NCAA Tournament Second Round Games: Preview and Predictions for Sundays Games

Butler vs. Purdue

Isaac Haas’ injury has changed everything for Purdue, and it should, it’s not an excuse. He is an excellent player and replacing him at this point is impossible. Butler was already a tough game for Purdue. Butler plays big-time competition in the Big East and this was a closely contested matchup before the injury. Now I have to lean towards Butler. Butler 71  Purdue 66

Syracuse vs. Michigan State

Jim Boeheim has done a nice job getting this team to its third game in five days, but I think the Orangemen’s luck stops here. I do think Syracuse will be in this game all the way but the Spartans are just more talented. Michigan State 79  Syracuse 68 

Texas A&M vs. North Carolina

The Aggies could make things difficult on the Tar Heels with Tyler Davis and Robert Williams inside. That’s why I think this will be a close game. The Tar Heels need to atleast keep the rebound battle near even to win this game. UNC 80  Texas A&M 75

Nevada vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati plays a lot like San Diego State who beat Nevada two out of three games this past season. For the Pack to win they have to shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc. Cincinnati 72  Nevada 67

Clemson vs. Auburn

Auburn has limped into the tournament and Clemson will end their season on Sunday. Clemson 72  Auburn 57

UMBC vs. Kansas State

If you had this matchup predicted on your bracket you either let a baby or a dog do your picking as a joke! Can UMBC recover in time to play another game like they did on Friday night? That’s what this all comes down to and I do not see how they can match that emotion again on short rest. Kansas State 72  UMBC 59

Florida State vs. Xavier

The Musketeers shocked the Seminoles last year. This year it won’t be a shock because Xavier is the better team. Xavier 83  Florida State 70

Marshall vs. West Virginia

I think Marshall pulls off a huge upset here. The Herd will jump to a lead and the Mountaineers will struggle to get back into it and come up short. Marshall 68  West Virginia 67