NCAA Tournament Second Round: Previews and Predictions for Saturday’s Games

Alabama vs. Villanova

This is a game between a great offense (Villanova) and a team with a very good defense (Alabama). Villanova has been knocked out in the second round five times in the last nine years. Jalen Brunson for Villanova is the best player on the floor, and if Villanova can cut down on turnovers they should get the win here. Villanova 72  Alabama 67

Rhode Island vs. Duke

This is, in my mind, a great matchup and the Rams are a dangerous opponent for Duke. If they can continue to shoot the ball well, they will have a great chance to pull off the upset. Duke, led by Marvin Bagley and Greyson Allen, should have a little too much for the Rams but don’t be surprised if we see another upset. Duke 70  Rhode Island 67

Buffalo vs. Kentucky

Buffalo has to be taken as a serious threat after totally dismantling Arizona on Thursday. Kentucky’s perimeter defense will be the key to this game. Kentucky 80  Buffalo 77

Loyola IL vs. Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most underrated teams in the country and Loyola is coming off an upset win over the Miami Hurricanes. I think it strikes midnight for the ramblers. Tennessee 68  Loyola 60 

Seton Hall vs. Kansas

I like Seton Hall. I have liked them all season and I think they pull the upset in this one. Kansas struggled for much of their first-round win over Penn and Seton Hall disposed of a good N.C. State team. The difference will be Seton Hall dominating down low. Seton Hall 87  Kansas 83

Ohio State vs. Gonzaga

Gonzaga destroyed Ohio State early in the year and the scariest part for Buckeyes fans is the fact that Gonzaga has gotten a lot better since then. On the other side, though Ohio State has improved also, the question is have they improved enough? I think Gonzaga is highly unlikely to have two straight sub-par shooting games and, with that being said, I am going with Mark Few’s gang to win this one. Gonzaga 87  Ohio State 76

Florida vs. Texas Tech

Excellent matchup, but I think Texas Tech has been the more consistent team this year and that’s why I am going with them in this game. Texas Tech 81  Florida 80

Houston vs. Michigan

Rob Gray will be the difference in this game one way or another. Can the Wolverines stop him? I am betting they can’t. Houston 68  Michigan 62