NCAA Tournament 2019: Ranking the upcoming Sweet 16 matchups

(2) Kentucky Wildcats vs. (3) Houston Cougars

This matchup features two absolutely must-watch teams. And while I know that this label applies to Kentucky almost every single year, I think that there are not enough people who have taken note of Houston this season. The Cougars have been tremendous throughout the year and their media coverage has not been at the same level as the other top-10 teams in the country. I mean, they’ve only lost three games all year, for goodness sake. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has done an incredible job with this team and their upcoming matchup with UK has the makings of a classic.

Both of these teams are playing extremely well at this point in time and they are both balanced teams that can win on either end of the floor. In fact, this is one of only two Sweet 16 matchups that features two teams ranked in the top-20 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency (via KenPom). They can both get it done with their offense or defense and that makes for an interesting dynamic. Will this be a high-scoring battle where offenses win out or will the advanced defensive units slow down the scoring pace?

This matchup, though, could be taken to the next level if Kentucky’s PJ Washington is ruled ready to play. He has missed both of UK’s first two tournament games due to injury and he makes the team much better when on the court. If he is healthy, then both teams will be at full strength (or at least close to it) and that will make for an outstanding battle. On the Houston end of the floor, the backcourt duo of Armoni Brooks and Corey Davis Jr. will push for the victory as elite 3-point shooters and strong scorers in general.