We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year.

For 3 weekends, we get to sit on our couches and watch the greatest college basketball players in the country go to war for their schools. Some names you already know. Some make a name for themselves in this tournament. This year is no different. The likes of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Johnny Juzang are all household names and future NBA draft picks that have willed their teams to the Sweet 16. But how about Doug Edert and St. Peter’s? Before this tournament, you had only heard of Doug Edert if you are a St. Peter’s alum or an MAAC superfan. Now the St. Peter’s Peacocks have captured the hearts of America and Doug Edert has become a social media sensation. That’s the power of March Madness.

This weekend, we get to indulge in 12 more games, and the stakes have been raised. By Sunday night, 8 more teams will have had their dreams crushed. 4 will have secured a trip to New Orleans next week and a chance to be enshrined into college basketball history.

Keep reading to see what we think about each Sweet 16 matchup and find out who we believe will make the Final Four!

(4) Arkansas Razorbacks vs. (1) Gonzaga Bulldogs
Thursday, March 24, 2022
7:09pm EST on CBS

Ryan: A lot of people didn’t think Arkansas would get here. Vermont to beat Arkansas was a very sexy first round upset pick. They had major foul issues in both games this past weekend, but they found a way late. Guard-heavy, senior-laden, Eric Musselman coached teams have become a staple in March. He did it at Nevada, and now he is doing it at Arkansas. JD Notae must stay out of foul trouble and on the court if Arkansas wants to continue their run.

I picked Arkansas to get to this point. I believed in the trio of senior guards, and I believed in Eric Musselman. But the road ends here for Arkansas. Gonzaga had minor scares in both games this past weekend, but it never really felt like the Bulldogs were actually going to lose. Drew Timme willed his team to victory against Memphis, and I expect him to do the same against Arkansas. A legendary college career will continue for atleast one more game beyond this one.

Prediction: Gonzaga 77, Arkansas 71

Ben: Under head coach Eric Mussleman, the Arkansas Razorbacks have become one of the toughest teams to beat in the entire country. They deploy guards who can defend, run, and score with anybody they match up against. Now, this Arkansas team doesn’t hold a candle to the 40 Minutes of Hell teams which powered the school to three Final Four appearances during the early 1990’s, but they can test even the very best of opponents, especially in March Madness, where anything can happen. However, they’ll have to bring their A game if they want to take down the #1 overall seed Gonzaga Bulldogs. Offensively, Gonzaga is as close to unstoppable as you’ll find in college basketball. The team’s star scorer Drew Timme comes into this game after lighting up Memphis for 25 points in the Round of 32, and if he can keep it rolling, I can’t see the Zags losing this one.

Prediction: Gonzaga 80, Arkansas 68

(11) Michigan Wolverines vs. (2) Villanova Wildcats
Thursday, March 24. 2022
7:29pm EST on TBS

Ryan: Many people just looked at Michigan’s record of 17-14 and decided they didn’t even deserve to make March Madness. This was very silly. I had them as a virtual lock for the tourney. Their strength of schedule was 2nd in the nation. Besides the grueling Big Ten schedule, they played out of conference games AT Arizona and AT UNC. And even though they lost those games handily, they were better preparing themselves for March. Some teams like to play a cupcake non-conference schedule to get double-digit wins on the board quickly. But that isn’t a winning formula come March. You have to fail and test yourself to grow. Those early season beatings at the hands of Arizona and UNC are a huge reason why Michigan finds themselves in the Sweet 16. They prepared them for this moment. I did not expect them to beat Tennessee, but I also am not surprised that they did.

Basketball games, more than any other sport, can be won and lost by coaches. Sure, the players still need to execute and make plays, but so much of basketball is putting your players in the correct positions to succeed and adjusting as the game goes on. And when it comes down to the last 2 minutes, coaching is paramount. Jay Wright is one of the greatest college coaches to ever do it. Juwan Howard is a mediocre coach who is a phenomenal recruiter. This game will be tight. Don’t bet against Jay Wright.

Prediction: Villanova 62, Michigan 59

Ben: ATTENTION: THIS TAKE IS INCREDIBLY BIASED!

With that disclaimer out of the way, let me convince you why the Michigan Wolverines will upset Villanova in the Sweet 16.

