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Here are the times for today's second-round games, with a quick pregame prediction for each game and my halftime and postgame reactions for most games excluding the last slate of contests, during which I fell asleep as a result of succumbing to watching too much basketball in the past six days. In short, the first #1 overall seed has gone down, with defending national champion Florida falling to #9 Iowa during a game that was a coaching clinic of strategy and execution, with Hawkeyes' Head Coach Ben McCollum drawing up a wonderful inbounds play late and doing what I admittedly thought was impossible, coaxing 73 points out of his team while flustering Florida with a methodical pace. The highly-anticipated St. John's - Kansas game was controlled by the Johnnies until a furious rally by Kansas in the last five minutes seemed to have swung the game. However, St. John's was saved by point guard Dylan Darling, who became Dylan Starling on a game-winning layup at the buzzer. Make the jump to recap the final day of the opening weekend of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Game #41: (7) Miami (FL) vs. (2) Purdue (11:10 a.m CT) - SNEAKY GOOD GAME OF THE DAY
Purdue handled Queens (NC) in the first round, with point guard Braden Smith becoming the all-time assists leader in NCAA history. The Boilermakers are rolling but shouldn't dismiss the Hurricanes, which had as good of a first-round victory as there was, defeating Missouri in what essentially was a road game. Miami (FL) profiles as a team that has given Purdue problems in past NCAA Tournaments. The Boilermakers should win, but Jai Lucas' first Miami (FL) team is impressive with its grittiness and resolve. Don't overlook this game, which will be a tight one. Prediction: Purdue
Note: As I am writing this post, Miami (FL) leads 40-38 at the halftime break.
FINAL VERDICT (1:16 p.m. CT) - The experienced Boilermakers cut down the turnovers in the second half and take down an impressive Miami (FL) team, 79-69. Purdue got 24 points from senior sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer, who was a sizzling 6/7 from the field and 8/8 from the free throw line. The Boilermakers are clicking at the right time and will play in its seventh Sweet Sixteen in the last nine tournaments. Up next for Purdue is #11 Texas, which upset #3 Gonzaga last night on a big three from Cam Heide, who played for Purdue the last two seasons. Ultimately, Purdue seems destined to meet #1 Arizona in the Elite Eight. As for Miami (FL), this seems like a program on the rise with Lucas.
Game #42: (2) Iowa State vs. (7) Kentucky (1:45 p.m. CT) - EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES GAME OF THE DAY
The big story emerging from Iowa State's first-round drubbing of Tennessee State was the ankle injury suffered by Cyclones' star Joshua Jefferson. It is undetermined whether or not Jefferson will play, though it does not look promising. As for Kentucky, the Wildcats needed a miracle half-court, buzzer-beating three off the glass from Otega Oweh to get to overtime against Santa Clara. The Wildcats survived the Broncos in the extra five minutes and seemingly have some momentum against a likely-depleted Cyclones' squad. Still, Kentucky has been a maddening team this year while Iowa State has been one of the best teams all season long. Expect the Cyclones to rally without Jefferson and pull out the victory, though Iowa State's shot at a Final Four is in serious jeopardy if Jefferson is out or severely limited for the rest of the tournament. Prediction: Iowa State
*Note: Jefferson will not be playing today (12:40 p.m. CT).
Halftime Update (2:52 p.m. CT) - Iowa State leads 31-30 at the break. The Cyclones finish the half on an 8-0 run to take its first lead since the game was 2-0. Nate Heise buries an open corner three right before the buzzer. The Cyclones have been ice cold from three, starting 0/11 and now 3/16. Kentucky began the game on fire, hitting four threes in the first five minutes (two each from Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen) and building a double-digit lead. Without Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State struggled to find any offense, but has turned this game with a swarming half-court defense, sending aggressive doubles from all directions. At one point, Iowa State forced 8 Kentucky turnovers in 3 minutes. The Wildcats have more turnovers (12) than made field goals (11). Kentucky is clearly uncomfortable in the half court. While struggling to shoot, Iowa State has been hustling on the boards, with 7 on the offensive glass. Iowa State has struggled with Kentucky's size at the rim but is getting to the line (10/15 vs. 2/3). After a rough first round game, Tamin Lipsey is a spark plug for Iowa State, with 9 points, 4 steals, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Lipsey is one of the tougher and more fun players to watch. Milan Momcilovic hit two big threes to keep Iowa State within striking distance. Aberdeen leads Kentucky with 10 points. It feels like this game has turned in favor of Iowa State, thanks to the defensive activity. If Kentucky keeps turning the ball over at this rate and Iowa State gets more normal three-point shooting, this game should go to the Cyclones. Kentucky is going to need more from first-round star Otega Oweh (5 points on 2-for-5 shooting), who opened the game's scoring with a massive two-hand slam off a baseline cut but seems to be struggling with a compromised right hand.
