NCAA Tournament 2019: Ranking the upcoming Sweet 16 matchups

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is defended by Terance Mann #14 of the Florida State Seminoles in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Staples Center on March 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Michigan State Spartans stand. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

(2) Michigan State Spartans vs. (3) LSU Tigers

Even though this might seem to be one of the most hotly-contested matchups by seed, this matchup lacks the amount of “zip” that most of the other Sweet 16 games have. In general, these are two very strong teams that definitely belong in the national title conversation. But considering how chalky the opening rounds of the tournament were this season, there is bound to be a very good matchup sitting at the No. 8 spot here and MSU/LSU draws the short end.

I do think it is important to note, though, that this has the potential to be an outstanding matchup and both programs have seen their head coaches make headlines in recent weeks. For Michigan State, head coach Tom Izzo is one of the best in the business but he was judged rather harshly for an engagement with one of his players. LSU, on the other hand, has dealt with a bigger issue as their head coach is…well…not coaching right now because he is suspended.

With regards to the play on the court, though, this matchup might come down to the point guard play. Cassius Winston (MSU) is arguably the best all-around floor general in the entire nation but you would be hard-pressed to find a more clutch player than Tremont Waters (LSU). These two should put on a great show and it will be fun to potentially watch them go toe-to-toe if this is a close game.

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