• The Tennessee Volunteers are a better team than the Villanova Wildcats, and Michigan was able to hang tough with Tennessee before eventually pulling away to secure their spot in this game. Tennessee played a great game, moving the ball with ease in their high tempo, dynamic offense, and their athleticism on both ends was enhanced by their tenacity and aggressiveness. However, Michigan walled up defensively in the second half and got their offense rolling by picking their spots with precision to get good looks. There’s no reason why that shouldn’t be the case against Villanova as well.
• When Michigan’s star guard and team captain Eli Brooks was a Freshman, he watched from the bench as Michigan fell to Villanova in the 2018 National Championship game. He’s waited 4 long years for this moment, and he’s going to seize it to exact vengeance on the Wildcats. He’s been playing his best basketball of his career, and he poured in 23 points against Tennessee.
• Hunter Dickinson has finally put it all together, at least offensively. Coming into this season, the Sophomore big man (who stands at a towering 7’1″) was expected to be not just the team’s best player, but also one of the best players in the country as well. It took a while for him to reach those expectations, but his offensive output at the moment is unbelievable. He’s expanded his game, pouring in three pointers and sinking free throws efficiently while also being an expert in the post at both scoring and passing. Simply put, when Hunter gets it going, he’s nearly impossible to stop, and Villanova don’t have the size to deal with him without sending a double team.

When it comes to the Wolverines, the glass slipper fits.

Prediction: Michigan 64, Villanova 62

(3) Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. (2) Duke Blue Devils
Thursday, March 24. 2022
9:39pm EST on CBS

Ryan: Texas Tech was originally my pick to come out of this region, and I really don’t see any reason to change that. They had a scare against Notre Dame, but that is a really talented, very well-coached team. Great teams find a way to win those tight games, and that is exactly what Texas Tech did. Tech might be the deepest team in this field. In college hoops, you tend to see teams cutting rotations to 6 or 7 come March, and maybe 3 of them are capable of putting up 20. Texas Tech regularly plays 10 guys, and 6 of them are serious offensive threats. They don’t shoot it exceptionally well, but they play as a team and play tremendous defense.

It’s Coach K’s last rodeo. It’s fun to think about Duke winning it all and Coach K riding off into the sunset on top, but I just don’t see it. Duke probably has more individual talent, but I just think Texas Tech is a better team. This is where the ride ends for one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

Prediction: Texas Tech 71, Duke 64

Ben: Duke have always had the talent on their roster to make a deep run in March, but took a while for them to mesh as a unit on both ends. They’ve put it all together at both ends just in time, as they’re facing the best defensive team in college basketball, the Texas Tech Red Raiders. If Coach K’s Blue Devils are to win this one, they’ll have to execute on offense to get open looks and take care of the ball to limit fastbreak opportunities. Quite frankly, I think this could be the best game of the weekend, but I think Duke will survive and advance to keep Coach K’s last dance alive.

Prediction: Duke 59, Texas Tech 57

(5) Houston Cougars vs. (1) Arizona Wildcats
Thursday, March 24, 2022
9:59pm EST on TBS

Ryan: Houston was another very popular early round upset pick that I just didn’t understand. I look at 3 big things when it comes to March: Veteran leadership, tournament experience, and Net ranking. I know a lot of people aren’t big fans of the NET, but I am a huge numbers guy and think it does a fantastic job of telling how good a team truly is. Houston’s NET this season was the 3rd highest in the nation. On top of that, they reached the Final 4 last year and 4 of their top 5 scorers are Seniors. They check of all 3 boxes for me.

If Christian Koloko wasn’t on the opposing team, I would probably be taking Houston here. And I would advise you to bet Houston spread. This game will be tight. But I am absolutely infatuated with Christian Koloko. He is easily my favorite college player since Kemba Walker. His development as an offensive threat and a shot blocker has been incredible to watch. I can’t get enough of it. I picked Arizona to win it all in my bracket, and I will stick with my boy Koloko!