FINAL VERDICT (3:56 p.m. CT) - Iowa State crushes Kentucky, 82-63. The Cyclones have no drop off in defensive activity, forcing a season-high 19 turnovers for the Wildcats, and shoot the lights out (Iowa State was 18/26 from the field late in the second half). Lipsey was amazing, finishing with 26 points, including two big threes early in the second half, while Momcilovic added 20 points (with four threes). Iowa State swung this game with amazing ball pressure that got the offense going, and the end result was no surprise given where the game was at the half. Iowa State advances to the Sweet Sixteen, where the Cyclones will play either Tennessee or Virginia (make that, Tennessee).
Game #43: (5) St. John's vs. (4) Kansas (4:15 p.m. CT) - MUST-WATCH GAME OF THE DAY
The storming Red Storm handled Northern Iowa in its opening game on Friday night while Kansas survived a furious rally by Cal Baptist after leading by as much as 26 points early in the second half. The Jayhawks will have the most talented player on the floor in freshman Darryn Peterson, who overcame a slow start against the Lancers, to have an impressive offensive performance. The Jayhawks are the more talented yet inconsistent team while St. John's is peaking at the right time. With its full-court pressure, the better-connected Red Storm will win this game pitting Head Coach Rick Pitino vs. Kansas Head Coach Bill Self, a story line that will be talked about more than the career of St. John's star forward Zuby Ejiofor, who began his career at Kansas and is playing like a man possessed. Prediction: St. John's
Halftime Update (5:20 p.m. CT) - St. John's leads 34-26 at the break. That was an ugly first half. The game is being played at St. John's frenetic pace, with the Red Storm's pressure and physicality leading to 9 Kansas turnovers and 12 Johnnies' points. St. John's is getting a lot of open threes, and bricking a good majority of them, though the Johnnies hit two big ones late in the half. They are 7/23 from deep and 11/38 from the field (28.9%). Kansas is 10/29 from the field (34.5%). Kansas' Darryn Peterson started the game hot, with two quick three pointers, but hasn't hit a field goal since. Kansas has better individual offensive talent in the half court, but St. John's defense is so physical and aggressive that the Jayhawks are struggling to get good shots. Kansas is definitely sped up. Kansas has had success when attacking once getting the ball past half court against St. John's press. Both teams have had long offensive droughts. Ejiafor has struggled against Kansas' height With so many missed shots, offensive rebounding will be key. St. John's has 7, Kansas 3. Kansas needs to cut down the turnovers and get the ball to the rim when dribbling through the press. The Jayhawks need to bring some man-to-man, full-court pressure and see if it can generate some turnovers leading to easy baskets. St. John's needs to continue to bring the defensive intensity, most importantly hit some open shots, and continue to extend possessions by pounding the offensive glass.
FINAL VERDICT (6:39 p.m. CT) - St. John's defeats Kansas 67-65 on a Dylan Darling layup at the buzzer. That was Darling's first basket of the game. The Johnnies were up 14 in the second half before Kansas had a furious rally, sparked by reserve Kohl Resario, who hit a big three, got a basket inside and kept two possessions alive with offensive boards. St. John's controlled most of the second half with its defense. At one point Kansas had 15 turnovers and 16 field goals. The Jayhawks rallied as a result of speeding up its offense and attacking off the bounce and not letting St. John's set up its half-court defense. St. John's dictated the style of play the entire game, though Kansas' brought a frenetic offense late that almost stole the victory. St. John's advances to its first Sweet Sixteen since 1999 and will play #1 overall seed Duke.
