March Madness: Ohio Makes History With Four Teams in Sweet 16

Another rarity in the year's March Madness, Ohio has four teams in the Sweet Sixteen. It is the first time a state has accomplished that, and with the success of North Carolina teams through the years, that is surprising. The teams advancing include two-seed Ohio State, who advanced easily, while the rest of the teams, Xavier, Ohio University, and Cincinnati had to fight for their positions, somewhat literally. There was a brawl between Xavier and Cincinnati at a game in December that resulted in mass suspensions. To see both teams regroup and advance to the Sweet Sixteen is shocking. Cincinnati needed a tough defensive game against Florida State as well as momentum from the Big East tournament. However, Xavier is one of a very elite list, including North Carolina and Kentucky, to have made the Sweet Sixteen four out of the last five years. They advanced over Lehigh.

While Xavier is a regular to this round, Ohio has not been to the Sweet Sixteen since 1964. The Bobcats' reward for advancing is North Carolina, a tough test for any Cinderella. Ohio State beat a scrappy Gonzaga team that has had more success than most mid-majors. As teams advance to the next round of March Madness, Ohio will be the place to be.

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