Selection Sunday was just one week ago, but the men’s NCAA Tournament has already seen 44 teams eliminated from the field of 68. And by the end of Sunday, we will have our Sweet 16 locked in after eight second-round matchups take place across the country.
There’s plenty of storylines to watch. No. 1 seeds Florida and Arizona hoping to avoid the upset bug that has typified previous editions of March Madness. Likewise, there’s some potential danger for No. 2 seeds Purdue and Connecticut.
So how will the day unfold and where should you be focusing your attention with 12 hours of action on tap? We ranked all eight games and broke down each of the matchups. Enjoy the drama sure to unfold.
1. No. 4 St. John’s vs. No. 5 Kansas
Time/TV: 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS
These are the classic matchups in the second round that match traditional powerhouses with teams capable of making deep tournament runs. And you’ve got one of the best coaching matchups of the second round with Rick Pitino facing off against Bill Self. Only one get advance to the regional round. St. John’s, which has won 20 of its last 21 games, made light work of Northern Iowa with a balanced effort. Kansas got a needed big game for freshman standout Darryn Peterson, which could bode well for their hopes of advancing.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) dribbles the ball against Texas Tech guard Jazz Henderson (2) during their game at United Supermarkets Arena.
2. No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 5 Texas Tech
Time/TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, TBS
Both teams with be without standout players with the Crimson Tide missing point guard Aden Holloway after his arrest earlier this week and the Red Raiders dealing with a season-ending injury to forward JT Toppin. This game should be played at a frenetic pace with both teams shooting first and asking questions later. The depth of Alabama could play a critical role, but Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson has the ability to carry his team to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row.
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3. No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 7 Kentucky
Time/TV: 2:45 p.m. ET, CBS
The Wildcats were seconds away from being out of the tournament before heroics by Otega Oweh forced overtime and they got past Santa Clara. The challenge will be much greater now with the Cyclones playing their best basketball of the season. Iowa State blew away Tennessee State in its opener with role players Killyan Toure and Nate Heise doing much of the damage. Veteran guard Tamin Lipsey may have more of the heavy lifting against Kentucky with forward Joshua Jefferson dealing with an ankle injury suffered in the first round.
4. No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 6 Tennessee
Time/TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT
Orange will be the color of the day in Philadelphia with these border-state schools squaring off. The Cavaliers had a bumpy start against Wright State before pulling away late. They’ve not faced many teams of the caliber of the Volunteers in their ACC schedule, so a more-complete effort is needed. Ja’Kobi Gillispie was outstanding in Tennessee’s blowout of Miami (Ohio) and will need to be on point again with freshman Nate Ament struggling to play effectively due to an ankle injury.
5. No. 2 Connecticut vs. No. 7 UCLA
Time/TV: 8:45 p.m. ET, TNT
It was a smooth start for the Huskies against pesky Furman in the first round, but a remarkable 31-point, 27-rebound effort by Tarris Reed carried them through. The bid for third national title in three years gets more difficult against the Bruins, who are playing their best basketball of the season. Others stepped up after an off night by Donovan Dent in the first round. Dent’s ability to control the game will be critical as UConn will be forced to defend a group of five scorers that all average double figures.
6. No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 7 Miami (Fla.)
Time/TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS
Riding the momentum of their Big Ten tournament title, the Boilermakers look to get back into the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row. They have the enough veterans, including Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, that know not to overlook the Hurricanes. It’s been a resurgent year for Miami under first-year coach Jai Lucas. Showing resolve in a hostile environment, Malik Reneau and sub Tru Washington led the way in a first-round defeat of Missouri. Point guard Tre Donaldson, who previously played at Michigan, will know Smith well, and that matchup could prove pivotal.
7. No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 9 Utah State
Time/TV: 7:50 p.m. ET, truTV
It was an easy day for the Wildcats in their opener against Long Island. After their recent tournament disappointments, they should be focused against the Aggies, who have been consistent NCAA participants but haven’t put together a run to the Sweet 16 since 1970. The task of taking down Arizona will fall to the veteran backcourt of Mason Falslev and MJ Collins Jr. But the interior defense must also do its part against the bigger Wildcats.
8. No. 1 Florida vs. No. 9 Iowa
Time/TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS
The quest to be the second Gators to defend a national title got off to easy start with seven players scoring double figures. Frontcourt stalwarts Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon will look to assert themselves more in this round. Finally past the first round for the first time since 2021, the Hawkeyes are playing with house money. They’ll look to slow the tempo and limit possessions. Bennett Stirtz should attract much of the attention from the Florida defense, meaning secondary scorers Tavion Banks and Alvaro Folgueiras will have to take advantage of openings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness schedule: Ranking best NCAA Tournament Round 2 games today
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