NCAA Tournament 2017 Sweet 16: Grading Each Team’s Title Hopes

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) and guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) react against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Xavier Musketeers forward Tyrique Jones (0) reacts during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Musketeers (11) – West Region

As the lowest remaining seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, it’s not then surprising that the Xavier Musketeers are the team that are the most difficult to get a read on. They started the season ranked in the top 10 in polls, but struggled throughout the season to realize those lofty expectations. Part of that is the injury to Edmond Sumner that ultimately leaves them without one of their best players.

However, they’ve been impressive in earning two upset wins in the tournament to get to this point. They comfortable got past an admittedly up-and-down Maryland team. It was how they thrashed the Florida State Seminoles in the Second Round that was truly phenomenal. They took it to them in every facet of the game and made the outcome never in doubt.

With all of that being said, it’s hard to escape the feeling that they’ve played over their heads to this point. Trevon Bluiett is a legitimate star and Xavier has a number of other players capable of stepping up. With that said, they were decidedly average (for a tournament team at least) on both ends of the floor throughout the season. Even with what they were able to do in the first two rounds, it feels like they’re destined to come back to earth sooner rather than later.

Chances: Nah

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