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With local teams out, your rooting guide for the Sweet 16

Noah Frank | nfrank@wtop.com

March 21, 2018, 3:56 AM

WASHINGTON — UMBC’s stunning, unprecedented upset of Virginia made for the most memorable part of this year’s March Madness so far. Unfortunately, the Retrievers’ second-round defeat to Kansas State (and Virginia Tech’s first-round bow out to Alabama) leaves no even semi-local teams left in this year’s field as it reaches the round of 16.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find good rooting interests in the remaining field vying for this year’s national title. Come with us as we rank, from 16-to-1, the most compelling teams left in the field.

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
16. Duke Imagine being the sort of person that didn’t grow up or go to school in Durham but still justifies liking this team. Grayson Allen is the embodiment of every smug, sanctimonious news conference Coach K has ever given. The sooner Duke loses, the sooner America can heal. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
WICHITA, KS - MARCH 17: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives to the basket against Seton Hall during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
15. Kansas Oh, man, Kansas is still alive? That’s a surprise. Anyway, the Jayhawks are a boring, perennial power that looked sluggish against 16 seed Penn and survived Seton Hall, to the disappointment of us all. If Clemson plays anything close to the game it did against Auburn, that should be the end of the road for Bill Self’s crew. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange plays defense during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
14. Syracuse Honestly, Syracuse shouldn’t even be this high. The Orange never deserved to be in the Tournament at all but, like the St. Louis Cardinals, have found their devil magic when they needed it most to win not one, not two, but three games and make the Sweet 16. The only good news is they play Duke next, meaning one of those teams will be done Friday. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22), PJ Washington (25), Quade Green (0) and Kevin Knox (5) celebrate in the final seconds of their win over Tennessee in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the Southeastern Conference tournament Sunday, March 11, 2018, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
13. Kentucky The Wildcats struggled to put away Davidson, but got a gift when Buffalo derailed Arizona, then a much bigger one when UMBC felled Virginia. Now, they suddenly find themselves the highest seed remaining in the South Region, and a heavy favorite to make the Final Four. Great. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: Jairus Lyles #10 of the UMBC Retrievers fights for possession against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 18, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
12. Kansas State The Wildcats may be a 9 seed, but they’re tough to root for. They play a slow, slog-it-out style that probably would have resulted in a 48-42 loss to Virginia, if only the Hoos hadn’t lost to UMBC. Oh, right, and K State bounced UMBC. You’re not rooting for them. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats dunks the ball against John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
11. Villanova There’s nothing specifically wrong with Villanova, unless, of course, you’re a Georgetown fan. But they’re the top team remaining, and March is all about underdogs. Besides, the Wildcats don’t have nearly the local flavor they’ve had in years past, after graduating Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 18: PJ Savoy #5 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after defeating the Xavier Musketeers during the second half in the second round of the 2018 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
10. Florida State The Seminoles had an impressive, come-from-behind win to topple top seeded Xavier. But really, who’s excited for Florida State? This team lost six of its last 10 coming into the Tournament and doesn’t really do any one thing particularly well. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 18: The Clemson Tigers bench reacts as the near the end of the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. The Clemson Tigers won 84-53. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
9. Clemson A lot of us (raises hand) didn’t think Clemson would win a single game, much less two. But after deconstructing Auburn, the Tigers look like they could be a serious threat to Kansas’s Final Four hopes. And anything that’s bad for Kansas is good for pretty much everyone else. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Jacquil Taylor #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
8. Purdue Purdue gets a boost up this list, despite being a 2 seed (and mascot notwithstanding), because they’ve already overcome some adversity this March with 7-foot-2 senior Isaac Hass breaking his elbow. While he might still play, it seems unlikely, adding an extra layer of drama to their upcoming matchup with Texas Tech. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: Robert Williams #44 of the Texas A&M Aggies dunks on the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 18, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
6. Texas A&M A&M is the team everybody should have seen coming, but didn’t. Having to go through UNC in Charlotte seemed insurmountable until the Aggies dismantled the Heels by 21 points. This was one of the best teams in the country early in the year. Could they be Final Four bound? (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Josh Perkins #13 stands with head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
4. Gonzaga A year after making it all the way to the title game, the Zags are back with another great shot at the Final Four. Not that the road’s been easy so far, as they trailed late in each of their first two games. But the Bulldogs are one of the best and most balanced teams remaining and have fun, athletic playmakers. Win or lose, they’re never boring. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers handles the ball against Shaq Buchanan #11 of the Murray State Racers in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
3. West Virginia The Mountaineers have laid the wood to their first two opponents, but they face the top remaining team in the field, Villanova, on Friday. Can WVU’s rough-and-tumble, suffocating style break down one of the best shooting teams in the country? Can senior guard Jevon Carter put a stamp on a four-year run that includes three Sweet 16s by getting Bob Huggins to his third Final Four? (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 18: Josh Hall #33 of the Nevada Wolf Pack celebrates with Hallice Cooke #13 after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second half in the second round of the 2018 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
2. Nevada Don’t bet against the ‘Pack. Nevada rallied from 14 points down late to force overtime and eventually beat Texas, only to dwarf that accomplishment in Round 2. Trailing by 22 to 2 seed Cincinnati, the Wolf Pack stormed all the way back and took their only lead with just nine seconds remaining. They’d be the top team on this list, if not for their next opponent … (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Grayson Allen #3 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS - MARCH 17: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives to the basket against Seton Hall during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange plays defense during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22), PJ Washington (25), Quade Green (0) and Kevin Knox (5) celebrate in the final seconds of their win over Tennessee in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the Southeastern Conference tournament Sunday, March 11, 2018, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: Jairus Lyles #10 of the UMBC Retrievers fights for possession against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 18, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats dunks the ball against John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 18: PJ Savoy #5 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after defeating the Xavier Musketeers during the second half in the second round of the 2018 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 18: The Clemson Tigers bench reacts as the near the end of the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 18, 2018 in San Diego, California. The Clemson Tigers won 84-53. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Jacquil Taylor #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: Robert Williams #44 of the Texas A&M Aggies dunks on the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 18, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Josh Perkins #13 stands with head coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: Jevon Carter #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers handles the ball against Shaq Buchanan #11 of the Murray State Racers in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 18: Josh Hall #33 of the Nevada Wolf Pack celebrates with Hallice Cooke #13 after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second half in the second round of the 2018 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 18, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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