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; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard huddles with his team in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Boilermakers and Badgers

14. Purdue (4 in the Midwest)

First weekend results: Def. (13) Vermont 80-70, Def. (5) Iowa State 80-76

Sweet 16 opponent: (1) Kansas

In both games so far, Purdue has been challenged but has come out on top thanks in large part to Caleb Swanigan. Biggie, as they call him, is the real deal and his versatile offensive game makes him nearly impossible to guard. Purdue is a solid defensive team that leaves plenty of shooters around Swanigan and fellow big man Isaac Haas. Star play wins games in March, and the Boilermakers have that.

Matching up against Kansas in the Sweet 16 is a tough draw but it will be very interesting. Purdue has one of the best front-courts in the country, while Kansas prides itself on the play of Frank Mason III and Josh Jackson. The Boilermakers have Final Four potential and are just two games away, but Kansas might be the most powerful team left in the tournament field.

13. Wisconsin (8 in the East)

First weekend results: Def. (9) Virginia Tech 84-74, Def. (1) Villanova 65-62

Sweet 16 opponent: (4) Florida

Wisconsin boasts experience and then more experience. The current senior class has been to two Final Fours and a National Championship game. They have upset a top team in just about every season over the past four years. Bronson Koenig, Nigel Hayes, Vitto Brown, and Zak Showalter are all talented players and starters and are joined by elite big man Ethan Happ, who causes problems for even the best defensive teams.

As long as Wisconsin is knocking down their open threes, which has been a weakness this year, then they are a very tough team to beat. However, when they get in close game situations, they will need to make their free throws. They are one of the worst foul shooting teams in the country and if they are getting fouled down the stretch, the Badgers need to get the ball in the hands of Bronson Koenig.

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