improved three-point taking pictures group than they beforehand had been, which ought to present some optimism since they missed their ultimate 16 three-point makes an attempt towards Purdue in Maui.
With a wholesome Tyler Kolek, the sky is the restrict for Marquette
It would not be surprising if No. 2 Marquette snaps No. 11 NC State’s unbelievable seven-game profitable streak on Friday. Nonetheless, the Golden Eagles are a unique group with a wholesome Kolek, and it may be time to begin pondering of them as legit championship contenders.
You could not inform that Kolek missed six video games with an indirect damage getting into the NCAA Match based mostly on how Marquette’s first two video games performed out. In Sunday’s win over Colorado, Kolek tallied 21 factors, 5 rebounds and 11 assists, changing into the primary participant since Jason Kidd (1993) to document no less than 10 factors, 10 assists and 5 rebounds in consecutive video games in a single NCAA Match, per ESPN.
Elite guard play has confirmed to be a difference-maker in March, and Marquette is well-equipped to increase its run behind its artful ground basic.
UConn middle Donovan Clingan is a very powerful participant within the NCAA Match
For the second straight yr, the 7-foot-2, 280-pounder will likely be an X-factor to the Huskies’ title hopes, and it seems he is hitting his stride on the proper time. Throughout Sunday’s 75-58 drubbing of Northwestern, Clingan confirmed that he is absolutely recovered from his midseason foot damage, ending with 14 factors, 14 rebounds and eight blocks.
So long as Clingan continues to play to his potential because the nation’s finest rim protector, there’s little purpose to doubt that the Huskies will likely be upset anytime quickly.
Iowa State’s protection received’t be capable of decelerate Illinois’ offense
Maybe probably the most intriguing matchup of the Candy 16 pits the Cyclones’ imposing protection towards the Preventing Illini’s aggressive and fast-paced offense. In keeping with KenPom, Iowa State ranks second in adjusted protection (87.9), whereas Illinois leads the nation in adjusted offense (126.8).
Whereas Iowa State is certainly much more proficient than Duquesne, the truth that Illinois scored 89 factors towards the Dukes ought to increase some considerations. Throughout its earlier 9 contests earlier than dealing with Illinois, Duquesne held its opponents to 68.4 factors per recreation.
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr., the nation’s third-leading scorer, is already off to a scorching begin to the NCAA Match, averaging 28 factors per recreation. If Shannon’s stellar scoring output continues, the Cyclones’ unexpectedly dominant season may come to an abrupt conclusion.
The Large East is proving that the criticism the committee acquired was warranted …
The committee’s choice to offer the Large East solely three bids sparked controversy on Choice Sunday, as Seton Corridor, St. John’s and Windfall all had instances for being chosen. Based mostly on the match’s opening weekend outcomes, the general public’s anger towards the committee was seemingly justified, and it is honest to say that no less than a type of aforementioned Large East groups deserved to be invited.
After posting a 12-4 document in final season’s NCAA Match the Large East is off to a 6-0 begin this time round. Positive, the three Large East groups chosen this season are No. 1, 2 and three seeds, respectively, however that should not undermine their success.
Take a look at the SEC, for instance, which has already seen five of its groups fall to lower-seeded opponents.
… however the ACC will additional display that it is the finest convention in faculty basketball
The ACC has been criticized for being a comparatively weaker convention than in years previous. Regardless of this, 4 of its 5 match representatives are headed to the Candy 16, which is all of the extra outstanding contemplating that NC State and Clemson are two of these groups and the way each obtained thus far.
The Wolfpack have their work lower out for them towards Marquette, although do not be stunned if the ACC has extra groups advancing to the Elite Eight than the Large East.
Duke HC Jon Scheyer exhibiting why he was the rightful successor to Coach Okay
Scheyer has performed a formidable job recruiting since changing Mike Krzyzewski. Nonetheless, final season’s disappointing second-round NCAA Match exit and Duke’s first one-and-done exhibiting within the ACC Match since 2013 prompted concern about whether or not Scheyer has what it takes to win huge video games.
Even so, by means of two NCAA Match video games, the Blue Devils appear to be probably the most balanced groups within the nation and are showcasing a stage of physicality that can come in useful when dealing with Houston. It is unlikely Scheyer will ever rival Krzyzewski’s legacy, however a win over the Cougars would function a strong assertion that Duke really is his program now.
Duke’s Jared McCain wants only one extra sturdy efficiency to be lottery-bound
Staying with the Blue Devils, star level guard and TikTok sensation Jared McCain may solidify himself as an NBA lottery choose with a robust taking pictures effort towards Houston, which ranks first in adjusted protection, per KenPom.
In Sunday’s 93-55 win over James Madison, the projected first-rounder scored 30 factors, 22 of which got here within the first half, whereas taking pictures 10 of 15 from the sector and eight of 11 from past the arc. Total, McCain is averaging 22.5 factors, 5.5 rebounds and two assists throughout his first two NCAA Match video games.
Tennessee will punch its ticket to the Elite Eight for the second time in program historical past
Neither the Volunteers nor the Creighton Bluejays shot the ball nicely of their respective second-round video games towards comparatively weak defenses, making it inconceivable to foretell how their upcoming assembly will unfold.
However, it is troublesome to think about Tennessee’s All-American guard Dalton Knecht taking pictures 5 of 18 from the ground when dealing with a Creighton protection that has been inconsistent by means of two match video games like he did towards Texas.
Though this might finally become one other thrilling contest, having a star like Knecht and a protection as formidable as Tennessee’s provides the Vols a large edge.
The Blue Jays must benefit from their open photographs, one thing they didn’t do a number of instances towards Oregon on Saturday. If they do not and Tennessee, the third-highest-rated group in adjusted protection by KenPom’s metrics, play to its regular requirements, there will not be many.
An Arizona-North Carolina Elite Eight matchup can be probably the most compelling storyline to return out of the Candy 16
From an leisure perspective, it might be becoming for Arizona guard Caleb Like to face his former group for a spot within the Last 4.
Love helped information UNC to the nationwide title recreation in 2022 however struggled mightily final season and did not match nicely with backcourt mate RJ Davis. In consequence, the Tar Heels grew to become the primary preseason No. 1 group to overlook the NCAA Match for the reason that discipline expanded in 1985, and after dealing with backlash from followers, Love opted to switch.
The breakup has undoubtedly benefited each side, contemplating Love was named the Pac-12 Participant of the 12 months this season, and Davis took dwelling ACC Participant of the 12 months honors.
If compelling narratives are your factor, a matchup between Arizona and North Carolina ought to high your record of rooting pursuits for the Candy 16 slate. That’s, after all, except you are an Alabama or Clemson fan.
