And … relax.
We can finally catch our collective breath after a weekend that saw a 15-seed and 16-seed advance to the second round for the first time in NCAA tournament history; two 1-seeds go down before the Sweet 16; and a trio of game-winning baskets in the final seconds.
True college hoops junkies are already thinking about what’s next, though. Is Alabama or Houston in danger? Who’s got the edge in the chaos-filled East region? Can Princeton pull off another stunning upset?
Before everyone recharges for the next three days, it’s time for our experts — Jeff Borzello, John Gasaway and Myron Medcalf — to take an early look at Thursday’s and Friday’s Sweet 16 matchups.
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET, TBS
Borzello: It’s fitting this game will take place at Madison Square Garden, given the electric head-to-head battle between Tyson Walker and Markquis Nowell, a couple of New York natives. Will Kansas State be able to slow Walker and backcourt mate A.J. Hoggard? How will Michigan State contain Nowell and fellow star Keyontae Johnson? Tom Izzo was able to completely neutralize Marquette’s All-American guard Tyler Kolek, and I think he’ll have something up his sleeve this week too.
Prediction: Michigan State 72, Kansas State 70
Gasaway: The book on Michigan State says the Spartans make their 3s and never force turnovers. Then MSU went 2-of-16 from beyond the arc and forced 16 turnovers in beating Marquette by nine. Tyson Walker was superb, and one should never doubt Tom Izzo … except possibly this once? Markquis Nowell is an absolute blur with the ball and Kansas State loves to get to the line. If the Wildcats are merely respectable on their defensive glass, this one could flip their way. Barely.
Prediction: Kansas State 74, Michigan State 73
Medcalf: Both teams have been led by dynamic, experienced guards who were the difference-makers in their journeys to this stage. Tyson Walker (17.5 PPG in the NCAA tournament) is 13-for-21 inside the arc through two games. He also has six assists and zero turnovers as the leader of another Tom Izzo Sweet 16 squad. And Markquis Nowell has recorded 44 points, 23 assists and nine turnovers in two NCAA tournament wins, while also connecting on 43% from 3. The better player that night, in my opinion, will lead his team to the Elite Eight.
Prediction: Kansas State 76, Michigan State 73
Thursday, 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS
Borzello: This one’s going to be fun. Dan Hurley vs. Eric Musselman on the sideline is going to be the…
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