by Vegas Writer
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026From 68 to 16, that's quick, and we have just two weeks left in the college basketball season.
I decided to throw the remaining 16 teams from the dance into a blender and rank what teams we have left.
Here is Part 2 with a quick glance into the regional semifinals:
9. Michigan St. - This seems low for the Spartans, but that tells me how good this field has been. Nevertheless, Tom Izzo has his team fine-tuned with its defensive nature, and could be a thorn for anyone as long as it's still around. The Spartans have allowed 68.0 points per game after two rounds, and with time to make adjustments, could send UConn packing.
10. St. John's - Speaking of being too low, how good is St. John's? This team has been consistent since being blown out by UConn on Feb. 25, reeling off eight straight wins by an average of 14.2 points per game. During that stretch, the Red Storm are holding teams to a .412 shooting clip, including a stingy .260 from 3-point range.
11. Arkansas - This completes the trifecta of legendary coaches in the 9 through 11 slots, as John Calipari has the Razorbacks poised for a run after scoring an average of 95.5 points per game with wins over Hawaii and High Point. The Razorbacks have won seven straight on the hardwood, but they've failed to cover three of their last five. The last time they caught anything close to this big a number, they were +9.5 at Florida and lost by 34.
12. Nebraska - Anything from this point forward should be considered a bonus for the Cornhuskers, who recorded their first win in the dance, ever, which I found shocking. Then they made it two straight with a win over Vanderbilt in what was probably the best game thus far. Next up is a familiar foe in Big 10-rival Iowa. The teams split the regular season series, and Iowa has won and covered four of the last five meetings.
13. Alabama - The Crimson Tide are proving they'll do just fine without Aden Holloway, and certainly letting the world know there is no distraction. Alabama's offense has scored 90 points in each of its first two games of the event, while winning by an average margin of 22.5 points after dispatching Hofstra and Texas Tech. The Tide have covered five of their last seven overall.
14. Tennessee - The Volunteers are in the regional semifinals for the fourth consecutive season, as coach Rick Barnes continues to thrive with stellar defensive teams that do just enough on the offensive end to churn out wins. Next up is a banged-up Iowa State squad that might be vulnerable against a physical Vols squad that will apply pressure early and often.
15. Iowa - The betting market didn't appreciate the books making Nebraska a favorite, as the line moved two points toward Iowa. Understandably, since anything is possible for the Hawkeyes when star guard Bennett Stirtz is on the floor, as we saw when they became the first No. 9 seed to defeat a No. 1 since Florida State took down Xavier eight years ago. As mentioned, the Hawkeyes will meet a familiar foe in Nebraska.
16. Texas - Here is your Cinderella, as the Longhorns are the only double-digit seed left in the tournament. I'm skeptical about this team though, as I don't know how the Longhorns will slow Purdue's offense. Of course, I can imagine Texas coach Sean Miller would love nothing more than to lead the 'Horns into the regional final where he potentially could face his former team, Arizona.
I decided to throw the remaining 16 teams from the dance into a blender and rank what teams we have left.
Here is Part 2 with a quick glance into the regional semifinals:
9. Michigan St. - This seems low for the Spartans, but that tells me how good this field has been. Nevertheless, Tom Izzo has his team fine-tuned with its defensive nature, and could be a thorn for anyone as long as it's still around. The Spartans have allowed 68.0 points per game after two rounds, and with time to make adjustments, could send UConn packing.
10. St. John's - Speaking of being too low, how good is St. John's? This team has been consistent since being blown out by UConn on Feb. 25, reeling off eight straight wins by an average of 14.2 points per game. During that stretch, the Red Storm are holding teams to a .412 shooting clip, including a stingy .260 from 3-point range.
11. Arkansas - This completes the trifecta of legendary coaches in the 9 through 11 slots, as John Calipari has the Razorbacks poised for a run after scoring an average of 95.5 points per game with wins over Hawaii and High Point. The Razorbacks have won seven straight on the hardwood, but they've failed to cover three of their last five. The last time they caught anything close to this big a number, they were +9.5 at Florida and lost by 34.
12. Nebraska - Anything from this point forward should be considered a bonus for the Cornhuskers, who recorded their first win in the dance, ever, which I found shocking. Then they made it two straight with a win over Vanderbilt in what was probably the best game thus far. Next up is a familiar foe in Big 10-rival Iowa. The teams split the regular season series, and Iowa has won and covered four of the last five meetings.
13. Alabama - The Crimson Tide are proving they'll do just fine without Aden Holloway, and certainly letting the world know there is no distraction. Alabama's offense has scored 90 points in each of its first two games of the event, while winning by an average margin of 22.5 points after dispatching Hofstra and Texas Tech. The Tide have covered five of their last seven overall.
14. Tennessee - The Volunteers are in the regional semifinals for the fourth consecutive season, as coach Rick Barnes continues to thrive with stellar defensive teams that do just enough on the offensive end to churn out wins. Next up is a banged-up Iowa State squad that might be vulnerable against a physical Vols squad that will apply pressure early and often.
15. Iowa - The betting market didn't appreciate the books making Nebraska a favorite, as the line moved two points toward Iowa. Understandably, since anything is possible for the Hawkeyes when star guard Bennett Stirtz is on the floor, as we saw when they became the first No. 9 seed to defeat a No. 1 since Florida State took down Xavier eight years ago. As mentioned, the Hawkeyes will meet a familiar foe in Nebraska.
16. Texas - Here is your Cinderella, as the Longhorns are the only double-digit seed left in the tournament. I'm skeptical about this team though, as I don't know how the Longhorns will slow Purdue's offense. Of course, I can imagine Texas coach Sean Miller would love nothing more than to lead the 'Horns into the regional final where he potentially could face his former team, Arizona.
