March Madness: Power ranking the Sweet 16 teams left in 2024 NCAA Tournament

1. UConn Huskies

UConn won the national title last season and even with a revamped group, they might be as good as they were a year ago. To this point, they’ve won 22 of the last 23 games, with a road loss at Creighton being the lone exception. They coasted through the Big East Tournament, as well as making it to the Sweet 16.

The first game was against Stetson, making its first appearance in the Big Dance. It got ugly, quickly, with the Huskies up 33 points at the half and winning 91-52 overall. All five starters were in double figures, led by 19 points and eight rebounds from Donovan Clingan and 13 points and eight assists from Tristen Newton.

Northwestern and Boo Buie didn’t prove to be much of a tougher challenge, down double-digits early as well. UConn easily was able to win 75-58, with Newton leading the way with 20 points and 10 assists. Clingan went for 14 points and 14 rebounds. They shot 54% from the field and overcame a 3/22 performance from deep.

The competition level for the Huskies will rise, starting with a familiar foe. They take on the San Diego State Aztecs, who might have the best player on the floor on Jaedon Ledee. Can UConn find a way to avoid a revenge-style upset this week as they look to ultimately repeat?