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Here are the times for today's second-round games, with a quick prediction and postgame reflection for each game. Hopefully, you stayed up late as the last two games, Vanderbilt-Nebraska and High-Point Arkansas, were the two best games of the day. Make the jump to read my predictions and reflections for the first day of the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Game #33: (9) St. Louis vs. (1) Michigan (11:10 a.m CT) - MOST INTRIGUING GAME OF THE DAY
What a great way to start the day, with SLU big man Robbie Avila facing Michigan's fearsome front line of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Jr., and Aday Mara. St. Louis destroyed Georgia during the first round. The Billikens are stepping up in weight class against the Wolverines, which has been one of the best teams all season. Expect this to be a closer game than expected, though Michigan will advance due to its size. Prediction: Michigan
Postgame Reflection: Michigan wins 95-72. Don't be fooled by the score. St. Louis actually didn't play a bad game, Michigan is just playing at another level, which should scare every other team remaining in the field.
Game #34: (6) Louisville vs. (3) Michigan State (1:45 p.m. CT) - HISTORICAL GAME OF THE DAY
Louisville came out strong out of the gates against South Florida before letting the Bulls back in the game during the second half. Tom Izzo has really overachieved with this Michigan State team, which crushed North Dakota State on Thursday and seems super focused and business-like. Michigan State will win a close game because the Spartans are the steadier team. The Cardinals and Spartans have had many tournament battles during Tom Izzo's storied career, with this game likely to be another memorable one. Prediction: Michigan State
Postgame Reflection: Michigan State defeats Louisville 77 to 69. This game was a slog and not the memorable affair I was expecting. Both teams were choppy, and the game was unwatchable at times. With that said, Michigan State did just enough better than the Cardinals.
Game #35: (9) TCU vs. (1) Duke (4:15 p.m. CT) - LOCK GAME OF THE DAY
Duke nearly made history on Thursday, for all the wrong reasons, squeaking by a game Siena squad that was much more competitive than was expected. After building a first-half lead, TCU hung on to beat Ohio State during the final minute. Duke's Cam Boozer vs. TCU's David Punch will be interesting match up down low. With that said, the vulnerable Blue Devils are more talented and will get past the Horned Frogs. Prediction: Duke
Postgame Reflection: Duke wins 81-58 against TCU. Here is another example of not being fooled by the game's final score. Duke did not look great for the first 24 minutes of the game. TCU was simply outmatched in size and fouls, with the Blue Devils feasting late. To Duke's credit, the Blue Devils picked up its half-court defense in the second half, though TCU is a team that can struggle to score. The Blue Devils are not looking too impressive at the moment.
Game #36: (10) Texas A & M vs. (2) Houston (5:10 p.m. CT) - SNEAKY GAME OF THE DAY
Something about this game has me feeling an upset. Texas A & M took down St. Mary's (CA) during the first round while Houston cruised. The Cougars are a win away from reaching the Sweet Sixteen at the Toyota Center in Houston. Ultimately, Houston is more experienced and will advance, though this game will be closer than anticipated. Prediction: Houston
Postgame Reflection: Houston wins 88-57 against Texas A & M. Well, Texas A & M competed for about the first ten minutes and some change before the Cougars took the Aggies to the woodshed. While I didn't see a minute of this game, it appears from the highlights that Houston was Houston, overwhelming Texas A & M with its physical defense, which led to a lot of transition baskets. The Cougars have to be feeling quite good as the South Regional semifinals and final will be played in Houston!
Game #37: (11) Texas vs. (3) Gonzaga (6:10 p.m. CT) - UPSET OF THE DAY
Gonzaga survived a physical game against Kennesaw State while Texas became another First Four team to win its first round game, taking down A.J. Dybantsa and BYU after squeaking out a victory against N.C. State on Tuesday night. Texas has the size to give Gonzaga power forward Graham Ike problems while the Zags' back court is young. While I didn't think Texas would beat N.C. State, I have had a feeling that whomever won that game would make the Sweet Sixteen. With that in mind, I am going with Texas to pull the upset. Prediction: Texas
Postgame Reflection: Texas upsets Gonzaga 74-68. I didn't see a moment of this game as I was watching TCU-Duke and VCU-Illinois. The Longhorns got a big three late from Cam Heide to pull an upset that was not all that surprising, considering Texas' size and length down low and Gonzaga's lack of explosive perimeter play.
Game #38: (11) VCU vs. (3) Illinois (6:50 p.m. CT) - ALMA MATER GAME OF THE DAY!
