West Region

Staples Center, Los Angeles

Thursday: Michigan vs. Texas A&M (7:37 p.m. ET, TBS) and Gonzaga vs. Florida State (approx. 10:07 p.m. ET, TBS) No. 3 MICHIGAN (30-7) Why they can advance: Winners of 11 in a row, the Wolverines are playing brilliantly at both ends of the floor. Michigan spaces the floor about as well as anyone in the country, and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman’s excellent work down the stretch has m adea well-coached team even more difficult to contain. What could stop them: For all of their tactical and fundamental excellence (including a No. 4 ranking in turnover percentage, per KenPom.com), the Wolverines are a meager 65.8 percent at the foul line. That could bite them in a tight game. No.4GONZAGA (32-4) Why they can advance: Fewobv ious weaknesses.

The Zags don’t force a lot of turnovers, and they’re average at both defending the 3-point line and making their own free throws. But that’s largely quibbling. Killian Tillie, Johnathan Williams and their teammates arear eally solid bunch.

What could stop them: A well-rounded team. This probably isn’t as t esteda Gonzaga team as others, and Mark Few’s crew faced only one of the other Sweet 16 teams in the regular season (an 88-72 loss to Villanova). The Zags aren’t as good as last year, but the bracket certainly broke in their favor. No. 7TEXA S A&M (22-12)

Why they can advance: Defense. Texas A&M’s size — with Tyler Davis and especially Robert Williams protecting the rim — rightfully gets a lot of attention, but the Aggies create headaches with their perimeter defense as well.

What could stop them: Poor shooting. Texas A&M ranks 262nd nationally in 3-point percentage and 320th in foul shooting. If an opponent can keep them from scoring buckets in the paint — a big if — the Aggies offense is likely to struggle. They’re just not built to rely on anything but high-percentage shots. No. 9 FLORIDA STATE (22-11)

Why they can advance: Depth and athleticism. Those are the two calling cards of Leonard Hamilton’s program over the last few years. While Terance Mann and Braian Angola are the established veterans, the Seminoles usua llygo at least 11 deep and freshman Mfiondu Kabengele has emerged of late as an inside contributor. What could stop them: Defense. Florida Statecould barely s top anyone down the stretch of the regular season, and that was doubly true away from Tallahassee. The Seminoles are especially weak defending the perimeter, something Gonzaga could easily exploit.

CHANCES OF REACHING FINAL FOUR

Gonzaga ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 41% Michigan ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 31% Texas A&M ••••••••••••••• 16% Florida State •••••••••••• 12%

Bottom line: Tournament experience should be major factor in Zags making return to the Final Four.