Yesterday, we produced our first predictions, meaning that by the end of this article, half of our Sweet 16 field will be filled out. The first region saw sixth-seeded Iowa pull a second-round stunner over Duke, so let’s see if the East region produces any similar surprises. No. 1 Dayton def. No. 8 Colorado 73-66Colorado was solid, but not great all year. Dayton however, was nothing short of spectacular for their final 20-plus games. Dayton lost this contest in the regular season in overtime, but they haven’t lost since, and they get their revenge here on the Buffaloes. Obi Toppin puts up another big game as the Flyers move on to the Sweet 16.
No. 4 Maryland def. No. 12 Richmond 74-68Tied at halftime, Richmond put up a valiant effort in making an all A-10 Sweet 16 match-up, but the Terrapins manage to grind it out defensively in the second half, denying the Spiders a second consecutive upset. Maryland moves on to challenge Dayton in the Sweet 16. No. 6 Penn State def. No. 3 Villanova 77-75
It’s been an up and down year for both Villanova and Penn State, and their clash produces an entertaining second-round battle. But ultimately, the Nittany Lions make a big-time comeback, down at halftime, and become the second sixth-seed to forge their way into the Sweet 16 where they will try and pull another upset.
No. 2 Florida State def. No. 7 West Virginia 73-62Florida State cruises to victory in this one over a Mountaineers team that never really seemed to find their footing this year. West Virginia struggled to create any kind of identity on offense, and they struggle to put up points against the Seminoles, who build a 13-point halftime advantage and don’t let it get smaller than seven in the second half.
