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; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) reacts after a play during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Wildcats and Tar Heels

4. Arizona (2 in the West)

First weekend results: Def. (15) North Dakota 100-81, Def. (7) St. Mary’s 69-60

Sweet 16 opponent: (11) Xavier

Arizona entered the tournament as the second two seed and the sixth overall team in the tournament. So far, they have not disappointed. Saint Mary’s was a really good team and a tough team to face in the second round, but the Wildcats were able to tame them. In the Sweet 16, they will face a flaming hot Xavier team, but Arizona still will be the favorite in that game. The path to the Elite Eight seems reasonably clear for Zona, but they will still need to get past West Virginia or Gonzaga to reach the Final Four.

Arizona has made the Elite Eight six times in the 21st century, but have only made the Final Four once, which was all the way back in 2001. The Wildcats have consistently reached the Sweet 16, but when will they break through and get back to the Final Four?

3. North Carolina (1 in the South)

First weekend results: Def. (16) Texas Southern 103-64, Def. (8) Arkansas 72-65

Sweet 16 opponent: (4) Butler

North Carolina was given everything they could handle by Arkansas. The Tar Heels struggled taking care of the ball, making shots, and even defensively for much of the game. Yet, North Carolina survived and are once again in the Sweet 16. This team is very talented (as always) and have the veteran leaders that know how to make a deep run in the tournament.

The Tar Heels will have a very difficult match-up against Butler in the Sweet 16, as Butler is playing very well in the tournament. The Bulldogs have beaten several top teams this team and North Carolina had a rough outing against the Razorbacks in the Round of 32. UNC will open this game as the favorite and it will take a very good outing from Butler to knock them out. North Carolina could easily be the favorite to win the National Championship without Villanova in the picture.

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