Baylor forward Jalen Bridges (11) celebrates with forward Josh Ojianwuna (15) after shooting at the buzzer ending the first half against Iowa State in the second round of the tournament of the Big 12 Conference on March 9 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Charlie Riedel/Associated Press)
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 16 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Thursday, 11:45 a.m.
Television: CBS
Line: N/A
Take: Alabama has knocked out powerhouse teams all year. The crimson tide will show no mercy.
Alabama 104, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59
No. 8 Maryland vs. No. 9 West Virginia
Thursday, 9:15 a.m.
Television: CBS
Line: West Virginia par 2.
Take: The Big 12 gained so much respect as a league that West Virginia, with seven wins, made the tournament. The Mountaineers will prove that the committee’s reading was correct.
West Virginia 66, Maryland 61
No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 12 Charleston
Thursday, 12:10 p.m.
Television: TruTV
Line: San Diego State by 5.
Take: The reward for the Aztecs for having had a good year and winning the Mountain West? A cross-country trip to Orlando to play a potential Cinderella with a 31-3 record. San Diego State’s defense will help it survive.
San Diego State 62, Charleston 58
No. 4 Virginia vs. No. 13 Furman
Thursday, 9:40 a.m.
Television: TruTV
Line: Virginia by 5.5.
Take: The Cavaliers, even after winning the 2019 national title, will never escape their distinction as the only No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 seed. They will be a popular pick this week, but the team Tony Bennett will find a way.
Virginie 66 years old, Furman 59 years old
No. 6 Creighton vs. No. 11 NC State
Friday, 1 p.m.
Television: TNT
Line: Creighton by 5.5.
Take: The Bluejays have a deep, experienced roster that plays well together. NC State is too dependent on one-on-one basketball to win.
Creighton 73, North Carolina State 60
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 UC Santa Barbara
Friday, 10:30 a.m.
Television: TNT
Line: Baylor by 10.5.
Take: There’s a window for the Gauchos to get angry if Baylor’s guards go cold on the court. But after losing in the second round last year, the Bears will be called upon.
Baylor 72, UC Santa Barbara 63
No. 7 Missouri vs. No. 10 Utah State
Thursday, 10:40 a.m.
Television: TNT
Line: Utah State by 1.5.
Take: The Aggies and Tigers rank in KenPom’s top 15 for offensive efficiency, so this should be fun to watch. Utah State is less of a nuisance on defense.
Utah State 76, Missouri 75
No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 15 Princeton
Thursday, 1:10 p.m.
Television: TNT
Line: Arizona by 14.5.
Take: Princeton will try to confuse the issue and could succeed early, but Arizona is too explosive to stay down for long.
Arizona 88, Princeton 65
