Who are the most likely national title contenders left in the Sweet 16?

NCAA Tournament 2018 Sweet 16: 5 most likely national title contenders

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Matt Haarms #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates with teammate Jalen Brunson #1 after a basket against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Just two years ago, Villanova was the talk of college basketball. The Wildcats took down North Carolina at the buzzer to win their second national title in school history and first under Jay Wright. Not to mention the fact that the buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win was arguably the most memorable NCAA Tournament moment of all time.

Well, Villanova is back as a No. 1 seed this season, even after losing to four unranked teams in conference play and not winning the regular season league title — that honor went to Xavier. The Wildcats are now the only Big East team left in the field after watching No. 1 seed Xavier fall to Florida State in the round of 32.

The Wildcats are about eight players deep which isn’t great, but it’s also not a bad thing. They average nearly 90 points per game, showing that they can keep up with just about anyone. They also shoot over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point land.

Villanova has beaten Radford and Alabama handily thus far and now West Virginia awaits in the Sweet 16.

A Final Four run is almost likely at this point for the Wildcats.

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