Sweet 16 2015: Updated Bracket, Underrated Matchups and Complete Predictions

We are at the point in the NCAA tournament where every matchup could be a classic, even if it doesn't look great on paper.

Thanks to plenty of upsets in the first weekend, the Sweet 16 features a number of surprise teams based on their seeds going into the tournament. Based on what we have seen, there is a good chance this can continue in the second weekend.

Here is a look at predictions for each game with an overview of games that could be closer than many are expecting.

	Thursday
	Friday
Time (ET)	Matchup	TV	Pick
7:15 p.m.	No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Wichita State	CBS	Notre Dame
7:47 p.m.	No. 1 Wisconsin vs. No. 4 North Carolina	TBS	Wisconsin
9:45 p.m.	No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 5 West Virginia	CBS	Kentucky
10:17 p.m.	No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 6 Xavier	TBS	Arizona
7:15 p.m.	No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA	CBS	Gonzaga
7:37 p.m.	No. 4 Louisville vs. No. 8 North Carolina State	TBS	NC State
9:45 p.m.	No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Utah	CBS	Duke
10:07 p.m.	No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 7 Michigan State	TBS	MSU

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Utah

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Duke didn't have too much trouble with San Diego State in the round of 32, but Utah represents a much bigger challenge.

Like the Aztecs, Utah excels on the defensive end of the court. The difference is the Utes have the size inside to at least slow down Jahlil Okafor. Freshman Jakob Poeltl has had a great year on that end of the court and should be able to use his size at 7'0" to at least challenge the top prospect.

With Delon Wright also being one of the better perimeter defenders in the country, Utah should be able to give Duke's elite offense problems.

This is one of the many reasons people like ESPN's Jeff Borzello are looking forward to this battle:

On the offensive end, Wright's ability to create offense for himself and others will keep the underdogs competitive. 

Justise Winslow is likely the X-factor for Duke after some great performances this past weekend, but either way, Utah will keep things close.

No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA

John Locher/Associated Press

Most people didn't believe UCLA deserved a spot in the NCAA tournament field. While this probably remains true, the squad at least took advantage of the opportunity by winning its two games to get to the Sweet 16.

Head coach Steve Alford discussed the mindset of the players making a difference, via Nicole Auerbach of USA Today:

"

I have really good players who are really good people. …

We don't pay attention to the noise, whether it's positive or negative. We just do our job the best we can. We're in the business of helping young kids grow up to become men. The players have made it very, very rewarding because of how hard they've worked.

"

While the team is making an unexpected run, there is no reason to expect the group to just be satisfied at this point. There is a lot of talent in the starting lineup with Norman Powell making plays on the perimeter and Kevon Looney and Tony Parker holding down the post.

Gonzaga has a big advantage in depth with a long list of frontcourt players capable of contributing throughout the game like Kyle Wiltjer, Przemek Karnowski, Domantas Sabonis and others. Adding in experienced point guard Kevin Pangos should put the Bulldogs over the top.

However, it will not be as easy as Gonzaga's first two games in the tournament.

No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 5 West Virginia

We have seen throughout the season that Kentucky is borderline unbeatable. The 36-0 squad has the size, athleticism and pure talent to beat anyone in the nation, even when things aren't going well.

In order to beat the Wildcats, you have to figure out a way to slow down the offense while getting points against the imposing defense. Interestingly, West Virginia can do both of these just by using its press.

Commentator Dick Vitale gave his explanation of the Mountaineers press during the round of 32 win over Maryland:

West Virginia leads the nation in both turnover rate and steal rate, taking away opportunities for opponents while also creating easy layups on the other end. It will be much easier to score against Kentucky when you can beat the 7-footers up the court.

The Mountaineers will also cause problems with their relentless attack of the offensive glass, giving themselves more opportunities to score.

Kentucky still has the talent to likely pull out a victory, but this will be a serious challenge in the Sweet 16.

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