Prediction: Arizona 78, Houston 77

Ben: Arizona survived a scare in overtime against a tenacious TCU team which simply wouldn’t go away, but I still think they’re the most dangerous team in the country, especially when they’re hitting their three pointers. Houston are a very impressive offensive team, but their defense isn’t exactly top tier. This will be a track race with lots of transition opportunities and ample opportunity for everyone on the floor to get a bucket. Houston have impressed me so far, but nothing they’ve seen all year will prepare them for this Arizona team. The Wildcats are simply too big, too fast, and too talented for the Cougars.

Prediction: Arizona 73, Houston 63

(15) St. Peter’s Peacocks vs. (3) Purdue Boilermakers
Friday, March 25, 2022
7:09pm EST on CBS

Ryan: St. Peter’s captured the hearts of America this past weekend and became the Cinderella story of March Madness 2022. They took down a giant in Kentucky and a popular Final Four pick in Murray State, a team that had lost just twice this year. St. Peter’s is what March Madness is all about. The David’s slaying Goliath’s. By being here, they are just the 3rd 15-seed to ever reach the Sweet 16. Both 15-seeds before them lost in this round. As much as I would love to pick St. Peters here, I just can’t. Purdue is too experienced and too big. Jaden Ivey is too good and too quick for anyone on St. Peter’s. Zach Edey and Trayvion Williams are going to have a field day in the paint. It was a fun story. But this is where the road ends.

Prediction: Purdue 72, St. Peter’s 56

Ben: St. Peter’s is not your average Cinderella story. They aren’t carried by a fast paced, sharpshooting offense a la Oral Roberts or elite athleticism a la Florida Gulf Coast. They’re a solid, hardworking group of guys which get after it for all 40 minutes. Led by head coach Shaheen Holloway, this gritty squad runs complex offensive and defensive sets which have worked without failure so far, and I expect that to continue against a Purdue Boilermakers squad which has been up and down all season. Purdue’s superstar guard Jaden Ivey is the X Factor here. If they can limit transition opportunities and force the ball out of his hands early in the shot clock, they can force other guys on Purdue to step up, which I believe will work to the advantage of St. Peter’s.

The Peacocks are ready to become the first 15 seed to strut into the Elite 8.

Prediction: St. Peter’s 55, Purdue 52.

(4) Providence Friars vs. (1) Kansas Jayhawks
Friday, March 25, 2022
7:29pm EST on TBS

Ryan: All Bill Self does is win Big-12 titles and games in March. This year is no different. Kansas has been one of the most consistent teams all season long and appear poised to make another deep run into the tournament. I honestly don’t think Providence will give them much trouble. I just frankly don’t think this Providence team is all that good. I had them losing in the first round to South Dakota State. Shoutout to the Summit League, by the way! My alma mater, the University of St. Thomas, just finished their first division 1 season in the Summit League. I can’t wait to see them win the Summit League and be the Cinderella story of March Madness someday!

Anyways, back to this game. Kansas is just flat out better. Period. End of story. Ochai Agbaji is a certified bucket. He has been struggling a little bit as of late, but I expect him to show out in this one.

Prediction: Kansas 83, Providence 65

Ben: Neither of these teams have inspired much confidence in me all season, but there is a key difference to examine: Kansas has been battle tested, and Providence haven’t. The Jayhawks will breeze past the Friars (who were very lucky to be a 4 seed in the easiest region) and Ochai Agbaji will drop 30+. That kid is absolutely legit. He has everything in his bag offensively and he competes on defense with the best of them too.

Prediction: Kansas 72, Providence 52

(8) North Carolina Tar Heels vs. (4) UCLA Bruins
Friday, March 25, 2022
9:39pm EST on CBS

Ryan: Out of all 8 games in the Sweet 16, this is the one I am most excited to watch. In my bracket, I have UCLA going all the way to the Championship game, but I’m not sure I love that pick as much as I did a week ago. UCLA looked like they were sleep walking against Akron, but then looked like the team that made the Final Four a year ago against St. Mary’s. If they play like they did against Akron, UNC will wipe them off the floor.

