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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March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players react following the 79-73 victory against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Bulldogs and Jayhawks

2. Gonzaga (1 in the West)

First weekend results: Def. (16) SDSU 66-46, Def. (8) Northwestern 79-73

Sweet 16 opponent: (4) West Virginia

Gonzaga blew a big lead against Northwestern before getting the benefit of one of the most controversial calls in this entire tournament. Regardless, it is still likely that the Bulldogs would have made it out of that game with a victory. Gonzaga is a very good team with size, athleticism, and shooting. West Virginia is an interesting match-up with their press, which will force Nigel Williams-Goss to play well for the Bulldogs to make the Elite Eight.

Many people have their doubts about Gonzaga, but at some point, regardless of schedule, wins matter. It is hard to argue that a 34-1 team is not elite. Can they get knocked out by WVU or in the Elite Eight? Certainly, but make no mistake, this is a very, very good team. This could very well be the year that Gonzaga makes their run for the Final Four.

1. Kansas (1 in the Midwest)

First weekend results: Def. (16) UC Davis 100-62, Def. (9) Michigan State 90-70

Sweet 16 opponent: (4) Purdue

The strength of opponent might not be as good as some of the other teams on this list, but few have been as impressive as Kansas in dispatching their foes. In their first game, the Jayhawks came out and destroyed their 16 seed, UC Davis. This was no surprise, but showing dominance is always a good sign. Then, Bill Self’s squad followed it up by taking on Michigan State. The Spartans hung around for about 30 minutes of action, but then Kansas kicked in an extra gear. For the last 12:18 of the game, Kansas closed on a 36-17 run.

Kansas is the top remaining seed in the tournament after Villanova fell out, and when they play they like did against MSU, they are nearly impossible to beat. Frank Mason III and Josh Jackson make up one of the best one-two punches in the country and are hard to stop. Purdue poses a difficult challenge for Kansas, but Caleb Swanigan does that to just about everybody. The Boilermakers are a tough out with their outstanding play both inside and outside the arc, and they are what stands in the way of Kansas and the Elite Eight.

Next: Five teams that could win the South region

Hopefully your brackets are still intact. However, if they aren’t, settle in for some outstanding basketball next weekend nonetheless.

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