NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking all remaining Sweet 16 teams

Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs bench players including center Efton Reid III (15) and guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrate with forward Anton Watson (22) during the first half against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Tournament San Diego State Aztecs Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

15. San Diego State Aztecs – 28-6 (15-3 in Mountain West)

Wins over College of Charleston and Furman

From a seed perspective, the Aztecs are tied for the easiest path to the Sweet 16, beating a pair of other mid-majors. Up first was the Cougars of College of Charleston, a 31-win team from the CAA. It was a rock fight, with San Diego State winning, 63-57. Matt Bradley led all scorers with 17 points for the victors.

The next game against Furman was much easier, leading by double figures for most of the game to win 75-52. Micah Parrish, who made a key shot at the end of the first game, led the team this time around with 16 points off the bench. All three starting guards (Bradley, Lamont Butler, and Darrion Trammell) were in double figures as well.

This is a team whose strength is on the defensive end and they have just enough offense to win most games. When Bradley is capable of making shots to give the Aztecs a go-to scorer, they’re very difficult to stop.

They’ll need some offense against Alabama, one of the best-scoring offenses in the NCAA Tournament. All-American freshman wing Brandon Miller should be 100% to go and will be a difficult matchup. If San Diego State can find a way to get the game into the 60s, they’ll have a shot to pull off the upset.

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