The NCAA tournament has reached its Sweet 16 stage, highlighting the dominance of power conferences and setting the stage for thrilling matchups. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to shine with seven teams advancing, while the Big 12 and Big Ten each have four teams still competing. Notably absent are any Cinderella stories, as no mid-major conference teams made it this far. With powerhouse programs set to clash, predictions from experts suggest intriguing outcomes in each region.

In the South Region, Auburn faces Michigan, showcasing a battle between SEC and Big Ten heavyweights. Auburn's size advantage and experience give them an edge over Michigan's strong rebounding capabilities. Meanwhile, Mississippi takes on Michigan State, where the Rebels' versatile scoring options could outpace the Spartans' late-game prowess. Both games promise physical play and high stakes.

Shifting to the East Region, Duke meets Arizona in a duel of contrasting styles. Duke's defensive strength might neutralize Arizona's offensive firepower, making the Blue Devils favorites. In another matchup, Alabama battles BYU in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Alabama's depth and motivation to return to the Final Four may prove decisive against BYU's sharpshooters.

The Midwest Region features Tennessee versus Kentucky, renewing their rivalry. Tennessee's point guard leadership and scoring punch could overcome Kentucky's home-court advantage. Houston confronts Purdue, where the Cougars' defense and balanced attack should prevail over Purdue's reliance on key players. These contests emphasize strategy and execution.

Finally, in the West Region, Florida challenges Maryland, testing the Gators' guard play against Maryland's frontcourt strength. Arkansas, led by John Calipari, aims to continue its upset streak against Texas Tech. The Razorbacks' athleticism and tournament-tested resilience position them well for another surprise victory.

As the Sweet 16 unfolds, these matchups promise excitement and unpredictability. Each game showcases elite talent and strategic battles that define March Madness. Fans can anticipate nail-biting finishes and memorable moments as the tournament progresses toward crowning a champion.