Game #44: (3) Virginia vs. (6) Tennessee (5:10 p.m. CT) - UPSET OF THE DAY
Virginia held on in a tight game against a plucky Wright State squad while Tennessee suffocated the high-octane Miami (OH) offense during a defensive clinic on Friday. Pardon my dumb mistake, underestimating the defensive prowess of a Tennessee team coached by Rick Barnes. Virginia has had a wonderful season under first-year Head Coach Ryan Odom, but the Cavaliers will struggle against the lock-down defense of the Volunteers, which will win an ugly game that may struggle to get into the sixties for points. One thing to monitor is the health status of Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who didn't score and was a non-factor in the Volunteers first-round win as he recovers from an ankle injury. Prediction: Tennessee
Halftime Update (6:04 p.m. CT) - Tennessee leads 36-31 at halftime. I haven't seen much of this game while watching St. John's-Kansas. When I tuned in, Tennessee was in the midst of a 12-0 run, getting the ball inside. Looking at the stats, Tennessee has an 18-8 advantage with points in the paint. It seems that Virginia hit some early threes, but has struggled as of late. UVA does have a 21-14 advantage on the boards.
FINAL VERDICT (7:38 p.m. CT) - Tennessee wins 79-72. The Volunteers survive double-digit turnovers in the second half and finished the game at the free throw line. The Volunteers were 19/25 from the foul line, Virginia was 6/11. Tennessee was able to even out the rebounds at 30 apiece after being down 7 at halftime. Virginia had some opportunities late, but missed a layup, wide open corner three late and a free throw. Tennessee didn't get much offense late but advances to its fourth-straight Sweet Sixteen, where the Volunteers will play Iowa State in what figures to be a defensive rock fight.
Game #45: (9) Iowa vs. (1) Florida (6:10 p.m. CT) - LOCK GAME OF THE DAY
Iowa methodically beat Clemson in the first round but is facing a monster in Florida, which destroyed Prairie View A & M on Friday night. Hawkeyes Head Coach Ben McCollum and star guard Bennett Stirtz get a lot out of a little, but Iowa is simply outmatched against Todd Golden's Gators' team that is looking to repeat as national champions. While the Hawkeyes will run shot clock and limit possessions, Iowa will struggle to score against the Gators and have no answer for Florida's massive front line. Prediction: Florida
Halftime Update (7:10 p.m. CT) - Iowa leads 33-31 at the half. The Hawkeyes have dictated the pace and are an amazing 11/12 from two-point range while just 1/11 from three. Iowa was up 10 at one point, and Florida seemed to rush offense a bit as a counter to Iowa running clock. Iowa has 18 points in the paint compared to 12 for Florida, and also has a surprising 16 to 12 advantage on the boards. Iowa is going to continue to run this methodical game and needs to get a few threes from Stirtz this half. Florida needs to move its feet and get into Iowa defensively as the Hawkeyes are shooting a ridiculous clip from inside the three-point line that will not be sustainable. Offensively, Florida needs Boogie Fland to get into the lane to open up lobs to Florida's superior bigs. Florida should also bring full-court pressure so Iowa cannot get the ball into the half court, where it will be a slow burn.
FINAL VERDICT (8:35 p.m. CT) - Iowa stuns Florida, 73-72. Down 72-70, Iowa runs a beautiful full-court inbounds play, curling Bennett Stirtz on the run. Stirtz got the ball on the move, turned the corner with his dribble, and had Tomas Haugh in a bad spot, 2-on-1. Haugh committed to Stirtz, who finds an open Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner for a three with 4 seconds left. On Florida's inbounds out of the timeout, the Gators get the ball to a running Xaivian Lee, who drives to the hoop and tries to hit Haugh for a layup, but the ball is never secured as time expires. Florida doesn't even get off a final shot. Iowa outrebounds Florida 24-22 for the game, shoots 51% for the game and hits 6 threes in the second half. Iowa took 51 shots, Florida 46 for the game. There will be no repeat champion as the Gators lose to the Hawkeyes during an emotional and shocking game. Prior to this game, it seemed like Iowa had no shot against Florida. Change my title from "Lock" to "Shock" Game of the Day. McCollum is as fine of an Xs and Os coach in the college game, taking a much-less talented Iowa team past Florida and into the Sweet Sixteen, where the Hawkeyes will see a familiar foe, Big Ten counterpart Nebraska. (Note: The South Region is essentially Houston versus the Big Ten - Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska - with the games being played in Houston!).
