Feb 17, 20185 min read

CBB: Sweet Sixteen Rankings Vol. 5

1. Virginia Cavaliers (24-2, +0, 98 Pts): I don't know how they are ranked No. 1 after losing to an unranked Virginia Tech on February 10, but Virginia for sure is a defensive team holding opponents to a nation's best 52.7 points per game, 68 being the most points they gave up to this season, and that was a loss away at West Virginia. With four games left on their schedule it seems like they could win all those games and win the ACC crow. Then the next challenge would be to try and win the ACC tournament. If things play out right then they can see themselves having a high seed when the NCAA tournaments starts. But after losing to the Hokies last weekend, it's becoming more and more obvious that the Cavaliers are going to need a bit more scoring when they face above average offenses. Kyle Guy is going to be the guy they lean on. He is averaging 15.2 points and 1.5 assists per game. Virginia finishes the season with games against Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Notre Dame. They should go 3-1 at the very least.

2. Michigan State Spartans (25-3, +1, 97 Pts): Who i feel should be No. 1, but nonetheless are having an amazing season, led by Miles Bridges. Who is averaging 17.3 points per game. Even though they took two hard losses in conference, to Ohio State and Michigan, and are battling for the top of the Big Ten against Ohio State (who also has two loses in big ten play), Michigan State looks like they can win the regular season Big Ten title. And it really comes down the Ohio State's game against Michigan on February 18, this upcoming Sunday. Michigan State for sure has an opportunity to make it far in March Madness, and maybe become NCAA champions. If so, Bridges is going to be relied on heavily. Not only is he scoring efficiently, but he's grabbing 7.0 rebounds per game and is dishing out 2.9 assists per outing, which should be good enough to win him Big Ten Player of the Year, if not National Player of the Year. The Spartans close out the regular season with games versus Northwestern, Illinois, and Wisconsin over the next 10 days.

3. Xavier Musketeers (24-3, +2, 90 Pts): Coming off another high scoring win against Seton Hall, the Xavier Musketeers continue to keep racking up points on their opponents. Trevon Bluiett has been the leader of the team, averaging 19.6 points per game and shooting 44.0 percent from three. Finishing with 37 points in Wednesday’s win, Bluiett looks to continue to be the go-to guy for Chris Mack and the Musketeers. Even though Xavier is ranked 10th in total points per game, the Musketeers continue to struggle on the defensive end of the floor. With one of the worst defenses in the country, they need to figure out adjustments if they want to go far in the NCAA Tournament. The Musketeers play their rematch against Villanova tomorrow afternoon, and after losing by 24 in the first matchup, Mack and his team looks for revenge and a climb in the rankings.

4. Villanova Wildcats (23-3, -2, 90 Pts): The Wildcats have suddenly lost twice in their last three games, to St. John's and Providence, by a combined nine points. And then their next game is the previously mentioned matchup against No. 3 Xavier, and the winner will likely win the Big East regular season. A lot of people would be taking the Wildcats, who are the more experienced team, to win but without a pair of starters, it's not looking good. Villanova likely won't look like the same team that was 22-1 with wins over Tennessee, Gonzaga, Xavier, Marquette, and Seton Hall until guard Phil Booth and forward Eric Paschall return from injury. In the mean time, Jay Wright's crew might pick up another loss or two before the beginning of March. After the Xavier game, the schedule eases up momentarily as they get a home game against DePaul, but then after that, they could see another loss. The final three games of the year are against Creighton and Seton Hall on the road, and then back at home for Senior Night against Georgetown. I expect the Wildcats to reach at least the Sweet Sixteen, but to win a national title, it's important for them to get fully healthy.

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (23-3, +1, 85 Pts): The Texas Tech Red Raiders racked up another ranked win this past Tuesday by knocking off the Oklahoma Sooners, 88-78. Texas Tech has been a force on the defensive end, allowing only 62.7 points per game which is seventh in the NCAA. They are led by star senior guard, Keenan Evans, who is averaging 18.7 points per game and coming off a 26-point outing against Oklahoma. The big advantage that the Red Raiders have used is their ability to win at home. Texas Tech is 16-0 at home on the season, which has been the big difference between the top teams. Texas Tech does not have a walk-through to finish the season, as they still have to play Kansas and West Virginia before the conference tournament. Chris Beard and his team look to finish the season strong, and become a potential threat for a national championship, as they have reached their highest ranking in recent memory.

Sweet Sixteen Rankings:

6. Auburn (22-3, +2, 78 Pts)

7. Cincinnati (23-3, +2, 75 Pts)

8. Gonzaga (24-4, +2, 75 Pts)

9. Duke (21-5, -1, 65 Pts)

10. Purdue (23-5, -6, 63 Pts)

11. North Carolina (20-7, +1, 54 Pts)

12. Kansas (20-6, -5, 55 Pts)

13. Arizona (21-6, +1, 49 Pts)

14. Wichita State (20-5, +1, 27 Pts)

15. Ohio State (22-6, +2, 25 Pts)

16. West Virginia (19-7, -6, 20 Pts)