March Madness rolls on with a packed Friday slate, and the unpredictability is only heating up. More games, more last-second drama, and more chances for underdogs to shake up the bracket. It’s the kind of day where things can flip in a hurry.
Before it all gets going, here’s a quick, straight-to-the-point look at every game on Friday’s schedule. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and let’s see how these picks play out.
No. 10 Santa Clara vs. No. 7 Kentucky
Winner: Santa Clara Broncos
Santa Clara bombs away from 3, crashes the glass and creates chaos — a bad combo for Kentucky. If the Broncos get hot, upset city is very much in play.
No. 12 Akron vs. No. 5 Texas Tech
Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech’s experience and shot-making should carry them here. If they turn this into a half-court game and knock down 3s, Akron could struggle to keep pace.
No. 16 Long Island University vs. No. 1 Arizona
Winner: Arizona Wildcats
Arizona has too much size, talent and firepower. If they dominate the paint like usual, this could get out of hand quickly for LIU.
No. 14 Wright State vs. No. 3 Virginia
Winner: Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia can score from everywhere and doesn’t rely on just one guy. If they get comfortable early, Wright State could be chasing the game all night.
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No. 15 Tennessee State vs. No. 2 Iowa State
Winner: Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State brings size, discipline, and Big 12 toughness. If it can dictate the pace and make Tennessee State play outside its comfort zone, this could get lopsided fast.
No. 13 Hofstra vs. No.4 Alabama
Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s pace and firepower are a lot to handle. If this turns into a track meet, Hofstra could get run off the floor quickly.
No. 9 Utah State vs. No. 8 Villanova
Winner: Villanova Wildcats
Villanova wants this ugly — slow pace, physical play and clean possessions. If they dictate tempo, they can take Utah State out of rhythm and steal it.
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No. 11 Miami (OH) vs. No. 6 Tennessee
Winner: Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee brings elite SEC defense and locks down the three-point line — exactly what Miami (OH) relies on. If the Vols take away the perimeter, the RedHawks could be in trouble.
No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 8 Clemson
Winner: Clemson Tigers
Clemson defends, slows things down and doesn’t rely on one guy. If they turn this into a grind, Iowa could have a tough time finding any rhythm.
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No. 12 Northern Iowa vs. No. 5 St. John's
Winner: St. John's Red Storm
St. John’s brings size, speed and Pitino in March — that’s a tough combo. If they control the paint and push the pace, Northern Iowa could get overwhelmed.
No. 10 UCF vs. No. 7 UCLA
Winner: UCLA Bruins
UCLA’s shooting, defense and momentum give them the edge. If they control tempo and force turnovers, UCF’s shaky offense could struggle to keep up.
No. 15 Queens NC vs. No. 2 Purdue
Winner: Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue has too much size, experience and offense. Against one of the worst defenses in the country, this could get out of hand fast.
No. 16 Prairie View vs. No. 1 Florida
Winner: Florida Gators
Florida is just bigger, deeper and more efficient. If they own the glass and play inside-out, Prairie View probably won’t have enough to keep up.
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No. 13 California Baptist vs. No. 4 Kansas
Winner: Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas has too much talent and rim protection. If they lock in defensively, Cal Baptist’s offense could struggle to find much rhythm.
No. 15 Furman vs. No. 2 UConn
Winner: UConn Huskies
UConn is bigger, deeper and more physical. If they own the boards and make Furman uncomfortable, this could get away from the Paladins fast.
No. 10 Missouri vs. No. 7 Miami (Fla.)
Winner: Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s offense is rolling and far more consistent. With Missouri struggling defensively and trending down, the Hurricanes have the edge to take control.