Game #46: (9) Utah State vs. (1) Arizona (6:50 p.m. CT) - DEJA VU GAME OF THE DAY
This game reminds me a lot of yesterday's St. Louis-Michigan game in that St. Louis is a really, really good team while Michigan is a historic squad. Just like the Billikens, Utah State is a really, really good team that could get to a Sweet Sixteen in other circumstances, especially if it was in a different region. However, Arizona is so focused and on its game right now that a Final Four seems destined, as is the case with Michigan. Don't be surprised if Utah State plays relatively decent but still loses big as Arizona is playing that great at the moment. Prediction: Arizona
FINAL VERDICT: Arizona wins 78-66, holding off a tough Utah State rally in the second half. I am not going to lie, I fell asleep at the end of this game. From what I saw, Utah State really was coming at Arizona in the second half, getting the game to six points at one time, with some clutch threes and great execution out of some wonderful half-court sets. Arizona got some big baskets at the rim from senior Jayden Bradley, a timely three from freshman point guard Brayden Burries, and an overwhelming performance from center Montiejus Krievas, who was just too big and had 11 points (7 from the free throw line), 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Arizona advances to yet another Sweet Sixteen, where it will play Arkansas.
Game #47: (7) UCLA vs. (2) UCONN (7:45 p.m. CT) - COACHING GAME OF THE DAY
Beyond a strong performance from big Eric Daily, Jr., UCLA knocked out UCF on Friday night. It is unknown whether Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau, who has missed two games with a knee sprain, will play today against UCONN, which got a historic performance from big man Tarris Reed, Jr., who scored 31 points and had 27 rebounds during the Huskies victory against a game Furman squad late Friday night. UCONN guards Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins are really struggling shooting the ball while UCLA has a guard in Donovan Dent who could go off and carry the Bruins. This game features arguably the two most cantankerous coaches in the game in UCONN's Dan Hurley and UCLA's Mick Cronin. While both guys are jerks, they are outstanding head coaches. With that said, Hurley is at another level, especially in the NCAA Tournament. Cronin will have a great defensive game plan as will Hurley's Huskies, which will make things difficult for Dent and the Bruins and survive despite not playing its best ball as of late. Expect a lot of camera shots of Hurley and Cronin going nuts on the sidelines tonight during a close, tense affair. Prediction: UCONN
FINAL VERDICT: UCONN pulls away 73-57 against the Bruins. I dozed off at halftime with the Huskies up five despite foul trouble on Tarris Reed, Jr. The Huskies got a big game from Alex Karaban, who had 27 points and showed his NCAA Tournament experience and leadership. It also seems that freshman guard Braylon Mullins rediscovered his shooting touch (5-for-9). Solo Ball is still struggling, though, scoring 0 points in 13 minutes. It looks like UCONN made things tough for UCLA guard Donovan Dent, who had 11 points on 2-for-9 shooting but did dish out 11 assists. Ultimately, however UCONN has been playing as of late, it is a tall task to defeat a Dan Hurley-coached team in the NCAA Tournament. UCONN advances to play Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen.
Game #48: (5) Texas Tech vs. (4) Arkansas (8:45 p.m. CT) - INEVITABLE GAME OF THE DAY
Without injured star J.T. Toppin, Texas Tech took care of business against trendy pick Akron, ultimately winning by 20 points. Alabama is without guard Aden Holloway due to legal issues but shot down another trendy pick Hofstra. Despite the Red Raiders and Crimson Tide entering their games with issues, it was hard seeing either Texas Tech or Alabama losing in the first round, in large part due to both team's outstanding coaching, Grant McCasland and Nate Oats. With that said, Texas Tech will sorely miss Toppin today as Alabama is just too much of an offensive juggernaut. Prediction: Alabama
FINAL VERDICT: Alabama cruises to a 90-65 victory against Texas Tech. As I was dozing off, I saw in the upper score box on the television screen that the Crimson Tide were out to a 20-8 lead early in the first half. While I didn't see a minute of this game, I am not surprised as I figured Alabama would have too much offensive firepower. Alabama was 19/45 for three with Latrell Wrightsell (25 points) going 6-for-9 from deep and Houston Mallette (15 points) going 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Alabama advances to the Sweet Sixteen, where it will play Michigan.
