March Madness 2017: Updated Bracket and Sweet 16 Picks

What’s most intriguing about the Sweet 16 matchups? Most people love to root for the underdog. Does No. 11 Xavier catch your attention? How about two powerhouse programs facing off in the South Region semifinal? Will Michigan’s hot streak keep its NCAA title dream alive?

This week’s storylines have something for everyone interested in the tournament. Nonetheless, No. 2 Kentucky and No. 3 UCLA will draw the highest ratings among the Sweet 16 matchups—two college basketball juggernauts with a legitimate chance at winning the title. 

Of course, we can’t overlook an unpredictable East Region without its top two seeds. Will No. 3 Baylor survive an emotionally charged No. 7 South Carolina team coming off a huge victory over Duke?

Here are the TV viewing times, dates and projections for each Sweet 16 matchup:

Matchup	Day	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 7 Michigan	Thursday	7:09 p.m.	CBS	Michigan
No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 4 West Virginia	Thursday	7:39 p.m.	TBS	Gonzaga
No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 4 Purdue	Thursday	9:39 p.m.	CBS	Kansas
No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 11 Xavier	Thursday	10:09 p.m.	TBS	Arizona
No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Butler	Friday	7:09 p.m.	CBS	North Carolina
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 7 South Carolina	Friday	7:39 p.m.	TBS	South Carolina
No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 3 UCLA	Friday	9:39 p.m.	CBS	UCLA
No. 4 Florida vs. No. 8 Wisconsin	Friday	10:09 p.m.	TBS	Florida

Marquee Matchup: No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 3 UCLA

For Kentucky, head coach John Calipari has already reached college basketball icon status. He’s attempting to capture a second NCAA title with the Wildcats. On the court, guard Malik Monk holds the school’s freshman scoring record:

Alongside Monk, fellow freshman guard De’Aaron Fox emerged as one of the best two-way players in the country. He’s been vital to the team’s success starting with a run through the Southeastern conference tournament. Forward Edrice Adebayo adds the hammer to the team’s young nucleus. At 6’10”, 260 pounds, he dominates in the paint and defines the Wildcats' physical play style:

Despite their rugged play, Kentucky ranks No. 9 in points scored per game. The team’s ability to draw fouls and knock down free throws adds an overlooked scoring component to the box score.

Typically, UCLA wants to spread its opponents out and pick them apart with exceptional point-guard play, efficient shooting and easy buckets for forward TJ Leaf and center Thomas Welsh in the paint. It’s not a coincidence that the Bruins shoot 59 percent from the field and lead the nation with 755 assists in total.

Guard Lonzo Ball serves as a catalyst and finisher for the offense:

"

.@ZO2_ now has 257 assists this season.

He just set the UCLA season record. pic.twitter.com/GI39VyGULE

— Spark Sports (@Spark_Sports_) March 18, 2017"

Ball found his shot in the previous two games. He’s 6-of-10 from three-point range in NCAA tournament play. Keep an eye on his matchup against Monk and Fox. The Bruins may have to lean on Leaf and Welsh to keep Kentucky’s defense honest throughout the contest.

Hottest Team: Michigan 

Since conference tournament play, Michigan caught fire. The Wolverines have clearly outplayed their No. 7 seed, and they beat a talented No. 2 Louisville squad as proof. In the previous outing, Michigan stumbled out of the gate, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The team’s spiritual and on-court leader, senior guard Derrick Walton Jr. shook off a poor shooting performance with clutch shooting down the stretch. However, he spoke highly about sophomore forward Moritz Wagner, who came up huge against the Cardinals:

In the tournament, freshman forward D.J. Wilson has made all 10 of his free-throw attempts, which became a component to closing out Louisville in the previous round. He’s also active on the defensive end with seven blocks over the past two games.

The Wolverines have the momentum and firepower to beat No. 3 Oregon on Thursday. Wagner and Wilson must be competitive on the boards. Walton should make an effort to find his shot range early in the contest.

Lowest Seed: No. 11 Xavier

No. 11 Xavier will become the casual fan’s favorite team as the lowest seed remaining in the tournament. For those familiar with the Musketeers’ history, this program typically strings together multiple wins in the Big Dance.

Over the past 17 years, the Musketeers have earned a spot in the NCAA tournament 15 times. In seven instances, they’ve reached the Sweet 16. The school doesn’t rank high with Kentucky, North Carolina or Duke in prestige, but it’s a competitive program with limited success through March:

After losing point guard Edmond Sumner for the season due to a torn ACL, Xavier’s guard-heavy starting lineup pushed harder to compensate for the loss. Quentin Goodin embraced an expanded role and put together decent performances as a distributor. 

After a convincing 91-66 victory over No. 3 Florida State, Arizona must respect Xavier as a formidable opponent with hot-handed guard Trevon Bluiett leading the charge. He’s able to score in multiple ways, which include a heavy presence at the free-throw line and range on an accurate three-point shot.

Stats provided by Sports Reference, unless otherwise noted.