NCAA Tournament 2017: Predicting the Sweet 16

Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Kansas defeated Michigan State 90-70. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Midwest Region — Kansas (1) vs. Purdue (4)

Kansas didn’t surprise anyone by making it to the Sweet 16. In fact, the Jayhawks were considered the national title favorite after Villanova was eliminated on Saturday in the second round. That wasn’t enough to please Bill Self. While his Jayhawks have lost in the first or second round five times in 14 seasons, he avoided that trend on Sunday with a 20-point win over Michigan State.

As for Purdue, the Boilermakers found themselves in quite the battle on Thursday against 13th-seeded Vermont. They pulled away late and earned a matchup with No. 4 Iowa State in the second round. The Boilermakers were up big, but allowed the Cyclones to get back into it before shutting the door and making it back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010.

This is going to be one of the best games of the Sweet 16 not only because both of these teams have opposite strengths, but because they each have a Naismith Award finalist on the roster.

It’s going to come down to the play of Caleb Swanigan of Purdue and Frank Mason III of Kansas. The Boilermakers do have solid players around the sophomore big man, but he carries the load, for the most part. Kansas has proven that even if Mason III struggles, Josh Jackson and Devonte’ Graham will be there to pick up the slack.

Purdue gives Kansas all it can handle with the advantage down low, but the Jayhawks get the last laugh thanks to a huge three from Mason III in the final minute.

Final: Kansas 82, Purdue 79

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