March Madness 2016: Thursday's Sweet 16 Schedule, Bracket Predictions, Odds Tips

It's amazing how quickly 68 teams can narrow down to just 16, but the March Madness field is about to get even smaller.

The NCAA tournament has been filled with shocking upsets and dramatic finishes, although the Sweet 16 represents a new stage. There won't be Cinderella stories, just quality teams battling each other for the right to advance.

Of course, there should still be plenty of excitement throughout the next few rounds as we try to crown a new champion. Thursday's action should especially create some memorable moments with eight teams hoping to keep their season alive.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Spread
March 24	No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 3 Miami (Fla.)	7:10 p.m.	CBS	NOVA -4
March 24	No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas A&M	7:37 p.m.	TBS	OKLA -2.5
March 24	No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 5 Maryland	~9:40 p.m.	CBS	KAN -6.5
March 24	No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Duke	~10:07 p.m.	TBS	ORE -3

No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 3 Miami

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

A lot of people were expecting another early exit for Villanova after the squad failed to reach the Sweet 16 as a high seed in each of the last two years. However, this year's team proved it was different with a dominant win over Iowa in Round 2.

Despite getting the monkey off their back, the Wildcats aren't ready to settle for reaching the second weekend. Josh Hart discussed the mindset of the team, per Mike Kern of Philly.com:

"

The Sweet 16 wasn't our goal. Our goal is to win the national championship. We want to make a run. Talking about the little things is what got us this far.

We were like Cinderella here, not a No. 2 seed. We felt like underdogs. Everybody doubted us. That's how we took it. It feels good not because we made it, but we were successful in our next game. We're not going to change. We wouldn't have changed if we'd lost this game.

"

The attitude of wanting more is important because this is a team that will not be easily beaten. Miami obviously has a lot of talent as well as experience between fifth-year seniors Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan. This squad has few weaknesses and excels on both ends on the floor.

However, Villanova is at a different level with its depth. Hart, Kris Jenkins, Ryan Arcidiacono or others can take over for a game offensively, while the defense has been as good as ever under head coach Jay Wright. Daniel Ochefu patrols the paint and provides plenty of balance in the post for this perimeter-oriented team.

The Wildcats can keep Rodriguez in check, but there is no one person to stop for Villanova, which could allow the squad to pull away and earn a win.

Prediction: Villanova 75, Miami 68

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas A&M

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

Texas A&M was part of the biggest late comeback in NCAA tournament history, winning after being down 12 points with 35 seconds left against Northern Iowa.

Beyond this miracle run, the Aggies have playmakers who can do damage throughout the rest of March, including Danuel House and Jalen Jones. This group has length, athleticism and a lot of experience with four seniors in the starting lineup.

However, Oklahoma has one thing the Aggies don't have: Buddy Hield.

With Denzel Valentine and Michigan State losing in Round 1, there is no argument over who is the best player remaining in the field. Hield is the most dangerous scorer in the country, and VCU just learned what could happen when he gets hot. The senior scored 29 of his 36 points after halftime and gave the Rams no chance of pulling off the upset.

Even though Texas A&M could be a tough defensive matchup for Oklahoma, Hield can score on anyone in the country, as he has shown all year long. When he isn't scoring, Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard are picking up the slack from the outside.

The Aggies can keep it close, but the Sooners just have too many stars to defend.

Prediction: Oklahoma 78, Texas A&M 72

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 5 Maryland

Young Kwak/Associated Press

There is no question Kansas has been the best team in college basketball over the past couple of months. The Jayhawks haven't lost since January and have become a complete team, ranking in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com.

However, Maryland is a team with the talent to match up against them at just about every position. The Terrapins have playmaking guards in Melo Trimble and Rasheed Sulaimon and a giant front line in Jake Layman, Diamond Stone and Robert Carter. These players can all take over offensively while also using their length and athleticism to make a difference on the defensive end.

When they are making their shots and playing defense to their ability, the Terrapins can beat anyone in the country, including Kansas.

However, this squad still has its weaknesses, including poor turnover rates and struggles with rebounding. Landen Lucas as well as a long line of big men off the bench could have a lot of success at getting second-chance points in this matchup.

The Jayhawks have also gotten a boost from Wayne Selden Jr., who has raised his game lately, as noted by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports:

Adding Selden's contributions to that of Perry Ellis and Frank Mason III makes this team even more dangerous. Perhaps most importantly, while the Terps might have more NBA talent, Kansas plays better as a team. The No. 1 seed will do the little things necessary to win a close game and advance to the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Kansas 68, Maryland 65

No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Duke

Duke, normally a solid program, has had an up-and-down year, but it still excels in a bunch of areas.

The Blue Devils are especially good when it comes to lighting up the scoreboard, with Grayson Allen and Brandon Ingram averaging a combined 38.9 points per game. They can spread teams out and score either with the three or by driving to the basket. If Luke Kennard can hit his shots, they are even more dangerous.

This is bad news for Oregon, which has some elite shot-blockers inside but isn't as good when it comes to defending the perimeter. The squad has allowed opponents to make 35.7 percent of shots from three-point range, and Duke could fare even better with its shooting ability. Big men Chris Boucher and Jordan Bell will especially be ineffective if they are drawn to the outside.

The Ducks should be able to score plenty themselves by taking advantage of an undersized opponent, but trading two-pointers for three-pointers won't lead to much success over the course of the game.

While Duke has struggled with its lack of depth this season, that should not be a problem in this matchup with five days off since its win over Yale. Unless key players get into foul trouble, the Blue Devils should be fine rolling with their normal six- or seven-man rotation while pulling off the upset.

Prediction: Duke 84, Oregon 81

Check out Bleacher Report's live updating bracket to track your picks along the road to the Final Four.

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