Editor’s note: Follow all of the men’s March Madness action, scores and highlights here with USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage.<\/a><\/em>
The 2 days that put the madness in March<\/a> have arrived eventually, school hoops followers. Meaning it\u2019s time to fireplace up your TV or streaming system, determine which channel is which, and observe alongside as your brackets get was scrap paper over the course of the day. OK, perhaps you\u2019ll truly do higher in that regard. However the video games will go on regardless of how nicely we predict them.
The boys\u2019s spherical of 64 ideas off Thursday with a full slate of 16 contests over 12 hours. Not each sport will function last-minute pressure or a dramatic end, however there ought to be loads of memorable moments. Right here\u2019s a fast take a look at the day\u2019s schedule.
The day opens with this pairing of groups that had far completely different aspirations at the beginning of the marketing campaign. The Spartans struggled by means of a difficult non-conference schedule however did simply sufficient to remain on the proper facet of the bubble, whereas the under-the-radar Bulldogs made sufficient noise within the crowded SEC to earn a bid.
FOLLOW THE MADNESS:<\/strong> NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.<\/a>
Duquesne is bound to be a fan favourite, having ended a match drought of almost half a century and with coach Keith Dambrot set to retire on the conclusion of the Dukes\u2019 run. Over half the Cougars\u2019 field-goal makes an attempt come from three-point vary, they usually\u2019re powerful to beat in the event that they get sizzling.
The Bluejays start their quest to return to the Elite Eight \u2013 and presumably past. However the Zips, that includes Mid-American Convention participant of the 12 months Enrique Freeman (18.6 ppg, 12.9 rpg) won’t be a simple out.
The Wildcats look to keep away from a repeat of final 12 months\u2019s early exit as a No. 2 seed once they misplaced to Princeton. However they face an opponent with fairly actually nothing to lose because the Seashore hope to increase the teaching tenure of Dan Monson, who introduced his departure earlier than the Huge West match after which gained the entire thing.
Sure, we all know what the Northeast Convention consultant that got here out of Dayton did final season. That was Fairleigh Dickinson. However the Seahawks will want numerous assist from their opponent to tug off one other shocker, and the veteran Tar Heels aren\u2019t possible to offer it.
The Preventing Illini, like a number of of their Huge Ten brethren, are hoping to shed a latest development of underachieving in March. They have not gotten out of the primary weekend since their look within the nationwide title sport in 2005. Their first check will come from the Eagles and prolific wing scorer Riley Minix (20.8 ppg).
This bicoastal conflict of fightin\u2019 fowl in all probability gained\u2019t function a lot high-flying. The Gamecocks rely closely on protection, surrendering simply 67.0 factors a sport, however the Geese confirmed marked enchancment on that finish of the ground of their run by means of the Pac-12 match.
The Flyers aren\u2019t precisely coming into the Huge Dance on the prime of their sport having dropped three of their final six Atlantic 10 contests, however DaRon Holmes can take over within the paint at any time. The backcourt duo of Jarod Lucas and Kenan Blackshear have complementary ability units that served the Wolf Pack nicely throughout their difficult Mountain West season.
The Rams, nearly actually underseeded after an impressive showing against Virginia<\/a>, seem like well-positioned to affix the listing of groups popping out of the First 4 to win no less than one sport within the match\u2019s major draw. However the Longhorns\u2019 well-traveled Max Abmas isn’t any stranger to the massive stage.
The high-scoring Wildcats want to put this one on ice shortly and keep away from an early exit. They are going to, nevertheless, want to concentrate to Horizon League participant of the 12 months and tourney MVP Trey Townsend, who led the Golden Grizzlies again to the Huge Dance for the primary time since 2011.
The Bulldogs have a bit of labor to do with a view to prolong their streak of eight consecutive Candy 16 appearances. The Cowboys\u2019 gaudy win complete seemingly makes them a tricky opening draw, however their subpar free-throw taking pictures \u2013 simply 69.1% \u2013 is a significant concern on this setting.
Regardless of a dominant efficiency within the Huge 12 title sport, the Cyclones weren\u2019t achieved any favors by the committee with this placement. The Jackrabbits from a neighboring state can be excited for the chance to tug an upset, although discovering their three-point accuracy towards ISU\u2019s stingy perimeter protection may very well be troublesome.
The Volunteers would do nicely to recall what the Peacocks did as two years in the past as a No. 15 seed. That mentioned, nevertheless, this Saint Peter’s staff is unlikely to duplicate that wild Elite Eight run, as they solely put up 65.3 factors a sport and have a detrimental assist-turnover ratio. However with Tennessee’s spotty match historical past, something is feasible.
The Wolfpack have been undoubtedly hoping for a Friday project after their ACC tournament odyssey<\/a> that noticed them win 5 video games and 5 days. They may nonetheless have success towards the Purple Raiders, who’re by no means afraid to shoot however would generally profit from being extra selective.
The Jayhawks had hoped for higher information on the harm entrance after basically taking the Huge 12 match off. However with Kevin McCullar sidelined<\/a> they\u2019ll positively be on upset watch towards the deep and well-drilled Bulldogs, who gained 29 video games and are among the many leaders in scoring and 3-point taking pictures.
This could be a case of saving the perfect for final, so tempo your self accordingly. The Cougars\u2019 final experience within the Pac-12 was among the many season\u2019s extra compelling tales, however they struggled down the stretch and get an especially troublesome matchup with the Missouri Valley champion Bulldogs. A late-night upset appears potential.<\/p>\n