VCU rallied from 19 points in the second half against North Carolina, which collapsed and gave the Rams the game. Terrance Hill, Jr. scored 34 points off the bench. The Rams profile as a team that can test Illinois, which struggles to contain the dribble and will give up shots in the mid-range with its drop coverage. After a rough shooting first half, Illinois set the nets on fire against a physically overwhelmed Penn team, with freshman David Mirkovic scoring 29 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. The Illini are the tallest team in the country and must use its size to pound VCU in the paint. If Illinois does that, letting the inside open up its outside game, the Illini should win. If Illinois settles for shooting too many threes without keeping VCU honest in the paint, and if the Illini struggle with VCU's quick guards, the Rams have a chance. Ultimately, Illinois' size will rule out against VCU. Prediction: Illinois
Postgame Reflection: Illinois handles VCU, 76-55. The Illini set the tone with its defense (!) rather than its customary offense, with the Rams running out of gas and no match for Illinois' size.
Game #39: (5) Vanderbilt vs. (4) Nebraska (7:45 p.m. CT) - COACHING GAME OF THE DAY!
Vandy showed great mettle surviving McNeese while Nebraska earned its first tournament victory in the program's history, cruising past Troy. Vanderbilt's Mark Byington and Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg are two of the best (and more unheralded) coaches in the game. Nebraska will have a home-court advantage this game, which will help the Huskers advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Prediction: Nebraska
Postgame Reflection: Nebraska wins a classic, with a 74-72 victory against the Commodores. I did not see a minute of this game as I was watching VCU-Illinois and enjoying the Illini's victory afterward. This game was back and forth in the second half, with a most memorable ending. Nebraska's Braden Frager made a layup with 2.2 seconds let to put the Cornhuskers up two. After a timeout, Vanderbilt's gutsy guard Tyler Tanner missed a half-court three that was half-way down before rattling out at the buzzer. As expected, this game felt like a toss up and went down to the wire.
Game #40: (12) High Point vs. (4) Arkansas (8:45 p.m. CT) - MUST WATCH GAME OF THE DAY!
High Point shocked Wisconsin on Thursday, going crazy in the final four minutes of the game. Arkansas loves to get up and down, and this game will be played at a fun tempo, with a lot of threes and fast breaks. Be sure to stay up as this game is a must-watch if you like offensive basketball. Ultimately, Arkansas plays a High Point game much better and will win a game that will be quite entertaining. Prediction: Arkansas
Postgame Reflection: Arkansas survives Cinderella High Point, 94-88. As expected this game was up and down, with High Point putting a scare into the Razorbacks and representing itself quite well. Ultimately, Arkansas star freshman Darius Acuff was the difference in the game's last four minutes, though High Point could not be counted out until the last 10 seconds.
What a great way to start the day, with SLU big man Robbie Avila facing Michigan's fearsome front line of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Jr., and Aday Mara. St. Louis destroyed Georgia during the first round. The Billikens are stepping up in weight class against the Wolverines, which has been one of the best teams all season. Expect this to be a closer game than expected, though Michigan will advance due to its size. Prediction: Michigan
Postgame Reflection: Michigan wins 95-72. Don't be fooled by the score. St. Louis actually didn't play a bad game, Michigan is just playing at another level, which should scare every other team remaining in the field.
Game #34: (6) Louisville vs. (3) Michigan State (1:45 p.m. CT) - HISTORICAL GAME OF THE DAY
Louisville came out strong out of the gates against South Florida before letting the Bulls back in the game during the second half. Tom Izzo has really overachieved with this Michigan State team, which crushed North Dakota State on Thursday and seems super focused and business-like. Michigan State will win a close game because the Spartans are the steadier team. The Cardinals and Spartans have had many tournament battles during Tom Izzo's storied career, with this game likely to be another memorable one. Prediction: Michigan State
Postgame Reflection: Michigan State defeats Louisville 77 to 69. This game was a slog and not the memorable affair I was expecting. Both teams were choppy, and the game was unwatchable at times. With that said, Michigan State did just enough better than the Cardinals.
Game #35: (9) TCU vs. (1) Duke (4:15 p.m. CT) - LOCK GAME OF THE DAY
Duke nearly made history on Thursday, for all the wrong reasons, squeaking by a game Siena squad that was much more competitive than was expected. After building a first-half lead, TCU hung on to beat Ohio State during the final minute. Duke's Cam Boozer vs. TCU's David Punch will be interesting match up down low. With that said, the vulnerable Blue Devils are more talented and will get past the Horned Frogs. Prediction: Duke
Postgame Reflection: Duke wins 81-58 against TCU. Here is another example of not being fooled by the game's final score. Duke did not look great for the first 24 minutes of the game. TCU was simply outmatched in size and fouls, with the Blue Devils feasting late. To Duke's credit, the Blue Devils picked up its half-court defense in the second half, though TCU is a team that can struggle to score. The Blue Devils are not looking too impressive at the moment.
