Will Sweet 16 deliver any upsets? | Newsletter

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Illinois’ second-round NCAA tournament exit allows college basketball writer Scott Richey to hunker down Thursday night for a quartet of Sweet 16 games. Before they tip off, he’s got the game-by-game breakdown:

No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 6 BYU, 6:09 p.m., CBS

Why to watch:These two teams are out to prove that offense, in fact, can win championships. The Crimson Tide are the No. 1 scoring offense in the country — and the only team of the 364 in Division I averaging at least 90 points — while the Cougars are ranked 25th.Who to watch: Mark Searsmight decide this game. The Alabama guard was a consensus First Team All-American this season, but he’s had games where he’s disappeared and is averaging just 13 points on 33/12/87 shooting in his last five.Who wins: Egor Demin’s playmaking and the combined shooting of Richie Saunders and Trevin Knell could be enough for the Cougars to pull the upset. The latter two have combined for 151 made threes so far this season.

No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 Maryland, 6:39 p.m., TBS/truTV

Why to watch: Maryland finally delivered a true March Madness moment with its buzzer-beating win against Colorado State. Even if Derik Queen’s game winner, by definition in college basketball, was a travel before the rule book catches up with the NBA.Who to watch: How Florida is able to defend Queen and Julian Reese is crucial, but the Gators can throw a flurry of guards at the Terrapins. Including one with Final Four experience in Florida Atlantic transfer Alijah Martin, who is averaging a career high 14.6 points in year five.Who wins:Depth is one area Florida has an advantage against Maryland’s “Crab Five.” The Gators have the bodies to throw at Queen and Reese and plenty of productive guards to avoid an upset.

No. 1 Duke vs. No. 4 Arizona, 8:39 p.m., CBS

Why to watch: This is the only Sweet 16 matchup that’s a…

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Publish date : 2025-03-27 14:47:00

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