As Thursday’s games finish up and my predictions prove me right or wrong, we still have another slate of 16 games ahead to cap off what has been an exciting first round. Now, I won’t waste any more time and jump right into my predictions for the games on Friday.
No. 8 Miss. State vs. No. 9 Baylor: We start off another day of action with an 8 vs. 9 game. Mississippi State plays a very offense-heavy conference, while Baylor plays in a much more tough and defensive conference. With that, I think Norchad Omier and VJ Edgecombe will lead Baylor to a win.
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Robert Morris: The Alabama offense is unbelievable, scoring a national best of 91.1 points per game, nearly five more points a game than anyone else. My pick for the game? Three words: Roll, Tide, Roll.
No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 14 Lipscomb: While I do think this game will end in an Iowa State victory, I want to mention there could be a slight chance of this being a competitive game. Iowa State is without star Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey could be a game-time decision. However, Iowa State’s offense can run away with games, and they move on.
No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State: Surprisingly, the no. 12 Rams are favored. Memphis is a team that can go on huge scoring runs and guard PJ Haggerty is a walking bucket, averaging 21.8 points a game. But Colorado State can be really streaky and if they’re on, they can win this game. The Rams have won 10 straight, and I think they stay hot and get the 12-5 upset.
No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s: Duke’s star and projected no. 1-overall pick in the NBA draft Cooper Flagg has no designated injury status for the game. With or without him, Duke is running Mount St. Mary’s off the court. Blue Devils move on.
No. 7 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt: Saint Mary’s style of play is really different from most schools. They aren’t going to run you off the court; they are going to slow you down and lock you up. Vanderbilt generally plays fast but are never trustworthy in their ability to play from behind. Saint Mary’s gets the win.
No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 North Carolina: North Carolina sparked a huge outrage when they snuck into the tournament. However, they destroyed San Diego State in their First Four game on Tuesday. Now, for their matchup against Ole Miss, the Tar Heels shoot and rebound better. Ole Miss is a very hit or miss team and facing UNC doesn’t help. North Carolina moves on.
No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 13 Grand Canyon: Last year, Grand Canyon was a fun team to watch as they went toe-to-toe with Alabama. This year, Grand Canyon is a great story again, but Maryland, led by freshman center Derick Queen, looks good. They are the best no. 4 in the tournament to me and they move on with a promising win.
No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Norfolk State: Florida is arguably the hottest team in college basketball and are the biggest title favorites alongside Duke. They have a +16.1-point differential and it is bound to increase after the win over Norfolk State.
No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy: Kentucky lost in the first round as a no. 3 seed team last season. They will be hoping not to run into another version of Jack Gohlke. Lucky for them, I don’t see them having problems against Troy, as their style of play will be too quick for the opposition. Wildcats win.
No. 7 Marquette vs. No. 10 New Mexico: This game is a big toss-up. I like Marquette a lot, but something in my gut is telling me that Donovan Dent from New Mexico is going to turn up during the tournament. Already averaging 20.6 points and 6.4 assists per game, Dent will lead the Lobos to the upset.
No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Akron: This could possibly be very interesting. Both teams love playing faster than average, with Akron playing a little faster. If Akron is able to be dangerous from three, where they are shooting 36.4% on 29.8 attempts a game this season, they could break some brackets. However, I’m going with Caleb Love and Arizona to win this one.
No. 8 UConn vs. No. 9 Oklahoma: It is weird seeing UConn being no. 8, as last year they dominated their way to a national title. I think a big thing is whether UConn is able to get offensive boards, averaging over 3 more than Oklahoma. I think UConn and Dan Hurley elevate in March, so give me the Huskies.
No. 6 Illinois vs. No. 11 Xavier: Something about Illinois doesn’t sit right with me. They don’t seem like a no. 6 seed to me. They score a lot of points, averaging 83.8 points a game, but Xavier has an effective defense that I think will limit the Fighting Illini. Give me Xavier.
No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 15 Bryant: Two words: Go Sparty. Tom Izzo and the Spartans are dangerous in March. Michigan State moves on.
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Liberty: This matchup is really fun. Head Coach Dana Altman has never lost a first-round game at Oregon, but Liberty is really dangerous because they are in the top 5 in 3-point offenses, and they are top 10 in 3-point defenses. Oregon is also playing close to home in Seattle. I think Oregon will win this game with their perimeter defense and the Ducks will move on.
Bryce Norwood can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu.