Sweet 16: South Region

by James Finneral

This year's tournament has been filled with many shocking upsets and now there are only sixteen teams left. The South region of the bracket has four great teams in the Sweet 16 which should make for two great games. Here is a look at each team left in the South and predictions for the games. 

(1) Kansas Jayhawks:

The Kansas Jayhawks have earned the number one overall seeding in this year's tournament. They have been a pretty consistent team all year and they are coming of a Big 12 Tournament championship. This is a very athletic Jayhawk team headlined by senior, Perry Ellis. Ellis has not only produced big numbers for Kansas, but has also been a great leader. This Kansas team has excellent guards. Frank Mason III is an electric point guard, Wayne Selden is a big time athlete with a solid three point touch and Devonte' Graham is a deadly three point shooter. Many teams have struggled to match the guard play and athleticism of Kansas. There are only a few teams with the talent and heart to beat Kansas. 

(5) Maryland Terrapins: 

At one point this year Maryland was a top five team in the country, but now they are a five seed in the tournament. Sophomore point guard, Melo Trimble is the leader of the Terps. He is a floor general who can drive to the basket as well as shoot from outside. Freshman big man, Diamond Stone has made an immediate impact for Maryland. His 6-11, 255 lb frame makes him difficult to guard in the post. Robert Carter is also a powerful presence in the post. Jake Layman and Rasheed Sulaimon are two great three point shooters that add additional fire power to Maryland's offense. This team has the talent of a number one seed, but they are a five seed who has to play the number one overall team. 

Prediction: Maryland over Kansas: 75-70  

Melo Trimble and Rasheed Sulaimon will be able to match the Kansas guards and the Maryland bigs are too strong for Kansas to contain. Perry Ellis will need help down low in order for Kansas to win this game.


(3) Miami Hurricanes: 

Miami is a team that can make some noise in this tournament. They have big time athletes that can make electric plays. The Hurricane's fire power comes from their point guard and wing players. Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan are the senior leaders of the team and make up one of the best back-courts in the tournament. Rodriguez can both score the ball and find open teammates. McClellan is a special athlete who can get to the rim and shoot the ball pretty well. Davon Reed is another wing player that can shoot and rebound. These three guys can single handedly beat teams. Tonye Jekiri is the big man in the middle for Miami. At 7 feet tall, Jekiri is a great presence on the offensive and defensive ends. The Hurricanes are coming off a huge win against a very experienced Wichita State squad and they are definitely ready for a show down against Villanova.

(2) Villanova Wildcats:

Over the past few years Villanova has revived their program. Year in and year out the Wildcats earn a solid seed in the tournament. Villanova, much like Miami is lead by their back-court. Josh Hart is a strong guard who leads the Wildcats in scoring. Ryan Arcidiacono is a strong scorer as well, but he is also a solid passer. Kris Jenkins and Daniel Ochefu make up the front-court for the Wildcats. Jenkins plays more on the wing and knocks down three pointers. Ochefu on the other hand is a big powerful guy who is very strong in the post. This Villanova team is pretty experienced and they work well together. After being disappointed early on in the tournament last year, Villanova is very hungry for a deep run in the tournament.

Prediction: Miami over Villanova: 82-80 (OT) 
This will be one of the best games of the tournament so far. Both of these teams are good enough to win the national championship. They match up very well against one another, but I see Angel Rodriguez making big plays down the stretch and leading the Hurricanes to victory in overtime.

This is probably the most talented region in the entire tournament so we should be in for a treat when these two games are played.