Happy Thursday, and welcome to the first day of spring! Today marks a significant occasion in the sports calendar: the kickoff of the men's NCAA Tournament. If you haven't finalized your brackets yet, remember that the deadline for the Men's Bracket Games is set for 12:15 p.m. ET, while the Women's Bracket Games deadline is tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET. So, if you're still looking for that extra edge, you've come to the right place!
The first round of the men's NCAA Tournament is finally here, and it promises to be an exhilarating day for basketball fans. If you plan to watch the games, check out the full schedule and broadcasting details. For those juggling real-life obligations, don't fret—David Cobb has ranked every first-round game to help you prioritize your viewing.
At the top of Cobb's list is the highly anticipated matchup between the (7) Kansas Jayhawks and the (10) Arkansas Razorbacks, scheduled for 7:10 p.m. on CBS. This clash features coaching giants Bill Self and John Calipari, both vying for a chance to face Rick Pitino and St. John's in the next round. Despite a rocky season for both teams, this game promises high stakes and thrilling basketball.
Another notable game to catch is the (8) Louisville vs. (9) Creighton face-off, which kicks off the day’s action. If you’re still working on those brackets, Matt Norlander has a comprehensive cheat sheet designed to provide you with all the essential insights you need.
Are you looking to predict some early upsets? Norlander points out that since 2010, 11-seeds hold a respectable record of 30-26 in the first round. It's advisable to select at least one or two upsets from this category. One of the standout picks is the (11) Drake Bulldogs over the (6) Missouri Tigers. With Missouri struggling defensively, particularly in recent games, Drake's strong performance and rebounding capabilities make them a formidable opponent.
Additionally, Dennis Dodd highlights the (11) VCU Rams as another potential upset against the (6) BYU Cougars. For those looking for a bold prediction, Cameron Salerno suggests that the (11) North Carolina Tar Heels could not only defeat the (6) Ole Miss Rebels but also make a deep tournament run.
As the tournament unfolds, it's crucial to keep an eye on key injuries, especially for teams like Houston, who received promising news regarding their players. For those eager to know more about the latest NBA Draft prospects and coaching changes, our ongoing coverage will keep you informed on all major developments.
In other sports news, MLB stars Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto are making headlines as the first players expected to earn over $100 million in a single year. Also, Wayne Gretzky plans to attend when Alex Ovechkin breaks his goal record. The NFL landscape is buzzing with the Texans extending Danielle Hunter and the Steelers meeting with a star quarterback prospect ahead of his pro day.
On the women's side, the NCAA Tournament kicked off last night with exciting matchups. The (11) Iowa State Cyclones defeated (11) Princeton, while (16) Southern triumphed over (16) UC San Diego. Audi Crooks led the Cyclones with 27 points, showcasing why Iowa State is considered a potential Cinderella team.
Jack Maloney also shared insights on the top players and dark horse candidates for the tournament. He highlights (12) Green Bay as a team capable of pulling off significant upsets, thanks to their experienced roster and efficient shooting. In terms of standout players, Paige Bueckers from UConn is a top contender, known for her exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities.
As we transition into football season, Jeff Kerr has ranked the top NFL teams post-free agency. The Eagles remain a dominant force with their core intact, while the Lions are expected to bounce back with healthy defensive players. Meanwhile, rule change proposals are on the table, including the potential banning of the Tush Push and adjustments to playoff seeding.
Today’s viewing schedule is packed, with numerous exciting games to tune into:
🏀 Men's NCAA Tournament: (11) Washington vs. (11) Columbia at 7 p.m. on ESPN2🏀 NBA: Nets at Pacers at 7 p.m. on NBA TV⚽ USMNT vs. Panama at 7 p.m. on Paramount+🏒 NHL: Canucks at Blues at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+ | Hulu | Disney+🏀 Women's NCAA Tournament: (16) William & Mary vs. (16) High Point at 9 p.m. on ESPN2⚽ Canada vs. Mexico at 10:30 p.m. on Paramount+Make sure to catch all the action, and best of luck with your brackets! Enjoy this thrilling day in sports!
