The Sweet 16 is set, so let's talk about it

Wow. What a first couple days of March Madness that we had.

First coming with one of the biggest upsets in tournament history -- Fairleigh Dickinson defeating a No. 1 seed in Purdue, which was the second time in tournament history that a No. 16 seed has upset a 1. FDU's press defense and guard play were just too dominant for the Boilermakers and Zack Edey. 

The tournament also showcased 15th-seeded Princeton upsetting No. 2 Arizona, which has happened for the 3rd year in a row, and Princeton is now headed to the Sweet 16.

With the tournament starting to wind down, here are my picks for the Sweet 16 games.

South Region

Alabama vs. San Diego St. 

Like I stated in my last blog, I feel like the South is weak. In our first matchup, we have No. 1 Alabama against No. 5 San Diego St. As Alabama has done in the first two rounds, I believe Alabama will run away with the game, maybe with a 15- to 20-point win. Alabama has too much start power all across the board, and it will be too much for the Aztecs. 

Creighton vs. Princeton 

All right, the Cinderella run by Princeton was cool, but let's be real ... their magic is about to run out. Creighton has the talent of the likes of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Trey Alexander. Princeton, however fighting and scraping for wins, will be knocked out. No 15 seed has ever made the Elite 8, and it will stay like that. 

Midwest 

Houston vs. Miami 

A take that I was wrong about was Miami. They have been balling as of late, and I think there could be a possible upset in the works here. Miami beat Indiana easily in the round of 32, dominating all game. Although it may not happen due to the talent and size of Houston, there is always a chance. On a realistic standpoint, Houston will most likely come out on top. 

Xavier vs. Texas 

This game is tough to really gauge. Both teams have been playing good basketball, and can be considered one of the bigger question marks for the result. Texas, however, has one of the best defenses in the NCAA, and in their Round of 32, they held perimeter dominant Penn State to 8-for-28 from the 3-point arc. In this game, I think defense will be evident, and I think Texas will come out on top. 

East Region 

Florida Atlantic vs. Tennessee 

What did I say about the East region? No team is safe. In our first matchup, we have FAU vs Tennessee. I think this pick is easy, Florida Atlantic will run out of fire here, and Tennessee's defense will just be too much. The Owls don't have as much talent as the Volunteers. 

Kansas St. vs. Michigan St. 

This is an extremely hard pick for me. Both teams are heading into this matchup on a hot streak, with Michigan State taking care of business against second-seeded Marquette and Kansas State defeating Kentucky in the last round. However, I think the Kansas St duo of Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson, while adding their smothering defense will just be too much for Sparty. 

West Region

Uconn vs. Arkansas 

The Huskies have one of the better defenses of the teams still playing. This is also having an offense led by junior forward Adama Sanogo, who is averaging 26 points per game in the first two games of the tournament. However, Arkansas has been hot. Coming off a big win against No. 1 Kansas, there could be a realistic chance for another upset here. Although true, I think Uconn play on both sides of the ball will just be too much for the Razorbacks. 

Gonzaga vs. UCLA

This game will be the best game of the Sweet 16. Two teams who have seen each other before (2021). This game has a lot at stake. Looking at Gonzaga, they have one of the most potent offenses in the NCAA. On the contrary, this is a revenge game for the Bruins. Some of the starters from the 2021 team remember what happened in overtime of the Final Four, and are definitely playing with a different fire. It will come down to the wire, but UCLA's defense and overall desire for revenge will be the difference. 

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