This year's NCAA Tournament has brought the madness to another level.
Oral Roberts became just the second 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16, the Pac-12 is a sizzling 9-1, and only Michigan remains from what many thought to be the nation's strongest conference.
National championship contenders Gonzaga and Baylor emerged amid the chaos, but could either be the next domino to fall in what's been an upset-filled tournament?
Here are five questions to consider ahead of this weekend's regional semifinals.
Is Loyola Chicago primed for another Final Four run?
The Ramblers and team chaplain Sister Jean captivated the country when they reached the Final Four as an 11-seed in 2018. But unlike their memorable run, this year's team is no Cinderella.
Loyola Chicago has been one of the NCAA's stingiest units all season. The Ramblers allow the fewest points per game (55.8), the fewest number of free-throw attempts per contest (11.2), and they rank ninth in average triples surrendered per game (5.5). Loyola Chicago held a high-scoring Illinois offense to 58 points in its Round of 32 victory and forced six turnovers from Wooden Award finalist Ayo Dosunmu.
Cameron Krutwig, one of the starters from the 2018 squad, has been the straw that stirs the drink. The 6-foot-9 center is Porter Moser's top scoring option, an excellent facilitator, and he keeps the defense in line with his constant communication.
Can Michigan overcome Isaiah Livers' absence?
Michigan's supporting cast has shined during the absence of its star forward. The Wolverines topped the 80-point mark in each of their first two NCAA Tournament wins thanks to contributions from their depth pieces.
Eli Brooks' 21 points helped Michigan survive a second-round test against LSU. Chaundee Brown, who also had 21 versus the Tigers, has given the Wolverines' second unit a boost with his energy and defense. Newly appointed starter Brandon Johns has left his imprint on the Big Dance as well, averaging nine points per game.
Michigan's path to the Final Four will feature more high-scoring teams. Florida State boasts the 14th-best adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom, while potential Elite Eight opponents UCLA and Alabama rank 12th and 28th, respectively.
Livers' 13.1 points per contest could loom large if the Wolverines find themselves in another offensive shootout, though Juwan Howard's squad can take confidence from its previous two wins and lean on its elite defense for a late-game stop.
Can anyone challenge Gonzaga?
The top-seeded Bulldogs extended their NCAA Division I record to 25 straight double-digit wins last weekend. Gonzaga has looked every bit like the team that steamrolled through the regular season. The Zags have overwhelmed opponents in the tournament with their seemingly unstoppable offense, averaging 92.5 points per game on 52.5% shooting and a 44.9% clip from deep.
It's hard to see the Bulldogs falling short of the Final Four if they maintain the same level of play, but Oregon and USC are the most likely upset candidates. The Ducks went off for 95 points in their second-round win over No. 2 Iowa. They've got the 3-point shooting to hang with Gonzaga and a lot of switchable defenders.
USC can pose problems with its length and athleticism. Potential top-five NBA draft pick Evan Mobley and his brother, Isaiah, have the size to trouble Bulldogs forward Drew Timme just as they did against Kansas big man David McCormack in the Round of 32.
The Trojans' zone defense has also been a key part of their Sweet 16 run as opponents are shooting only 27.1% from beyond the arc. Gonzaga ranks 143rd in 3-pointers made per contest, so, forcing them to shoot more triples might be USC's best route.
Will the double-digit magic continue?
Four double-digit seeds remain in contention for the 2021 national championship. Oral Roberts is the biggest shock despite having the nation's leading scorer in Max Abmas. The Golden Eagles star is averaging 27.5 points through the tournament's first two rounds, while running mate Kevin Obanor has been equally impressive with his dominant inside-out play.
Oregon State took down freshman phenom Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma State to reach its first Sweet 16 since 1982. The Beavers, who were picked to finish last in the Pac-12's preseason poll, were surprise winners of their conference's tournament and have ridden that momentum into March Madness.
UCLA is searching for its first Elite Eight appearance since reaching the national semifinals 13 years ago. The Bruins have shot the ball exceptionally well from downtown throughout the tournament, drilling 42.9% of their attempts. Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang and sophomore guard Jaime Jaquez have registered a combined 39 points per game on 51.8% shooting.
But perhaps Syracuse is best positioned to keep the magic going. The Orange are 9-2 as a double-digit seed, which includes their last Final Four run as a 10-seed in 2016. Buddy Boeheim has been playing like a man possessed, averaging 28.3 points and shooting 55.8% from deep on 10.8 triples per game over his last four appearances. Houston is only shooting 31.9% from long distance through the first two rounds, which could spell trouble against the Orange's 2-3 zone defense.
Is Baylor back?
Baylor looked closer to the team that went 17-0 before a three-week COVID-19 pause during a pair of comfortable wins against Hartford and Wisconsin. The Bears knocked down triples at a high rate, created transition opportunities, and shared the rock.
MaCio Teague is posting a team-high 15.5 points per game and shooting 45.5% from deep during the tourney, while Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell are averaging a combined 11 assists and 5.5 steals per contest. Reserve guards Matthew Mayer and Adam Flagler have also rediscovered their shooting strokes after recent cold spells.
Baylor's return to form couldn't have come at a better time. Villanova is finding its offensive stride without star guard Collin Gillespie, and a red-hot Arkansas squad could be waiting in the South regional final.
