UConn-SDSU rematch highlights Sweet 16 matchups

68 teams started and 16 remain as the book closes on the NCAA Tournament's opening weekend.

All four No. 1 seeds are still alive as the regional semifinals begin Thursday, with defending champion UConn listed as the betting favorite to claim the trophy.

Here's the full slate for the Sweet 16:

Thursday, March 28

7:09 p.m. - No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 2 Arizona
7:39 p.m. - No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 1 UConn
After Game 1 - No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 North Carolina
After Game 2 - No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Iowa State

The early slate boasts a rematch of last year's national title game with UConn facing San Diego State. Clemson is an opening-night surprise after the Tigers ousted No. 3 Baylor on Sunday. They'll play in front of a hostile crowd in Los Angeles, with plenty of Arizona fans expected to make the trip.

Thursday's late contests offer two blockbuster matchups, as Alabama faces North Carolina and Illinois squares off with Iowa State. Both games feature a contrast in styles: The Crimson Tide and Fighting Illini sport two of the top four offensive units in the nation, while the Cyclones and Tar Heels are among the best defensive squads in the field.

Friday, March 29

7:09 p.m. - No. 11 NC State vs. No. 2 Marquette
7:39 p.m. - No. 5 Gonzaga vs. No. 1 Purdue
After Game 1 - No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Houston
After Game 2 - No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 2 Tennessee

The biggest underdog remaining in the tournament gets things started on Friday when NC State tips off against Marquette. The Wolfpack stormed through the ACC Tournament to book their spot in the NCAA field and have handled Texas Tech and Oakland through two rounds. An offensive shootout is expected when Purdue and Gonzaga meet up.

The late games feature four of the best teams in the country, as Duke is getting Houston and Creighton's seeing Tennessee. The Blue Devils' wide array of shooters should challenge the Cougars' swarming defense while the Volunteers will try and keep up with the run-and-gun Bluejays.