What we know so far heading into the Elite Eight

The weird part of the NCAA Tournament at this stage is that you start seeing some things coming together. 

This year's Sweet 16, however is the exact opposite of that, as there were certain teams who dominated certain matchups and a few others who just scraped by into the next round. 

So instead of attempting to create a narrative, let us focus on what we actually know as we head into the Elite Eight.

Duke is built for the final five minutes

Duke never looked rushed when its Sweet 16 game against St. John's tightened. Possessions had a purpose; the ball was moved with efficiency and confidence. Defensively, it stayed connected rather than scrambling.

March games at their most crucial are seldom just about skill. They are about execution when it gets tight. Duke looks extremely comfortable playing in this space.

Arizona is forcing everyone into a sprint

Some teams play to their opponent. Arizona forces its opponent to play to it.

From that point on, the speed never decreased, and before long, the game became a sprint during which the Arkansas Razorbacks just couldn't hang with Arizona.

That is what makes Arizona dangerous. It does not wait; it presses. When the game speeds up away from an opponent, it can accelerate away very quickly.

Purdue finally got pushed

Every team is going to claim it thrives under pressure. That statement gets tested, though.

Purdue did not blow anybody out; it had to execute when the game was on the line, with late possessions becoming integral and mistakes costing them.

There is value in knowing you can succeed under pressure. 

Illinois can win in multiple ways

Beating Houston was notable, but the way it happened is what is important.

It was a physical, slower game where one bad moment could swing the game. Illinois maintained composure for the entirety of that time.

That indicates versatility and a sense of control. It shows that Illinois does not need to do one specific thing well in order to advance. Teams that can adjust usually win in the long run.

Iowa is no longer a surprise

There is a moment when a team should no longer be a surprise in the tournament.

Iowa is not sneaking up on anyone anymore, and it does not matter if teams know what they are getting. It is a difficult team to stop.

It looks calm, not hurried, not panicked, just steady. When a team gets to that stage, it can be deadly.

Michigan imposed its will late

When Alabama came on strong in the second half, Michigan tightened things up.  

It increased its defensive intensity and cleaned up the possession game. It was “lights out” after that. This is what a No. 1 seed is supposed to look like this late in the tournament.

UConn maintained composure 

Michigan State tried to slow this game down with physicality and that is where some teams start to rush things or force shots. UConn did not. 

It was composed, took what it had and put this game away without ever looking bothered. Control usually wins games late in the tournament.

Tennessee always seemed to be in control 

Tennessee forced its style from the very beginning and didn't really give Iowa State any breathing room. 

Although the score was tight, the game never really felt like it could get out of hand. The Vols gained a lead by being the more physical team from the jump and never wavered.

What to expect moving forward

Right now, there is no favorite. What is interesting is the clash of styles in gameplay. 

If we take away anything that we have seen so far in the Sweet 16, it is that there will be even more unpredictability on the horizon.