In the San Francisco region, three top-seeded teams are expected to advance, but it’s Arkansas that has managed to turn heads as the unexpected contender in the mix. Florida seems to have a favorable path ahead, yet with some challenging games on the horizon, nothing is guaranteed.
Sweet 16 Matchup: Florida vs. Maryland
The journeys of Florida and Maryland through the NCAA tournament are strikingly similar. Florida started off by effortlessly defeating Norfolk State with a commanding 96-69 win in the Round of 64. Their progression wasn’t without drama, though, as they edged past reigning champions UConn 77-75 in an electrifying game to secure their place in the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, Maryland dispatched Grand Canyon with an 81-49 blowout and secured a narrow 72-71 victory over Colorado State, thanks to a game-clinching buzzer-beater by freshman Derik Queen from Baltimore.
Now, these two teams are gearing up for a showdown in San Francisco, CA, with a coveted spot in the Elite 8 on the line. Both teams boast solid lineups capable of overcoming any opponent on a good day. Maryland’s "Crab Five," featuring Queen, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Rodney Rice, Julian Reese, and Selton Miguel, are all averaging over 12 points per game, with Queen leading at 16.2. On the other hand, Florida is driven by a strong ensemble of Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and Alex Condon, all scoring in double digits, with Clayton Jr.’s 17.9 leading the pack. The real question is which team can impose their will and dominate the game.
Sweet 16 Matchup: Texas Tech vs. Arkansas
Texas Tech and Arkansas have taken distinctly different paths in March Madness so far. Sticking to their straightforward approach, Texas Tech has delivered strong performances, winning both their games by substantial margins. They overcame UNC Wilmington in the Round of 64 with an 82-72 victory, where Kerwin Walton’s 27 points helped them rally from a halftime deficit. In their next matchup, they thwarted Drake’s Cinderella dreams with a solid 77-64 win, thanks to Darrion Williams scoring 28 points and JT Toppin making a strong comeback performance.
Arkansas, meanwhile, is shaping up to be this year’s March Madness Cinderella story. Surprising everyone, they claimed two upset victories to land in the Sweet 16. Their initial Round of 64 triumph against Kansas was a 79-72 thrill, outmaneuvering legendary coach Bill Self. Continuing their impressive run, they took down St. John’s in the Round of 32 with a 75-66 upset, effectively stifling St. John’s star R.J. Luis Jr. Billy Richmond III’s 16 points paved the way for this win. With such momentum, what’s stopping Coach John Calipari and his Arkansas team from ousting another top team and making it to the Elite 8?
Prediction: Florida Marches to Final Four
Florida has undeniably established itself as the dominant force in the West region, largely propelled by the stellar performance of Walter Clayton Jr. In fact, Clayton Jr. has surpassed the 20-point mark in four consecutive games, including back-to-back 22-point contributions in the SEC tournament and two 23-point showings in the NCAA tournament. His shooting has been exceptional since March Madness commenced, hitting 54.5% from the field, 44.4% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the line in their victory over Norfolk State. Although his percentages dipped slightly against UConn, his three-point shooting soared to an impressive 62.5%. With Clayton Jr. in top form, Florida looks unstoppable. Alijah Martin has also stepped up as a key player, securing 17 points against Norfolk State and 18 against UConn. The Gators’ depth is further showcased by Alex Condon and Will Richard, with Condon adding 12 points against Norfolk State and Richard 15 against UConn. Not to be overlooked, Florida’s rebounding prowess was apparent in their performances, out-rebounding Norfolk State and UConn. Even though they faced a tough test against UConn, ultimately trailing and tied in phases, they rallied back, ready to face any obstacle. Both Texas Tech and Maryland offer stiff competition, but should Florida overcome Maryland, expect their remarkable season to continue in San Antonio, TX, for the Final Four.
