Busting Brackets
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NCAA Tournament 2019: 5 biggest storylines entering the Sweet 16

By Brandon Simberg

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 6: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a play in the first half during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at John Paul Jones Arena on January 6, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 6: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a play in the first half during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at John Paul Jones Arena on January 6, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while being guarded by Coby White #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while being guarded by Coby White #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Blue Blood Rematch Awaiting

When the Midwest region was announced on Selection Sunday, many were anticipating an Elite 8 matchup between elite programs North Carolina and Kentucky. Now, both teams are one win away from that matchup occurring.

These two Blue Bloods certainly have a recent history. Kentucky took down the Tar Heels in December, but the game most people remember is their 2016 Elite 8 game where North Carolina won on a last second jumper by Luke Maye.

A rematch between the two historic programs would be a must watch game. Roy Williams and John Calipari are two of the sports best coaches and both teams are oozing with talent this year. There are future NBA prospects like Coby White, Nas Little and Keldon Johnson, but both teams also have their share of experienced college veterans like Luke Maye, Kenny Williams and Reid Travis.

The biggest thing to monitor will be the health of P.J.Washington. The Wildcats star forward was sidelined last weekend with a foot injury and his status is unclear for Friday’s game against Houston. If Washington can’t go, the Cougars have a very real shot at spoiling the rematch.

Don’t sleep on Auburn either. Few teams are as hot as the Tigers right now, who will look to use their hot shooting to knock of UNC. But if both Kentucky and North Carolina can get through, college basketball fans will be in for a treat on Sunday.

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