Game #36: (10) Texas A & M vs. (2) Houston (5:10 p.m. CT) - SNEAKY GAME OF THE DAY
Something about this game has me feeling an upset. Texas A & M took down St. Mary's (CA) during the first round while Houston cruised. The Cougars are a win away from reaching the Sweet Sixteen at the Toyota Center in Houston. Ultimately, Houston is more experienced and will advance, though this game will be closer than anticipated. Prediction: Houston
Postgame Reflection: Houston wins 88-57 against Texas A & M. Well, Texas A & M competed for about the first ten minutes and some change before the Cougars took the Aggies to the woodshed. While I didn't see a minute of this game, it appears from the highlights that Houston was Houston, overwhelming Texas A & M with its physical defense, which led to a lot of transition baskets. The Cougars have to be feeling quite good as the South Regional semifinals and final will be played in Houston!
Game #37: (11) Texas vs. (3) Gonzaga (6:10 p.m. CT) - UPSET OF THE DAY
Gonzaga survived a physical game against Kennesaw State while Texas became another First Four team to win its first round game, taking down A.J. Dybantsa and BYU after squeaking out a victory against N.C. State on Tuesday night. Texas has the size to give Gonzaga power forward Graham Ike problems while the Zags' back court is young. While I didn't think Texas would beat N.C. State, I have had a feeling that whomever won that game would make the Sweet Sixteen. With that in mind, I am going with Texas to pull the upset. Prediction: Texas
Postgame Reflection: Texas upsets Gonzaga 74-68. I didn't see a moment of this game as I was watching TCU-Duke and VCU-Illinois. The Longhorns got a big three late from Cam Heide to pull an upset that was not all that surprising, considering Texas' size and length down low and Gonzaga's lack of explosive perimeter play.
Game #38: (11) VCU vs. (3) Illinois (6:50 p.m. CT) - ALMA MATER GAME OF THE DAY!
VCU rallied from 19 points in the second half against North Carolina, which collapsed and gave the Rams the game. Terrance Hill, Jr. scored 34 points off the bench. The Rams profile as a team that can test Illinois, which struggles to contain the dribble and will give up shots in the mid-range with its drop coverage. After a rough shooting first half, Illinois set the nets on fire against a physically overwhelmed Penn team, with freshman David Mirkovic scoring 29 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. The Illini are the tallest team in the country and must use its size to pound VCU in the paint. If Illinois does that, letting the inside open up its outside game, the Illini should win. If Illinois settles for shooting too many threes without keeping VCU honest in the paint, and if the Illini struggle with VCU's quick guards, the Rams have a chance. Ultimately, Illinois' size will rule out against VCU. Prediction: Illinois
Postgame Reflection: Illinois handles VCU, 76-55. The Illini set the tone with its defense (!) rather than its customary offense, with the Rams running out of gas and no match for Illinois' size.
Game #39: (5) Vanderbilt vs. (4) Nebraska (7:45 p.m. CT) - COACHING GAME OF THE DAY!
Vandy showed great mettle surviving McNeese while Nebraska earned its first tournament victory in the program's history, cruising past Troy. Vanderbilt's Mark Byington and Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg are two of the best (and more unheralded) coaches in the game. Nebraska will have a home-court advantage this game, which will help the Huskers advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Prediction: Nebraska
Postgame Reflection: Nebraska wins a classic, with a 74-72 victory against the Commodores. I did not see a minute of this game as I was watching VCU-Illinois and enjoying the Illini's victory afterward. This game was back and forth in the second half, with a most memorable ending. Nebraska's Braden Frager made a layup with 2.2 seconds let to put the Cornhuskers up two. After a timeout, Vanderbilt's gutsy guard Tyler Tanner missed a half-court three that was half-way down before rattling out at the buzzer. As expected, this game felt like a toss up and went down to the wire.
Game #40: (12) High Point vs. (4) Arkansas (8:45 p.m. CT) - MUST WATCH GAME OF THE DAY!
High Point shocked Wisconsin on Thursday, going crazy in the final four minutes of the game. Arkansas loves to get up and down, and this game will be played at a fun tempo, with a lot of threes and fast breaks. Be sure to stay up as this game is a must-watch if you like offensive basketball. Ultimately, Arkansas plays a High Point game much better and will win a game that will be quite entertaining. Prediction: Arkansas
Postgame Reflection: Arkansas survives Cinderella High Point, 94-88. As expected this game was up and down, with High Point putting a scare into the Razorbacks and representing itself quite well. Ultimately, Arkansas star freshman Darius Acuff was the difference in the game's last four minutes, though High Point could not be counted out until the last 10 seconds.
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