Purdue handled Queens (NC) in the first round, with point guard Braden Smith becoming the all-time assists leader in NCAA history. The Boilermakers are rolling but shouldn't dismiss the Hurricanes, which had as good of a first-round victory as there was, defeating Missouri in what essentially was a road game. Miami (FL) profiles as a team that has given Purdue problems in past NCAA Tournaments. The Boilermakers should win, but Jai Lucas' first Miami (FL) team is impressive with its grittiness and resolve. Don't overlook this game, which will be a tight one. Prediction: Purdue
Note: As I am writing this post, Miami (FL) leads 40-38 at the halftime break.
FINAL VERDICT (1:16 p.m. CT) - The experienced Boilermakers cut down the turnovers in the second half and take down an impressive Miami (FL) team, 79-69. Purdue got 24 points from senior sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer, who was a sizzling 6/7 from the field and 8/8 from the free throw line. The Boilermakers are clicking at the right time and will play in its seventh Sweet Sixteen in the last nine tournaments. Up next for Purdue is #11 Texas, which upset #3 Gonzaga last night on a big three from Cam Heide, who played for Purdue the last two seasons. Ultimately, Purdue seems destined to meet #1 Arizona in the Elite Eight. As for Miami (FL), this seems like a program on the rise with Lucas.
Game #42: (2) Iowa State vs. (7) Kentucky (1:45 p.m. CT) - EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES GAME OF THE DAY
The big story emerging from Iowa State's first-round drubbing of Tennessee State was the ankle injury suffered by Cyclones' star Joshua Jefferson. It is undetermined whether or not Jefferson will play, though it does not look promising. As for Kentucky, the Wildcats needed a miracle half-court, buzzer-beating three off the glass from Otega Oweh to get to overtime against Santa Clara. The Wildcats survived the Broncos in the extra five minutes and seemingly have some momentum against a likely-depleted Cyclones' squad. Still, Kentucky has been a maddening team this year while Iowa State has been one of the best teams all season long. Expect the Cyclones to rally without Jefferson and pull out the victory, though Iowa State's shot at a Final Four is in serious jeopardy if Jefferson is out or severely limited for the rest of the tournament. Prediction: Iowa State
*Note: Jefferson will not be playing today (12:40 p.m. CT).
Halftime Update (2:52 p.m. CT) - Iowa State leads 31-30 at the break. The Cyclones finish the half on an 8-0 run to take its first lead since the game was 2-0. Nate Heise buries an open corner three right before the buzzer. The Cyclones have been ice cold from three, starting 0/11 and now 3/16. Kentucky began the game on fire, hitting four threes in the first five minutes (two each from Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen) and building a double-digit lead. Without Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State struggled to find any offense, but has turned this game with a swarming half-court defense, sending aggressive doubles from all directions. At one point, Iowa State forced 8 Kentucky turnovers in 3 minutes. The Wildcats have more turnovers (12) than made field goals (11). Kentucky is clearly uncomfortable in the half court. While struggling to shoot, Iowa State has been hustling on the boards, with 7 on the offensive glass. Iowa State has struggled with Kentucky's size at the rim but is getting to the line (10/15 vs. 2/3). After a rough first round game, Tamin Lipsey is a spark plug for Iowa State, with 9 points, 4 steals, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Lipsey is one of the tougher and more fun players to watch. Milan Momcilovic hit two big threes to keep Iowa State within striking distance. Aberdeen leads Kentucky with 10 points. It feels like this game has turned in favor of Iowa State, thanks to the defensive activity. If Kentucky keeps turning the ball over at this rate and Iowa State gets more normal three-point shooting, this game should go to the Cyclones. Kentucky is going to need more from first-round star Otega Oweh (5 points on 2-for-5 shooting), who opened the game's scoring with a massive two-hand slam off a baseline cut but seems to be struggling with a compromised right hand.
