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 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) and forward D.J. Wilson (5) celebrate during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Louisville Cardinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Wolverines and Bears

12. Michigan (7 in the Midwest)

First weekend results: Def. (10) Oklahoma State 92-91, Def. (2) Louisville 73-69

Sweet 16 opponent: (3) Oregon

One of the absolute hottest teams in the country right now, the Michigan Wolverines have not lost since March 1st. In the most important month of the college basketball season, Michigan can boast a 7-1 record, which is hard to argue against. As a seven seed, they had to play the upset-minded Oklahoma State Cowboys, who were a very good team that the Wolverines struggled to dispatch.

In the second round, Michigan went to play the Louisville Cardinals, who had been inconsistent all season against the top teams in the country. Behind the outstanding play of Derrick Walton Jr. and Moritz Wagner, Michigan’s balanced attack once again came out victorious. Oregon has struggled without Chris Boucher in the tournament, but they still pose a major threat to Michigan’s run to the Elite Eight and beyond.

11. Baylor (3 in the East)

First weekend results: Def. (14) New Mexico St. 91-73, Def. (11) USC 82-78

Sweet 16 opponent: (7) South Carolina

Baylor really struggled for the first half of their game against New Mexico State. Yet, they turned around and dominated for the remainder of the game. In the second round, they once again were challenged by USC before coming out on top. Things have not come especially easy for the Bears so far, but they are the best seed remaining in the East Region. This is the perfect situation for Baylor to make a run to the Final Four for the first time since 1950.

People forget that this Baylor team won nine games against the RPI top-50 this season and are capable of beating very good teams. In fact, they have wins over three teams in the Sweet 16 (West Virginia, Xavier, Oregon).

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