Top-seeded Indiana falls in Sweet 16

Indiana came into the season pre-ranked number one. After the season began, they stayed in that position. They won the Big East tournament and came into the NCAA March Madness tournament with a big number one printed next to their name. While it was no question that they would make it to the Sweet 16, what was shocking is that thought that they wouldn't make it out. This is exactly what happened Thursday against Syracuse.

In a game that matched up number one Indiana vs. number four Syracuse, most fans believed that the Hoosiers would come out victorious. The fact was that Syracuse’s simple, yet effective zone D was too much for the pre-season favorite. Syracuse pulled out the win with a final score of 61-50.

Of the loss, Indian guard Victor Oladipo said, “We just didn't take care of the ball like we should have. In the first half we got a little too anxious, catching the ball, moving out the ball, not having the ball secure in our hands…” The Hoosiers lost the game in a manner they hadn't seen all season. They were down by 12 points at the half, scoring a season-low of 22 points. They also shot a season-low in field goal and three-point percentages (34.0, 20.0) and scored a season-low 50 points total.

Though Syracuse has been a tough opponent in the tourney, and are now on their way to face Marquette in the Elite-8, their regular season didn't go in the same way. Syracuse dropped seven games in the Big East, and looked like a team who didn't have all the parts necessary to make a deep run in the tournament. With that being said, Sophomore Michael Carter-Williams led Syracuse with a huge 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting night. He also had six rebounds for the Orange.

While Indiana seemed like the team to beat, the fact is, this is March Madness. The number one seed doesn't guarantee anything except a harsher fall from grace when a team doesn't reach their potential.

Photo courtesy of the Daily Golpher