FINAL VERDICT (3:56 p.m. CT) - Iowa State crushes Kentucky, 82-63. The Cyclones have no drop off in defensive activity, forcing a season-high 19 turnovers for the Wildcats, and shoot the lights out (Iowa State was 18/26 from the field late in the second half). Lipsey was amazing, finishing with 26 points, including two big threes early in the second half, while Momcilovic added 20 points (with four threes). Iowa State swung this game with amazing ball pressure that got the offense going, and the end result was no surprise given where the game was at the half. Iowa State advances to the Sweet Sixteen, where the Cyclones will play either Tennessee or Virginia (make that, Tennessee).
Game #43: (5) St. John's vs. (4) Kansas (4:15 p.m. CT) - MUST-WATCH GAME OF THE DAY
The storming Red Storm handled Northern Iowa in its opening game on Friday night while Kansas survived a furious rally by Cal Baptist after leading by as much as 26 points early in the second half. The Jayhawks will have the most talented player on the floor in freshman Darryn Peterson, who overcame a slow start against the Lancers, to have an impressive offensive performance. The Jayhawks are the more talented yet inconsistent team while St. John's is peaking at the right time. With its full-court pressure, the better-connected Red Storm will win this game pitting Head Coach Rick Pitino vs. Kansas Head Coach Bill Self, a story line that will be talked about more than the career of St. John's star forward Zuby Ejiofor, who began his career at Kansas and is playing like a man possessed. Prediction: St. John's
Halftime Update (5:20 p.m. CT) - St. John's leads 34-26 at the break. That was an ugly first half. The game is being played at St. John's frenetic pace, with the Red Storm's pressure and physicality leading to 9 Kansas turnovers and 12 Johnnies' points. St. John's is getting a lot of open threes, and bricking a good majority of them, though the Johnnies hit two big ones late in the half. They are 7/23 from deep and 11/38 from the field (28.9%). Kansas is 10/29 from the field (34.5%). Kansas' Darryn Peterson started the game hot, with two quick three pointers, but hasn't hit a field goal since. Kansas has better individual offensive talent in the half court, but St. John's defense is so physical and aggressive that the Jayhawks are struggling to get good shots. Kansas is definitely sped up. Kansas has had success when attacking once getting the ball past half court against St. John's press. Both teams have had long offensive droughts. Ejiafor has struggled against Kansas' height With so many missed shots, offensive rebounding will be key. St. John's has 7, Kansas 3. Kansas needs to cut down the turnovers and get the ball to the rim when dribbling through the press. The Jayhawks need to bring some man-to-man, full-court pressure and see if it can generate some turnovers leading to easy baskets. St. John's needs to continue to bring the defensive intensity, most importantly hit some open shots, and continue to extend possessions by pounding the offensive glass.
FINAL VERDICT (6:39 p.m. CT) - St. John's defeats Kansas 67-65 on a Dylan Darling layup at the buzzer. That was Darling's first basket of the game. The Johnnies were up 14 in the second half before Kansas had a furious rally, sparked by reserve Kohl Resario, who hit a big three, got a basket inside and kept two possessions alive with offensive boards. St. John's controlled most of the second half with its defense. At one point Kansas had 15 turnovers and 16 field goals. The Jayhawks rallied as a result of speeding up its offense and attacking off the bounce and not letting St. John's set up its half-court defense. St. John's dictated the style of play the entire game, though Kansas' brought a frenetic offense late that almost stole the victory. St. John's advances to its first Sweet Sixteen since 1999 and will play #1 overall seed Duke.
