Written by Aaron Torres at Fox Sports.com
With the first weekend of the NCAA tournament officially in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the matchups for the next round.
Here’s a quick glance at what you need to know for all eight Sweet 16 matchups next week.
East Region: No. 8 Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Florida (Friday, approximately 9:59 p.m. ET)
On Selection Sunday there was a lot of talk that Wisconsin was mis-seeded on the eight line — and the Badgers proved the prognosticators correct by knocking off the No. 1 overall seed Villanova in round two. Wisconsin will look to continue this incredible run at MSG Friday night as it faces the Florida Gators — a team that obliterated Virginia in a 65-39 second-round win
East Region: No. 7 South Carolina vs. No. 3 Baylor (Friday, 7:29 p.m. ET)
In what has to be considered the most shocking result of the Big Dance, pre-tournament favorite Duke was stunned in the second round by South Carolina, 88-81.
It’s the first-ever trip to the Sweet 16 for the Gamecocks, who will take on the Baylor Bears — who had a thrilling, 82-78 victory over USC.
Midwest: No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 1 Kansas (Thursday, approximately 9:39 p.m. ET)
With 190 points combined in their first two games, the Jayhawks have been the most impressive team of the NCAA tournament so far. Led by Frank Mason, Josh Jackson and Devonte Graham (the trio had 61 points combined in the second round against Michigan State), Kansas is fast, athletic and skilled.
The one thing the Jayhawks aren’t however, is big. That could be a problem as they face Purdue and the nation’s second-leading rebounder in Caleb Swanigan.
Midwest: No. 7 Michigan vs. No. 3 Oregon (Thursday, 7:09 p.m. ET)
The Ducks pulled out a thrilling last-second victory over Rhode Island to advance to their second-straight Sweet 16 on Sunday. But the real story here is Michigan. The Wolverines’ magical run continues to the Sweet 16 after a 73-69 victory over No. 2 Louisville. Forward Moritz Wagner has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament, tallying 26 points in UM’s second-round win.
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