We're down to the last 16 in college basketball's NCAA Championships, and the excitement is growing.

Alex Ferguson looks at the eight match-ups:

North Carolina vs Washington State

Top-ranked Carolina have scored over 200 points in two games. Their Sweet 16 match-up against Washington State is going to be tougher, but not that tough. Expect Tar Heel Nation to be playing in the 'Elite Eight' on Saturday.

VERDICT: NORTH CAROLINA ROLLS

Kansas vs Villanova

The Kansas Jayhawks, however, haven't had a problem living up to expectation, winning both games by a country mile. The problems for the Jayhawks is the fact that they can't seem to live up to the endless expectations of both their fans AND the media. This year - so far - that hasn't been a problem, as Kansas won their opening pair of matches comfortably.

Villanova, who only qualified for the tournament by the skin of their teeth, raised some eyebrows when they knocked off Clemson and Siena in the opening rounds. Although the Wildcats would love to have a mouth full of Jayhawk feathers by the end of their clash with KU, the odds are stacked against them.

VERDICT: KU INTO ELITE EIGHT

UCLA vs Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky became the darlings of March Madness when they beat fifth-seeded Drake in the opening round on a Ty Rogers prayer with only two seconds left in overtime. After beating San Diego comfortably, next up is a clash with top-seeded UCLA, who have been able to win two games in a row - if by playing ugly at times. Expect Cinderella to go home in tears...but not without a fight.

VERDICT: UCLA HANGS TOUGH AND ADVANCES

Memphis vs Michigan State

Memphis have been a fun team to watch all season long, and it didn't stop there as they managed to beat away underdog Mississippi State in the second round of the tournament. Michigan State, however, have been relatively unexciting in their two matches, but in the tourney, a win's a win. Will the Spartans - who are veterans of long basketball campaigns in Madnesses past - make it through? This one between David-turned-Goliath and Goliath-turned-David should be great.

VERDICT: MEMPHIS BY FIVE

Tennessee vs Louisville

While third-ranked Louisville have been making mincemeat of their lower-ranked opponents all the way through the tournament, No. 2 Tennessee has been anything but comfortable. Rainmaker Chris Lofton has been playing hurt, and they've had to rely on JaJuan Smith for the big plays....especially in their second-round nailbiter against Butler.

VERDICT: LOUISVILLE ADVANCES

Texas vs Stanford

One of the most intriguing match-ups of the Round of 16 features a Texas team which has surpassed expectations since their former star Kevin Durant moved on last year battling a Stanford team that may well have twins - the Lopezes - going to the NBA this year. In the tournament, Stanford have been more impressive than Texas, who only just managed to get by lowly Miami in the second round. This one's got the word 'classic' written all over it.

VERDICT: LOPEZ BROTHERS PROVE NO JOKE TO TEXAS

West Virginia vs Xavier

West Virginia made many-a-basketball fan happy by shredding second-seeded Duke in the second round, and they are certainly going to be on the prowl in their match-up with third-ranked Xavier. Xavier have beaten Georgia and Purdue, but it's been anything but comfortable. Expect the same in the Sweet 16.

VERDICT: WEST VIRGINIA WIN OUT

Davidson vs Wisconsin

Davidson's brilliant performance against second-ranked Georgetown in the second round was something to behold, as a Stephen Curry-led charge brought them from 17 points down to a cracking 74-70 victory. Wisconsin, however, haven't ripped up the tourney this year - they've won with minimum fuss. But if Curry's on form, then the Badgers will be sweating. This one's going down to the wire.

VERDICT: DAVIDSON SHOCKS BADGER NATION

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