The 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament features the final 16 teams of the tournament. No run has been sweeter than this year's Cinderella story, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. How will they fair against No. 3 Florida Gators? As a matter of fact, how will everybody fair in the 2013 Sweet 16? Check out predictions as the only teams left will advance to the Elite 8.
Let's start with the top left of the bracket, the Midwest:
Louisville Cardinals (1) vs. Oregon Ducks (12)
This one, by far, belongs to the Cardinals. They have yet to be challenged in this tournament. The seeds assigned to these teams have proven faulty as the Ducks breezed by their competition in the second and third rounds of the tournament. However, the Cardinals' press is too strong for the Ducks.
Michigan St. Spartans (3) vs. Duke Blue Devils (2)
This matchup is very tough. Both teams are playing great basketball. Duke had the stronger offense throughout the year, so they have the advance in this one. However, it will be a close matchup as both teams are dominant and on a roll.
Over to the West:
Wichita St. Shockers (13) vs. La Salle Explorers (9)
These teams have surprised and destroyed many brackets with their advancement to the Sweet 16. Though ranked ninth, look for La Salle to win this matchup. They are an all around better team than Wichita St. and have played dramatic ball in both of their last two games. This will help cool their nerves early on in the game.
Ohio State (2) vs. Arizona Wildcats (6)
Ohio State's game by far. The Wildcats have played solid basketball, but they have yet to play a tougher team than Ohio State. The BUckeyes were given a dose of reality in the third round as they almost fell to No. 10 ranked Iowa St.
Down South:
Michigan Wolverines (4) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (1)
It looks as if the Jayhawks want payback after losing the NCAA championship last year. Though Kentucky isn't in the tournament this year, they appear to be taking out their anger on the rest of the league. Kansas will advance to the Elite 8 after a victory against the Wolverines.
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (15) vs. Florida Gators (3)
It would be an amazing story if FGCU can advance to the Elite 8. However, as the Gators are ready to make their run at the 2013 NCAA Championship, the Eagles' high-flying theatrics might be getting cut down in the Sweet 16. Gators chomp down the Eagles in this round.
Going north, the East Region:
Indiana Hoosiers (1) vs. Syracuse Orange (4)
Not to take anything away from the other matchups, but this could probably be the toughest one to predict. Both teams played excellent second round basketball, but were challenged in the third round. However, because the Hoosiers struggled against Temple, look for them to come out with a vengeance and defeat Syracuse.
Miami Hurricanes (2) vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (3)
This is another matchup between Top 3 teams in their respective brackets. Both teams won by a combined six points to advance to the Sweet 16. Miami will win this one and advance to the following round.
Check out the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Schedule for all of these games.
