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NCAA Tournament 2019: Tre Jones and Coby White among key players in Sweet 16

By Jake Copestick

BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 26: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Wabissa Bede #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 26: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Wabissa Bede #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum on February 26, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

There are some huge matchups on Friday’s slate of Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Tournament. Who are the biggest factors for their respective teams?

The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament featured no big surprises. The top three seeds from each region are still standing. The other four teams are two four seeds, a five seed, and the 12th seeded Oregon Ducks. In Friday’s matchups, two number one seeds will be in play, with the lowest seed hitting the hardwood will be Bruce Pearl’s fifth seeded Auburn Tigers. The eight teams in play all have legitimate championship aspirations, and who is here those teams will need key contributions from to keep their respective seasons alive.

#2 Michigan State vs #3 LSU

Michigan State Spartans – Kenny Goins

LSU has some tough players to handle in the paint. Naz Reid and Kavell Bigby-Williams have the ability to eat teams alive on the glass, and Michigan State is going to have to give Nick Ward some help on both ends of the floor. Goins is averaging two blocks per game in the tournament thus far, and is also leading the Spartans in rebounding.

On offense, Goins shoots 36 percent from three on a team full of shooters. Goins can stretch out the LSU defense with his shooting, and open up lanes for Cassius Winston to drive and facilitate. He has the shooting ability, but Goins has only scored 12 points over Michigan State’s first two games in the Big Dance, and the Spartans will likely need more scoring contributions from the Senior to advance.

LSU Tigers – Tremont Waters

After hitting the game winning shot against Maryland in the round of 32, Tremont Waters has the LSU Tigers one round away from a potential trip to the Final Four. Waters, who leads the Tigers in points, assists, and steals, has the task of guarding Michigan State’s Cassius Winston. Waters spearheads the offense for the Tigers, and will look for bigs Naz Reid and Kavell Bigby-Williams in the post. March Madness is all about guard play, and Waters will not only have to get it done on offense for LSU, and keep Cassius Winston from weaving in the paint and creating open shots for Matt McQuaid and Nick Ward.

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