NCAA Bracket 2017: Schedule and Updated Predictions Before Friday's Sweet 16

We're halfway through the Sweet 16 matchups in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, and Friday's game will feature a No. 1 seed in North Carolina, the unpredictable East Region and the marquee contest between No. 2 Kentucky and No. 3 UCLA.

During the round of 32 teams, Arkansas tested the Tar Heels before falling flat in the second half:

Despite being pushed to the limit, North Carolina opened as 25-point favorites over Butler, but the line dropped to minus-7.5, per Odds Shark. Should Vegas have more respect for Butler?

Who's likely to advance to the East Region finals? Will UCLA star freshman Lonzo Ball continue his quest for an NCAA title or focus on the NBA draft after Friday's outing?

We'll provide updated brackets, predictions and deciding factors for the remaining Sweet 16 games.

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Predicted Winner
No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Butler	7:09 p.m.	CBS	North Carolina
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 7 South Carolina	7:29 p.m.	TBS	South Carolina
No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 3 UCLA	9:39 p.m.	CBS	UCLA
No. 4 Florida vs. No. 8 Wisconsin	9:59 p.m.	TBS	Florida

No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 4 Butler

Deciding Factor: Bounce Back Night for Top Tar Heels

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Forward Justin Jackson and guard Joel Berry II struggled from the field against the Razorbacks in the second round, as they shot 7-of-27 combined. Jackson contributed in other ways, collecting eight rebounds, ripping off five steals and dishing out five assists on an off night. Berry scored four of his 10 points from the free-throw line. 

Between the two tournament games, Berry shot 14 percent from the field. Expect him to shoot the ball early and often to establish a rhythm. North Carolina absolutely needs his scoring contributions to go the distance for an NCAA title. Jackson's versatility will allow him to affect the game whether his shot falls or not. 

Butler's competition will ramp up after beating two double-digit seeds in the first two rounds. Which player on the Bulldogs roster has the chops to take over a game and put the team on his back in the final minutes? It's the same issue that plagued Arkansas down the stretch. The Tar Heels' prominent players will keep this game out of reach.

No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 7 South Carolina

Deciding Factor: Sindarius' Scintillating Streak Continues

Averaging 26.5 points over the past two games, senior guard Sindarius Thornwell quickly became a household name after his performance helped eliminate No. 2 Duke.

If you don't think so, just ask his sister, per Bleacher Report's Jason King: 

"

Thornwell's older sister, Quasheka, says people have suggested renaming a street by the high school Sindarius Way. On Monday, she went to buy groceries at Food Lion and men insisted on carrying her bags. Sharicka [Sindarius' mother] hasn't left her house since Sunday for fear of being mobbed, but her phone has buzzed nonstop with calls and texts from well-wishers—sometimes as early as 6 a.m. 

"

The account above provides context to what Thornwell has become to the locals and those who despise Duke basketball. Nonetheless, he's exhibited exceptional play throughout the entire season as the Southeastern Conference player of the year.

If the Gamecocks' star player breaks out for another 20-plus point performance, with a little help from sophomore guard PJ Dozier, it'll be too much for Baylor to overcome down the stretch.

No. 4 Florida vs. No. 8 Wisconsin 

Deciding Factor: Florida's Defense Strikes Again

Florida's 65-39 victory over Virginia won't go down as a fluke. We'll see this team in another defensive slugfest on Friday.

Going into the Sweet 16 round, the Gators' opponents shot 23.8 percent, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Wisconsin doesn't light up the scoreboard on a regular night, averaging just 72.1 points per game. Badgers forward Nigel Hayes grabbed the headlines after a win over No. 1 Villanova, but he faces a tougher challenge with forward Kevarrius Hayes awaiting him in the paint.

The Gators defense pressures shooters on the perimeter, which doesn't bode well for senior guard Bronson Koenig. On the offensive end, expect KeVaughn Allen to pick his spots from beyond the arc and forward Devin Robinson to pound the ball inside for easy buckets.

Deciding Factor: No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 3 UCLA 

Lonzo Fills Up the Box Score

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Forget about what LaVar Ball says about his son for a moment. Star freshman Lonzo Ball shot with efficiency over the past two games. He's 13-of-17 from the field, 6-of-10 from three-point land and has 33 points in the team's two victories.

When Ball isn't putting up a shot with his unorthodox form, he's dishing off to forward TJ Leaf and center Thomas Welsh in the paint. In other words, Kentucky will have to pick its poison with Ball. If necessary, the talented guard can score 20-plus points, but five of his teammates averaged double-digit scoring figures through the season.

Head coach John Calipari's team dominates the boards and feasts at the free-throw line. The Wildcats primary shooter, guard Malik Monk, has struggled to find his long-distance shot—he's 2-of-11 from beyond the arc.

Kentucky may push UCLA around in the first half, but the Bruins will pull away in the second half with a near triple-double from Ball.

Stats provided by Sports Reference, unless otherwise noted.