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          Dick Vitale picks the men's Sweet 16, Elite Eight and Final Four winners

          Graham Ike and Gonzaga couldn't get past Zach Edey and Purdue when the two teams met in November 2023. They have another shot at it on Friday. Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
          • Dick Vitale, College Basketball analystMar 27, 2024, 03:30 PM
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              Dick Vitale, college basketball's top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate style. Vitale also contributes columns to ESPN.com.
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          The most exciting weekend of the basketball season was awesome baby, as we saw some outstanding PTPers carry their teams through to the Sweet 16.

          It's no surprise to see All-Stars like the Houston Cougars' Jamal Shead and the Illinois Fighting Illini's Terrence Shannon Jr. put on magnificent performances.

          After reviewing all the action, my VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index) says these are teams that will battle through to next week's Final Four.

          SWEET 16

          EAST
          UConn vs. San Diego State (UConn)
          Illinois vs. Iowa State (Iowa St)

          WEST
          North Carolina vs. Alabama (North Carolina)
          Clemson vs. Arizona (Arizona)

          SOUTH
          Houston vs. Duke (Houston)
          NC State vs. Marquette (Marquette)

          MIDWEST
          Purdue vs. Gonzaga (Purdue)
          Creighton vs. Tennessee (Tennessee)

          ELITE 8

          EAST
          UConn vs. Iowa State (UConn)

          WEST
          North Carolina vs. Arizona (North Carolina)

          SOUTH
          Houston vs. Marquette (Houston)

          MIDWEST
          Purdue vs. Tennessee (Purdue)

          FINAL FOUR

          UConn vs. North Carolina (UConn)
          Houston vs. Purdue (Purdue)

          CHAMPIONSHIP

          UConn vs. Purdue (UConn)