March Madness: Ranking the remaining 16 teams in the NCAA Tournament

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) and forward Landen Lucas (33) react during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) and guard Trevon Bluiett (5) react after defeating the Florida State Seminoles in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Gamecocks and Musketeers

16. South Carolina (7 in the East)

First weekend results: Def. (10) Marquette 93-73, Def. (2) Duke 88-81

Sweet 16 opponent: (3) Baylor

The SEC is off to a pretty good start to the Big Dance as South Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky all reached the Sweet 16. Even Arkansas gave North Carolina a run for their money before getting knocked out. One of the most surprising teams in the Sweet 16, South Carolina, is playing very good basketball. In the first round, the Gamecocks dispatched Marquette by a serious margin and then used a sensational second half to upset Duke in the second round.

This team will continue to rely upon Sindarius Thornwell and that is not a bad thing. Thornwell is a fantastic two-way player and can carry this team to the Elite Eight or even further. The East Region is wide open without Villanova and Duke, and all four teams left can make the Final Four. If the Gamecocks were to get past Baylor, it is still possible to see an SEC vs. SEC regional final between South Carolina and Florida.

15. Xavier (11 in the West)

First weekend results: Def. (6) Maryland 76-65, Def. (3) Florida State (91-66)

Sweet 16 opponent: (2) Arizona

As was well warranted after their regular season, it was assumed that Villanova would be the most likely team from the Big East to make the Sweet 16. Yet, after Wisconsin knocked them off in the Round of 32, the rest of the Big East needed to step up. And Xavier did. Having already upset Maryland in the first round, Trevon Blueitt and Co. had to play the third-seeded Florida State in Orlando in the second round.

And what did they do? Well, the Musketeers went on to rout the Seminoles by 25 points (!), 91-66. Trevon Blueitt is an elite wing that can and has carried Xavier in March. If they are to keep moving forward in the tournament, he will be the key. They get a tough match-up in Arizona up next, but as the only double-digit seed in the Sweet 16, all eyes will be on the Musketeers.

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