If there were any questions about whether or not Hubert Davis can coach, there should not be anymore. UNC was dominating Baylor until Brady Manek was wrongfully ejected with about 10 minutes to go. That was the softest ejection I have ever seen. The final 10 minutes saw Baylor come back from down 25 to force overtime. Nobody, myself included, was giving UNC a chance in overtime. The fact that Davis was able to get his troops in line and remain calm during that adversity shows you everything you need to know. They were down Manek and Caleb Love fouled out. Down 2 starters for a team that literally doesn’t use their bench, UNC was done. But they somehow found a way in overtime and now find themselves in the Sweet 16 on an absolute tear. And I’m not picking against them here. Brady Manek is playing phenomenal basketball, Armando Bacot is a beast down low, and Caleb Love and RJ Davis form a dynamic backcourt that can hurt you in a number of ways. This one is going to be high scoring and very entertaining.

Prediction: UNC 87, UCLA 84

Ben: What a fantastic matchup this shapes up to be. After North Carolina’s improbable blowout, then collapse, then overtime win to knock off Baylor, it’s hard to judge how they’ll come out in this game against fellow blue blood powerhouse UCLA. It will be interesting to see how a UNC team – one which is actually an underdog for once – will compete against a UCLA team which had their own Cinderella run to the Final Four last season. There’s so much talent on both ends of the floor, but I expect Johnny Juzang and RJ Davis to be the main scorers for UCLA and North Carolina, respectively. UNC will survive in this intense battle to the death, and I expect this to be a great game.

Prediction: UNC 78, UCLA 72

(11) Iowa State Cyclones vs. (10) Miami Hurricanes
Friday, March 25, 2022
9:59pm EST on TBS

Ryan: Both these teams pulled off upsets to reach this point. Miami throttled Auburn, who was a popular pick to represent this region in the Final Four. Iowa State gave it to Wisconsin, a veteran group with tournament experience and a future NBA lottery draft pick in Johnny Davis. Davis just couldn’t get anything going against Iowa State. Why not you ask? The answer is simple. The Cyclones have one of the best defenders in all of college basketball. Gabe Kalscheur. I’m very familiar with Gabe, as he spent his first three season with the Minnesota Gophers. Coming into college, Gabe was touted as a fantastic 3-and-D guy. And that’s exactly what he was as a freshman. He shot 41% from three and was locking down the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis. I was convinced he was going to have an NBA career down the road. He was doing more of the same to start his sophomore year. And then Big Ten play began, and he couldn’t make shot. His three-point percentage fell to 34% on the year. And now he has shot 24% each of the last two seasons. Where did his shooting touch go? I have no idea. But what I do know is that he hasn’t let it affect the rest of his game. He is still one of the best defenders in all of college ball. The fact that Brockington and Hunter were non-existent against Wisconsin, and yet Iowa State still found a way, that should tell you a lot about this team.

These two teams have contrasting play styles. Iowa State likes to play at a slow, methodical pace. A low possession game where they give you absolute fits on your offensive end. Iowa State’s defense is so beautiful to watch. Miami, on the other hand, likes to play a more up-tempo, high scoring game. Miami wants this game in the high 70s. Iowa State wants this game to barely reach 60. The team that dictates the pace will come out on top. It should be close regardless.

Prediction: Iowa State 63, Miami 59

Ben: One of these low seeds got here because they grinded out wins, and the other team got lucky by playing teams which major flaws to exploit. Of these two teams, Miami is the former and Iowa State is the latter. The Hurricanes went wire to wire against an athletic USC squad with tournament experiences and pulled off a major upset on Auburn in dominant fashion, playing with a physical edge on both ends of the floor. Iowa State beat an LSU team which essentially played without a head coach, and bested an overrated Wisconsin team despite scoring just 54 points while 35% shooting from the field. This game might be relatively close, but Miami will pull away and advance to the Elite 8.

Prediction: Miami 68, Iowa State 61

Final Four Prediction

Ryan: (3) Texas Tech, (3) Purdue, (1) Arizona, (1) Kansas

Ben: (2) Duke, (8) UNC, (1) Arizona, (1) Kansas

Who’s in your Final Four, and who’s winning The Big Dance?

Comment your picks down below!

——————————————————————–

Authors: Ben Pawlak and Ryan Macdonald

Published: 3/23/22 at 7:10pm EST

——————————————————————–

Sources/Works Cited:

2022 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings, https://kenpom.com/.

Google Images, Google, https://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en.