Friday’s Sweet 16 preview and predictions

Thursday’s Sweet 16 games certainly lived up to expectations, considering three out of the four games resulted in an upset.

It’s gonna be tough to top Thursday nights games, but tonight’s matchups look like they certainly have the potential to do so.

#5 Clemson vs. #1 Kansas (7:07 p.m. EST, CBS)

A lot of people had Clemson falling to New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (me being one of them), but here they are. Despite losing a key player to injury during the season, the Tigers have looked dominant when it mattered most in the tournament, especially in their 84-53 rout over Auburn. As for the Jayhawks, they are a led by player of the year candidate DeVonte Graham, who can definitely slow down Clemson’s Marcquise Reed (15.9 ppg). If Udoka Azubuike is 100%, like he says he is, I have Kansas winning a close one.

#5 West Virginia vs. #1 Villanova (7:27 p.m. EST, TBS)

Boy is this one going to be fun! Two of the best point guards and players in the country going head to head under the bright lights in Jevon Carter and Jalen Brunson, two great coaches, and two complete different styles of teams. West Virginia loves to defend for the entire length of the court, while Brunson and Bridges look to get their team on the move and score. When it comes down to it, I think it’s to tough of a task for West Virginia to slow down Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, who in my opinion, is the best duo remaining in the tournament. Villanova advances in a very enjoyable game to watch.

(11) Syracuse vs. (2) Duke 9:37 p.m. CBS | Stream

Can the zone of Syracuse knock off yet another team in the NCAA Tournament? We saw them do it last year during their run to the Final Four, and they have already knocked off #6 TCU, and #3 Michigan State. It’s safe to say that no team has had an answer for Cuse’s zone this postseason. It’s tough to pick against Duke in this one with their dominant frontcourt, and considering they have already seen (and beat) the zone once this year. But, there is two sides to that story. Cuse has also seen Duke this year and will know how to prepare for the Blue Devils talented roster. To answer my question above, I think Cuse can do it again. GO ORANGE!

(3) Texas Tech vs. (2) Purdue 9:57 p.m. TBS

The fourth and final game of the night has the potential to be the best. Texas Tech is a very athletic team who can score with the best of them, and Purdue shoots 42% from three. One thing is for sure, and that is that this one will be an offensive affair. The question is how, and if Isaac Haas will play. The 7’2” big man suffered a fractured elbow in their opening game, but this is where it gets cool. Everyone considered Haas done for the rest of the tournament, but thanks to the help of the Purdue Engineering students, he has been giving a protective brace that has been cleared by the NCAA for him to play with. What a story. As for the game, I think Texas Tech will make history tonight and advance to their first ever Elite Eight.

Stay tuned to @UCSportsDeck and @ByConnorHall for updates throughout the night on all the madness.

And of course, enjoy the games.