Game #44: (3) Virginia vs. (6) Tennessee (5:10 p.m. CT) - UPSET OF THE DAY
Virginia held on in a tight game against a plucky Wright State squad while Tennessee suffocated the high-octane Miami (OH) offense during a defensive clinic on Friday. Pardon my dumb mistake, underestimating the defensive prowess of a Tennessee team coached by Rick Barnes. Virginia has had a wonderful season under first-year Head Coach Ryan Odom, but the Cavaliers will struggle against the lock-down defense of the Volunteers, which will win an ugly game that may struggle to get into the sixties for points. One thing to monitor is the health status of Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who didn't score and was a non-factor in the Volunteers first-round win as he recovers from an ankle injury. Prediction: Tennessee
Halftime Update (6:04 p.m. CT) - Tennessee leads 36-31 at halftime. I haven't seen much of this game while watching St. John's-Kansas. When I tuned in, Tennessee was in the midst of a 12-0 run, getting the ball inside. Looking at the stats, Tennessee has an 18-8 advantage with points in the paint. It seems that Virginia hit some early threes, but has struggled as of late. UVA does have a 21-14 advantage on the boards.
FINAL VERDICT (7:38 p.m. CT) - Tennessee wins 79-72. The Volunteers survive double-digit turnovers in the second half and finished the game at the free throw line. The Volunteers were 19/25 from the foul line, Virginia was 6/11. Tennessee was able to even out the rebounds at 30 apiece after being down 7 at halftime. Virginia had some opportunities late, but missed a layup, wide open corner three late and a free throw. Tennessee didn't get much offense late but advances to its fourth-straight Sweet Sixteen, where the Volunteers will play Iowa State in what figures to be a defensive rock fight.
Game #45: (9) Iowa vs. (1) Florida (6:10 p.m. CT) - LOCK GAME OF THE DAY
Iowa methodically beat Clemson in the first round but is facing a monster in Florida, which destroyed Prairie View A & M on Friday night. Hawkeyes Head Coach Ben McCollum and star guard Bennett Stirtz get a lot out of a little, but Iowa is simply outmatched against Todd Golden's Gators' team that is looking to repeat as national champions. While the Hawkeyes will run shot clock and limit possessions, Iowa will struggle to score against the Gators and have no answer for Florida's massive front line. Prediction: Florida
Halftime Update (7:10 p.m. CT) - Iowa leads 33-31 at the half. The Hawkeyes have dictated the pace and are an amazing 11/12 from two-point range while just 1/11 from three. Iowa was up 10 at one point, and Florida seemed to rush offense a bit as a counter to Iowa running clock. Iowa has 18 points in the paint compared to 12 for Florida, and also has a surprising 16 to 12 advantage on the boards. Iowa is going to continue to run this methodical game and needs to get a few threes from Stirtz this half. Florida needs to move its feet and get into Iowa defensively as the Hawkeyes are shooting a ridiculous clip from inside the three-point line that will not be sustainable. Offensively, Florida needs Boogie Fland to get into the lane to open up lobs to Florida's superior bigs. Florida should also bring full-court pressure so Iowa cannot get the ball into the half court, where it will be a slow burn.
FINAL VERDICT (8:35 p.m. CT) - Iowa stuns Florida, 73-72. Down 72-70, Iowa runs a beautiful full-court inbounds play, curling Bennett Stirtz on the run. Stirtz got the ball on the move, turned the corner with his dribble, and had Tomas Haugh in a bad spot, 2-on-1. Haugh committed to Stirtz, who finds an open Alvaro Folgueiras in the corner for a three with 4 seconds left. On Florida's inbounds out of the timeout, the Gators get the ball to a running Xaivian Lee, who drives to the hoop and tries to hit Haugh for a layup, but the ball is never secured as time expires. Florida doesn't even get off a final shot. Iowa outrebounds Florida 24-22 for the game, shoots 51% for the game and hits 6 threes in the second half. Iowa took 51 shots, Florida 46 for the game. There will be no repeat champion as the Gators lose to the Hawkeyes during an emotional and shocking game. Prior to this game, it seemed like Iowa had no shot against Florida. Change my title from "Lock" to "Shock" Game of the Day. McCollum is as fine of an Xs and Os coach in the college game, taking a much-less talented Iowa team past Florida and into the Sweet Sixteen, where the Hawkeyes will see a familiar foe, Big Ten counterpart Nebraska. (Note: The South Region is essentially Houston versus the Big Ten - Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska - with the games being played in Houston!).
