The men’s NCAA basketball tournament is in its second week. The remaining teams must win four more games to claim the coveted national championship, but this is the part of the tournament where teams and their fans can realistically imagine that it could actually happen. This is true even for programs that have never been able to overcome difficulties.
Ten of the 16 teams still alive in the Big Dance are gunning for that elusive first title, but several others haven’t flown the flag since the turn of the millennium.
Here’s a rough ranking of the eight matchups in this week’s Sweet 16.
1. Connecticut vs. Michigan State University
Time/TV: Friday, 9:45pm ET
This is the only matchup remaining in the field featuring a coach with a national title, but it’s been a while since Michigan State and Tom Izzo hoisted the trophy in 2000. Dan Hurley and the Huskies will be seeking their third title in four years.
2. Arizona vs. Arkansas
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:30pm ET
This is definitely the game that features the most next-level talent. The Wildcats have several players who could become pros in the future, but the Razorbacks’ Darius Acuff is often the best player on the floor.
3. Duke vs. St. John’s
Time/TV: Friday, 7:10pm ET
These storied programs with rich histories also happen to be one of the most-watched teams in the country participating in March Madness. This contest was actually supposed to be played in a later round, as the Red Storm were oddly given a fifth seed despite winning the Big East Championship, and the committee determined that the Blue Devils, ostensibly the top overall seed, did not have an advantage in this difficult region.
4. Houston vs. Illinois
Time/TV: Thursday 10:05pm ET
These two programs are on the brink of winning the title, but haven’t won it yet. The Cougars will look to make the most of this opportunity in their hometown after a disappointing loss a year ago, but the Fighting Illini could also give them a match shot.
5. Michigan vs. Alabama
Time/TV: Friday, 7:35pm ET
This would be another interesting matchup on the field, but these two schools have also won basketball games in recent years. The Wolverines have been at the top of the polls for much of the season, but the powerful Crimson Tide can upset anyone with a missed 3-pointer.
6. Nebraska vs. Iowa
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:30pm ET
There’s certainly an element of curiosity in this, as the Cornhuskers have never reached this round of the tournament before and it’s been a very long time for the Hawkeyes. In fact, this is the third time the two have met this season, with each winning at home during the Big Ten tournament, but clearly the stakes are higher this time.
7. Purdue vs. Texas
Time/TV: Thursday, 7:10pm ET
This game has the potential for a mismatch, and the highly anticipated Boilermakers hope to continue riding the momentum of a Big Ten Tournament title. The Longhorns are the lowest of the remaining seeds in the field, but have been on a roll since winning the First Four.
8. Iowa State vs. Tennessee
Time/TV: Friday, 10:10pm ET
It might be the least appealing contest of the round in terms of historical pedigree, but there are plenty of subplots to keep an eye on even if you don’t know much about these programs. The Voluntese have reached the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row and are aiming for their first Final Four, while the Cyclones are hoping to step up after last season’s run was cut short by some tough injury luck.
