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; Milwaukee, WI, USA; The Butler Bulldogs celebrate after defeating the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Ducks and Bulldogs

10. Oregon (3 in the Midwest)

First weekend results: Def. (14) Iona 93-77, Def. (11) Rhode Island 75-72

Sweet 16 opponent: (7) Michigan

Oregon struggled to get past Rhode Island, as they trailed for a fair amount of that game. Yet, when it comes down to crunch time, it hard to find a better duo than Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey. These guys have shown time and time again that they are capable of taking and making the big shots. Even without Chris Boucher, who is definitely a big loss, the Ducks are a Final Four caliber team and they just might get there.

Despite losing in the Pac-12 Championship game to Arizona, Oregon has won 10 of their last 11 games and are in good shape for a deep run. The major knock against the Ducks is their lack of quality wins in comparison to the rest of the Sweet 16. The Ducks do have two wins against the Sweet 16 teams (Arizona, UCLA), but only have four total top-50 wins and three losses against that group. Nonetheless, Oregon is well-balanced with elite performers.

9. Butler (4 in the South)

First weekend results: Def. (13) Winthrop 76-64, Def. (12) MTSU 74-65

Sweet 16 opponent: (1) North Carolina

Butler has not trailed yet in this tournament. Not for even one second. Using their balanced attack led by forward Kelan Martin, the Butler Bulldogs took care of Winthrop and then held Giddy Potts scoreless in knocking out upset-minded Middle Tennessee. This is Butler’s best seed in school history and they have earned it. The Bulldogs are 3-1 against the current Sweet 16, and that is not to mention their wins over Villanova (2x) and Cincinnati.

Butler is no longer a cinderella story as they were in their first two runs to the National Championship Game. The Bulldogs are a major competitor out of the Big East and can challenge North Carolina for a spot in the Elite Eight. They might not be as flashy as the other Sweet 16 teams in their region, but they shoot the ball well, can score inside, and defend very well, which are all ingredients for a deep run in the tournament.

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