Josh Grissom | Sports Editor
Sleeping Giant — Indiana
Indiana has been one of quieter teams in the NCAA tournament so far. The Hoosiers blew past Chattanooga by 25 points before upsetting No. 4 seed Kentucky 73-67. Indiana ranks second in the country in points per game with an average of 82.3 and possesses a shooting average of 50.1 percent from the field. Although turnovers have plagued Indiana at times, the Hoosiers have the explosive firepower to match any team’s offense.
Luis Torres | Vandal Nation Manager
Powerhouse —Â Oklahoma
Many of the top tier programs have safely reached the Sweet 16 but fans should not ignore the dominating presence of Oklahoma on the hardwood in March. If Kansas does not advance to the Elite 8, then the Sooners will be the teat to beat in the Final Four. Buddy Hield has been electric from the field and increased his NBA draft stock during the previous two games. The Sooners have developed into an impressive team during a pivotal stretch of the tournament.
Tess Fox | Photo Editor
Cinderella Story — Gonzaga
Gonzaga has the weapons to emerge as the unexpected winner in the Sweet 16. As the No. 11 seed, the Bulldogs are the lowest seeded team remaining in the tournament. Gonzaga upset No. 6 Seton Hall and No. 3 Utah in the first and second rounds, providing a continuous theme of bracket-busting victories. As a Washington native, I’m obligated to root for Gonzaga, right?
Brandon Hill | Sports Writer
Tournament Surprise — Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the team no one expected to see when March came to a close. The team’s shocking upset over No. 2 seed Xavier proves just how versatile the Badgers can be. The team faces an underwhelming Notre Dame program in the Sweet 16. Based on Wisconsin’s performance in last year’s tournament as well, fans should not count the Badgers out of the race for the national title.
Mihaela Karst | Sports Writer
Underrated Performer — Gonzaga
Everyone needs to be keeping an eye on Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. The team’s performance against both No. 6 seed Seton Hall and No. 3 seed Utah during the first two rounds was certainly unexpected. If Bulldog guards like Kyle Dranginis, Josh Perkins and Erick McCellan can catch fire and move the ball around the perimeter, the team might be able to defeat Syracuse’s daunting two-three zone. With help from forward Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga is a force to be reckoned with.