2026 NCAA Tournament has Sweet 16 dominated by major conferences with Big Ten record By Bruna
3 min read
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The 2026 NCAA Torneio Masculino reached the Sweet 16 with absolute dominance of the major conferences. Programas of mid-majors and intermediate conferences were eliminated for the second consecutive season. The Big Ten ranked a record six teams, followed by the SEC with four, Big 12 with three, Big East with two and the ACC with just one. Esse scenario reinforces the concentration of strength in power conferences and reduces the presence of traditional surprises in the tournament.
Region Leste with favorites advancing without fear
Duke and St. John’s lead the Região Leste clashes. Os Blue Devils, with a campaign of 34 wins and two losses, beat TCU 81-58 after an initial scare against Siena. The freshman Cameron Boozer has stood out on the perimeter and in the paint.
St. Essa is the first appearance of Red Storm in Sweet 16 since 1999.
UConn regained its rhythm after early elimination last season and surpassed UCLA with authority. Michigan State, commanded by Tom Izzo, reaches Sweet 16 for the 17th time with Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr commanding the attack.
Houston and Illinois measure forces at Região Sul
Houston maintains control of the court close to campus at Região Sul. Os Cougars, with 30-6, face Illinois in the next phase. The Texan team avoided a confrontation with the current champion Florida, who was eliminated by Iowa.
Illinois uses superior physical size to advance. Os Illini, with 26-8, eliminated Penn and VCU with dominance in the paint. Essa is the second time in three seasons that the team has reached Sweet 16 under the command of Brad Underwood.
Nebraska and Iowa star in an internal duel at Big Ten. Nebraska, fourth seed at 28-6, is looking to advance after achieving its first victory in the tournament’s history. Iowa, ninth seed at 23-12, surprised by eliminating Florida and reaches Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
Region Centro-West brings together consistency and long-distance shots
Michigan demonstrates seed strength in Região Centro-West. The team won the first two games by an average of 22 points. Alabama, fourth seed, hit 19 three-pointers against Texas Tech and reaches Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season.
Iowa State outperformed Kentucky even without power forward All-American Os Cyclones, with 29-7, won 82 to 63 and have the player returning to face Tennessee.
Tennessee maintains streak under Rick Barnes. Os Vols, sixth seed with 24-11, beat Virginia 79 to 72 and guaranteed their fourth consecutive participation in the Sweet 16.
Surprise from Texas at Região Oeste
Texas emerges as the main surprise of Oeste. Os Longhorns, 11th seed at 21-14, eliminated Gonzaga and became the sixth team from First Four to reach Sweet 16. In the first season under Sean Miller, the team came together at the decisive moment.
Purdue maintains consistency under Matt Painter. Os Boilermakers, with 29-8, beat Miami 79 to 69 and reach Sweet 16 for the seventh time in nine seasons, including the 2024 final.
Arizona and Arkansas promise a duel of NBA talents. Arizona, at 34-2, relies on Jaden Bradley in crucial moments. Arkansas, under John Calipari, advanced with 36 points from Darius Acuff Jr. against High Point.
Sweet 16 starts Thursday, March 26, with games on San Jose and Houston. Sexta-Friday, March 27th, has departures in Washington and Chicago. Todos the times follow the local time zone of the headquarters.
- Big Ten: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State,
- SEC: Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas
- Big 12: Arizona, Houston, Iowa State
- Big East: St. John’s, UConn
- ACC: Duke