Game #46: (9) Utah State vs. (1) Arizona (6:50 p.m. CT) - DEJA VU GAME OF THE DAY
This game reminds me a lot of yesterday's St. Louis-Michigan game in that St. Louis is a really, really good team while Michigan is a historic squad. Just like the Billikens, Utah State is a really, really good team that could get to a Sweet Sixteen in other circumstances, especially if it was in a different region. However, Arizona is so focused and on its game right now that a Final Four seems destined, as is the case with Michigan. Don't be surprised if Utah State plays relatively decent but still loses big as Arizona is playing that great at the moment. Prediction: Arizona
FINAL VERDICT: Arizona wins 78-66, holding off a tough Utah State rally in the second half. I am not going to lie, I fell asleep at the end of this game. From what I saw, Utah State really was coming at Arizona in the second half, getting the game to six points at one time, with some clutch threes and great execution out of some wonderful half-court sets. Arizona got some big baskets at the rim from senior Jayden Bradley, a timely three from freshman point guard Brayden Burries, and an overwhelming performance from center Montiejus Krievas, who was just too big and had 11 points (7 from the free throw line), 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Arizona advances to yet another Sweet Sixteen, where it will play Arkansas.
Game #47: (7) UCLA vs. (2) UCONN (7:45 p.m. CT) - COACHING GAME OF THE DAY
Beyond a strong performance from big Eric Daily, Jr., UCLA knocked out UCF on Friday night. It is unknown whether Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau, who has missed two games with a knee sprain, will play today against UCONN, which got a historic performance from big man Tarris Reed, Jr., who scored 31 points and had 27 rebounds during the Huskies victory against a game Furman squad late Friday night. UCONN guards Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins are really struggling shooting the ball while UCLA has a guard in Donovan Dent who could go off and carry the Bruins. This game features arguably the two most cantankerous coaches in the game in UCONN's Dan Hurley and UCLA's Mick Cronin. While both guys are jerks, they are outstanding head coaches. With that said, Hurley is at another level, especially in the NCAA Tournament. Cronin will have a great defensive game plan as will Hurley's Huskies, which will make things difficult for Dent and the Bruins and survive despite not playing its best ball as of late. Expect a lot of camera shots of Hurley and Cronin going nuts on the sidelines tonight during a close, tense affair. Prediction: UCONN
FINAL VERDICT: UCONN pulls away 73-57 against the Bruins. I dozed off at halftime with the Huskies up five despite foul trouble on Tarris Reed, Jr. The Huskies got a big game from Alex Karaban, who had 27 points and showed his NCAA Tournament experience and leadership. It also seems that freshman guard Braylon Mullins rediscovered his shooting touch (5-for-9). Solo Ball is still struggling, though, scoring 0 points in 13 minutes. It looks like UCONN made things tough for UCLA guard Donovan Dent, who had 11 points on 2-for-9 shooting but did dish out 11 assists. Ultimately, however UCONN has been playing as of late, it is a tall task to defeat a Dan Hurley-coached team in the NCAA Tournament. UCONN advances to play Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen.
Game #48: (5) Texas Tech vs. (4) Arkansas (8:45 p.m. CT) - INEVITABLE GAME OF THE DAY
Without injured star J.T. Toppin, Texas Tech took care of business against trendy pick Akron, ultimately winning by 20 points. Alabama is without guard Aden Holloway due to legal issues but shot down another trendy pick Hofstra. Despite the Red Raiders and Crimson Tide entering their games with issues, it was hard seeing either Texas Tech or Alabama losing in the first round, in large part due to both team's outstanding coaching, Grant McCasland and Nate Oats. With that said, Texas Tech will sorely miss Toppin today as Alabama is just too much of an offensive juggernaut. Prediction: Alabama
FINAL VERDICT: Alabama cruises to a 90-65 victory against Texas Tech. As I was dozing off, I saw in the upper score box on the television screen that the Crimson Tide were out to a 20-8 lead early in the first half. While I didn't see a minute of this game, I am not surprised as I figured Alabama would have too much offensive firepower. Alabama was 19/45 for three with Latrell Wrightsell (25 points) going 6-for-9 from deep and Houston Mallette (15 points) going 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Alabama advances to the Sweet Sixteen, where it will play Michigan.
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