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; Kentucky Wildcats players celebrate after defeating the Wichita State Shockers in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Mountaineers and Wildcats

8. West Virginia (4 in the West)

First weekend results: Def. (13) Bucknell 86-80, Def. (5) Notre Dame 83-71

Sweet 16 opponent: (1) Gonzaga

West Virginia has not made the Elite Eight since 2010, which was the same year they made the Final Four. The Mountaineers are almost always a high-quality team, and this season is no different. They entered the tournament as a four seed and knocked out their first round opponents without too much difficulty. Notre Dame was a hot team headed into the Big Dance before WVU came out and beat them in the second round.

West Virginia has won five of their last six and will take on Gonzaga in their next game. With ‘Press Virginia’ pushing the pace of the game, it is possible that the Mountaineers can negate some of the impact made my Przemek Karnowski. This game will come down to whether or not the Mountaineers can create turnovers and score in transition against the Bulldogs.

7. Kentucky (2 in the South)

First weekend results: Def. (15) No. Kentucky 79-70, Def. (10) Wichita State 65-62

Sweet 16 opponent: (3) UCLA

Just about everybody will agree that Wichita State is a very tough 10 seed. They are extremely talented and can push any team all the way to the buzzer. And the Shockers did just that to Kentucky. However, the Wildcats responded well and were able to block two shots in the final two possessions to shut down the upset bid. It comes as no surprise to see Kentucky back in the Sweet 16, and they are yet again in contention for a Final Four bid.

The South Region is a nightmare, with UNC, Butler, and UCLA rounding out the Sweet 16. If Kentucky can get hot, they can ride their balanced scoring to a deep run. In order to do that, however, they will have to get past UCLA first. In what will likely be one of the best games of the tournament, Kentucky will need to play one of their best defensive games of the season to get to the Elite Eight.

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