This year’s March Madness has been rather disappointing, as there have been no Cinderella runs this year, which is a low-seeded team making a deep playoff run against top-seeded teams. Lots of big name teams have made this year’s Sweet 16, with every first-seed team still being in contention for a championship. These matchups have given us a real good view on just how good these 1-seeds are, possible lower seed upsets, and just how the Elite 8 will look. 

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1 Auburn vs 5 Michigan 

A masterclass of dominance by an electric Auburn team this year, the Tigers handled Michigan by beating them by a score of 78-65. Auburn was in full control all game, as Michigan’s offense was put to the test by Auburn’s strong defense. Being the 1-seed, Auburn was destined to outbeat a lower seed. 

6 Ole Miss vs 2 Michigan State

Another higher seed beating a lower seed was bound to happen this March, but the game was closer than what anyone could have suspected. The two teams were evenly matched, as tactics of offense and defense looked identical to each other, leading to the close game between the two. The last three-pointer by Ole Miss made the game look closer than what the final score shows, with Michigan State winning 73-70. 

1 Florida vs 4 Maryland

As much as it would have been nice to see Maryland beat a 1-seed and make it to the Elite 8, the harsh reality is that Florida was destined to win and add onto the list of 1-seeds going farther into the tournament. Florida’s offense outbeat Maryland by a hefty amount, with a final score of 87-71, handing Maryland a ticket home after being one of the hopeful favorites to start a Cinderella story. 

3 Texas Tech vs 10 Arkansas

A close game all around. Much like Ole Miss and Michigan State this game was down to the wire. A 10-seed making it this far in the tournament was a good look for the sake of March Madness, as low seeds making deep runs run-up viewership. Arkansas put up a good fight, pushing it down to the final seconds against Texas Tech. Yet, they fell short, losing 85-83 in the final seconds of the game. 

1 Duke vs 4 Arizona

Duke is the powerhouse of the tournament, favored to be the champions of March Madness. Their matchup in the Sweet 16 was a tough looking Arizona team, having a lethal offense that has outright dominated opponents. However, Duke is a monster of a team, led by freshman superstar Cooper Flagg. The Wildcats gave Duke a run for their money, putting up point after point in a masterclass of baskets put on by both teams. In the end, Duke ran away with the win, with a final score of 100-93. 

2 Alabama vs 6 Brigham Young University (BYU)

This game was a statement for Alabama. Throughout the whole tournament Alabama handled their opponents by putting up points after points, controlling the game with their offense. Alabama handled BYU with a score of 113-88. BYU’s 88 points is nothing to scoff at, but Alabama’s 113 points are the most scored by a team out of this year’s March Madness, rightly serving them a spot in the Elite 8.

1 Houston vs 4 Purdue

One of the more underwhelming games of the Sweet 16 was Houston nearly beating Purdue, 62-60. Houston is one of the 1-seeded teams to take home the championship, but with a near win over a 4-seed it hurts their reputation as a team to be feared going into the next level. 

2 Tennessee vs 3 Kentucky

Although Tennessee isn’t a topped rank team, they are a favored team to beat one of the 1-seeds. They showed their talents over an equal opponent in Kentucky, as the defense and offense of the two teams have been electric. However, the Volunteers prevailed, winning 78-65.