Who Impressed and Who did not Impress this March Madness Weekend

Today, Sportacular Sports looks at who left the Round of 32 with a positive impression versus the others who left not looking so hot. 

Impressive
1. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 

Sherwood Brown-The Eagle's lovable Senior

This is the obvious pick for who impressed this weekend. The Eagles from Florida became the first 15 seed to ever advance to the Sweet 16 in their impressive 81-71 win over San Diego State. If you have been in a cave, FGCU also defeated Otto Porter and the #2 seeded Georgetown Hoyas on Friday. Their's not much to say about the Eagles except their so easy to love. Who doesn't love the Cinderella story and to augment to their amiable story is the fact that they are having so much fan. You constantly see the players soaking up the experience whether it be shaking hands with the Broadcast teams or dancing around in the locker room. If you aren't rooting for the Eagles, you're probably a SDSU or Georgetown fan but even in that case you've got to respect this truly unbelievable story.

Trey Burke-Sophomore Guard-Naismith Award Finalist

2. Michigan Wolverines
After I put Michigan on upset alert a few days ago, the Wolverines now find themselves on my impressed list. Michigan had a solid performance against South Dakota State on Thursday but came away as major impressers after the game against VCU. The Rams turned teams over the most in the nation at 20 times per game, while the Wolverines turned the ball over the least amount of times at 9.0. When you see this matchup, you know something's got to give. Unfortunately for Rams fans, it was their defense. The Wolverines dominated in a 78-53 win in which they only turned the ball over 12 times and were never in grave danger of losing. Even more impressive than their win, is the importance of this game. A Blue-collar Freshmen named Mitch McGary may have had his official coming out party. McGary went 10-11 for 21 points and added 14 rebounds in an excellent performance. The reason Michigan has had so many doubters is their lack of an inside presence. While this was only 1 game, if McGary plays with consistent efficiency the Wolverines have an excellent chance of knocking off the top seeded Jayhawks in the Sweet 16.

3. Close calls 

Aaron Craft's Game Winner to send the Buckeyes to the Sweet 16

While Indiana barely escaped Temple, Ohio State needed a bogus call, Miami some clutch free throw shooting, and Marquette yet another escape, what impressed me about all these teams were their ability to win tight games. In every championship run, a team must win a game they had no business in winning and I believe all of these teams may have just done that. Indiana closed out Temple on a 10-0 run in a game they could have easily lost. While people may think teams like Indiana should crush a team like this, it's the tournament and their are no easy games come the weekend. For Ohio State, even though it took a questionable call (see Bad impressions), Ohio State found away and that's what it's all about come March. While Miami got a great battle from Illinois, they showed that the pressures of the NCAA Tournament won't be getting to them down the stretch. While Illinois fell victim to a bad call as well, Miami never gave the Illini a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minute nailing all 6 of their FT attempts. Finally, my Final Four pick, Marquette, once again got my heart beating in my favorite game of the weekend. The Butler and Marquette game was just a great game that Marquette found a way to win for the second straight game. Marquette won't be able to win 6 games by less than 3 points but they've shown their ability to win in tight situations.

Considered- Louisville (Blowout performance, playing like the Number 1 overall seed) La Salle (Game winner against a feisty Ole Miss team- 13th seed to the Sweet 16)

Not Impressive 

Missed Call on Aaron Craft-But really, they're supposed to get this call?

1. I do not want to take away from both the great Ohio State-Iowa State and Miami-Illinois game but for a moment I want to talk about the refereeing. In both games, the call ultimately cost ISU and Illinois the game but to your surprise I'm more upset about the Illinois call. If you were still in your cave, Aaron Craft from Ohio State took a charge with under a minute to play which should have been an And-1 pushing the Cyclone lead to 4 or possibly 5. I am not upset at the refs for this call. The play is happening so fast and Craft is literally 2 inches over the restricted area. While the NCAA has admitted the wrong call was made, that's the toughest call of the weekend and I'd say 9 refs out of 10 call that a charge. Now for the Illinois game. This points towards the NCAA Rules Comittee. With under 30 seconds to play, Illinois trailed by 2 and missed a shot but on the rebound, a Hurricane player (Kenny Kadji) clearly knocked the ball out of bounds. While it was another bang-bang play, it was seen clearly on replay. With that being said, why can't the officials go to the monitors with under 2 minutes to play. While we all know one play doesn't determine a game, why can't we get that call right and not knock Illinois out of the tournament. Unfortunate for both teams, but I honestly believe one of these issues could be fixed. 

