The Sweet 16 is primed to give us some sweet matchups. We looked at half of the matchups already, so let's take a look at the last four matchups.
Kansas vs. Purdue
Kansas is coming of a rather convincing win against Michigan State. Josh Jackson had a big second half, leading the way for the Jayhawks. Their offense was great, scoring 90 points. Frank Mason is being the senior leader he is supposed to be, scoring timely buckets. But they will need to play bigger than they are to beat Purdue. They are an undersized team, and they will need to contain Swanigan on the boards if they want a chance.
If you don't rebound you won't win.
Purdue is coming off a huge win against Iowa State. They got another double-double from Caleb Swanigan, who has been a monster this season. But they will need to shoot better from three if they want a shot. Last game they shot 30 percent and threes will help you stay in the game vs. Kansas.
Michigan vs. Oregon
Michigan is riding the wave as they upset two seeded Louisville. Moe Wagner stepped up big scoring 26 points carrying the Wolverines. They need to stop Dillion Brooks, a scoring machine, and Michigan will need Derrick Walton to match baskets to keep up. The Michigan bench will need to step up, as they need more scoring from the reserves. The starters will get tired, and when the second team comes in they need to perform.
They can't afford to fall behind against the Ducks.
The Ducks escaped and upset from Rhode Island. Tyler Dorsey stepped up with 27 points in that game. For Oregon they need to get more scoring from players not named Dillion Brooks or Tyler Dorsey. None of the remaining players scored over ten points, and you can't expect your top players to carry you this late in the tournament.
They need to shoot better at the free-throw line, which allowed Rhode Island to stay in the game.
Baylor vs. South Carolina
Baylor is coming off a tough win against USC. Johnathan Motley played well, giving Baylor 19 points that were much needed. They need to play better on the defensive end of the court. They allowed USC to shoot over 50 percent from the floor, which usually will win you the game.
But Baylor managed to out rebound USC by 11. The bench should play a little better, as Baylor can't afford to fall behind due to poor bench play.
South Carolina is coming off an upset win over Duke. They played an awesome defensive game, causing 18 turnovers. They struggled with their shot in the first half, but found their shot in the second half. They need to find their shot early, as they can't afford to fall behind Baylor. They should play the same defense they did against Duke, as that intensity is sure to pay off like it did vs. Duke.
Kentucky vs. UCLA
Kentucky managed to get away from Witchita State by holding them scoreless on their final two possessions. The freshmen Malik Monk and Deaaron Fox are carrying the young Kentucky team.
Kentucky needs to shoot the ball a lot better in order to get the win. They shot 41 percent from the field and that isn't going to get the job done in the Sweet 16. They need to keep playing great defense, as that is what won the game in the end. If they can keep holding their opponents to under 40 percent shooting, they will be just fine.
UCLA is coming off a win against Cincinnati. Their freshman standout Lonzo Ball is leading the way for UCLA, making the perfect assist, or the perfect shot. They got a boost from Bryce Alford this game, which was well needed against this talented Cincinnati team. UCLA must get the starters going early against Kentucky, as an early head start will put them on top early.
They also should continue to play their defense, as they shut down Cincinnati in the second half.
The Sweet 16 is sure to give us great games. Plan accordingly, as the games begin on Thursday. Make sure you have your apps ready just in case your stuck at work or school.
