NCAA Tournament 2019: Reranking the teams remaining in the Sweet 16

2. Virginia Cavaliers

Results: Wins over Gardner Webb (71-56) and Oklahoma (63-51)

Virginia is the best team in the country by most predictive metrics and they definitely belong in the elite tier of title contenders. Of course, they made just about everyone in the country nervous for the first half of their opening game but have looked like the regular Cavaliers ever since. Head coach Tony Bennett’s team is back to playing at their usual level and that is scary for the rest of the field. When on their game, UVA is absolutely elite and they are nearly impossible to score on. In fact, the team has only allowed over 72 points to be scored on them on one occasion this season (home loss to Duke).

Unlike some seasons in the past, though, it is important that Virginia can win with its offense as well. Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, and De’Andre Hunter headline the roster as strong go-to scorers who can fill up the basket in a hurry. In addition to simply being able to function within the offensive system, these three can all go get their own buckets when necessary and that just makes this team all the more dangerous. Virginia will not go through many extended stretches without scoring this time around.

With regards to how they can win it all, look no further than the fact that they are rated in the top-3 in both KenPom’s adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency ratings. They are simply an incredible basketball team and they can impose their will on the tempo of matchups. Some might say that their style of play is “boring” but good luck beating it.