2. Ben McLemore-Kansas 
A projected NBA lottery pick (top 5), Big 12 player of the year, and top Freshman in the nation, Ben McLemore did not show up against North Carolina on Sunday. McLemore shot 0-9 from the field and his 2 points came from the Free Throw strike not to mention his mere 2 assists. While the Jayhawks advanced, is it possible that the Freshman superstar is afraid of the spotlights. In a poor team performance against 16th seeded Western Kentucky, McLemore shot 2-5 from the field and got most of his points from the FT line. He scored only 11, 5 points below his season average. If McLemore is the superstar that all the NBA scouts believe he is, he better put on a strong showing against an undersized Michigan size.

Considerations- MWC (only 1 of 5 teams made it to the Sweet 16), VCU (got clobbered by Michigan)

Sportacular Sport's NCAA Men's Basketball Predictions

College Basketball is back and who isn't excited. Even though we have tons of exciting games remaining in the NFL season, everyone gets ready for the College Basketball Season.

College Basketball Preseason Rankings

To no surprise, Indiana is the ranked #1 in the preseason. They return a ton of their main players from last season led by preseason All-American Cody Zeller. The defending-champion, Kentucky Wildcats, aren't ranked number 1 because of all the players they lost this off-season. After a trip to the Final Four and returning many players, Louisville ranks at #2. Rivals, Ohio State and Michigan, round out the top 5 containing 3 Big 10 clubs.

Indiana Hoosiers-#1, Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Cody Zeller-C

Christian Watford-PF

Will Sheehey-SF

Victor Oladipo-SG

Jordan Hulls-PG

Led by Sophomore, Cody Zeller, the Hoosiers return their starting lineup from last season. All but Zeller are either a Junior or Senior. They have the leadership and the star-player. For some reason though, I don't see Inidiana winning a National Championship. Something says, Indiana's lack of athleticism will catch up to them against my projected National Championship, Louisville.

Louisville Cardinals-#2-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Peyton Siva-PG

Wayne Blackshear-SG

Luke Hancock-SF

Chane Behanan-PF

Gorgui Dieng-C

After a Final Four exit last season, Louisville returns many key players from their run last season. Peyton Siva should be the most dynamic PG in all of College Basketball this season. Gorgui Dieng is an unbelievable shot-blocker and will protect the rim well for the Cardinals this season. Co-captain, Luke Hancock, can do it all while Chane Behanan was excellent off the bench in the Tournament last season. The Cardinals have all the assets to win a Championship and could clinch a 1-seed with a weaker Kentucky team this season. My early prediction is the Cardinals winning the Championship this season.

Kentucky Wildcats-#3-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Ryan Harrow-PG

Archie Goodwin-SG

Alex Poythress-SF

Kyle Wiltjer-PF

Nerlens Noel-C

Kentucky looks to defend their National Championship. But look above and see how many starters they return. 0. They also lost senior, Darius Miller. Their 7th best player is finally in the starting lineup with the addition of freshman stud Nerlens Noel. While his hair is awesome, this freshman class will not be able to live up to the hype from last year's team. Expect a deep run in the tournament, only for the lack of Senior leadership to catch them this year.

Ohio State Buckeyes-#4-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Aaron Craft-PG

Shannon Scott-SG

Lenzelle Smith Jr.-SF

Deshaun Thomas-PF

Amir Williams-C

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a ton of promise this upcoming season. Even with the loss of big-man Jared Sullinger, O-H-I-O returns stud, Aaron Craft, and Deshaun Thomas. Aaro Craft can do it all for the Buckeyes which is why I believe they'll win the Big 10. He brings leadership, can spread the ball effectively, and even score buckets when necessary. Not to mention, Lenzelle Smith Jr. is an excellent player, this trio could lead the Buckeyes to a promising season.

Michigan Wolverines-#5-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Trey Burke-PG

Tim Hardaway-SG

Glen Robinson III-SF

Mitch McGary-PF

Jordan Morgan-C

The Michigan Wolverines have an excellent backcourt this upcoming season. Led by Sophomore Trey Burke and Junior Tim Hardaway. The Wolverines will play with the loss of dual-threat Evan Smotrycz but bring in Freshman Mitch McGary. The Wolverines are an excellent team in an extremely tough Big 10. I think they'll finish 3rd in the conference. Going further than their first round exit last season, the Wolverines will play in the Elite 8 but fall to eventual champions, Louisville.

The season is just beginning and much will change but everyone should get pumped for the start of another College Basketball season.