NCAA Tournament: Essential Matchups to Watch

The NCAA Tournament’s excitement unfolds with its 32-game marathon on Thursday and Friday, marking one of the most anticipated events in sports broadcasting. While fans are encouraged to tune into numerous games, specific matchups stand out as unmissable, as highlighted by analysts from The Athletic, including Brendan Marks, C.J. Moore, and Lindsay Schnell.

Thursday’s Highlights

Featured Matchup

(7) Missouri vs. (10) Drake
7:35 p.m. ET, truTV

This intriguing matchup, although broadcast on truTV—often tricky for viewers to track down—features Missouri facing off against Drake. Missouri, coming off a challenging SEC season, is pitted against a Drake team that has earned a reputation as a formidable opponent. The contrasting styles—Missouri’s fast pace versus Drake’s deliberate approach—set the stage for a compelling contest.

CJ Moore notes that Drake is seen as a potential upset victor, propelled by former DII coaching standout Ben McCollum. The Bulldogs have a perfect record against major conference teams this season and bring a star in guard Bennett Stirtz, touted as the best in the country. With Missouri relying heavily on turnovers and fast breaks, while Drake prefers to slow the game down, this game promises high intrigue.

Other Noteworthy Games

• (13) Yale vs. (4) Texas A&M
  7:25 p.m. ET, TBS
• (10) Arkansas vs. (7) Kansas
  7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

These matchups complement the evening’s slate, offering additional excitement for fans eager for upsets and marquee coaching battles.

Key Afternoon Battles

(4) Purdue vs. (13) High Point
12:40 p.m. ET, truTV

The potential for an upset is high in this matchup as well. High Point, a newcomer to the NCAA Tournament, may catch the attention of fans with its offensive strategy, posing challenges for a Purdue team that has faced defensive struggles recently. Brendan Marks emphasizes that Purdue’s record, with a recent drop in performance, makes this game worthy of attention.

Late Afternoon Block of Games

• (5) Clemson vs. (12) McNeese
  3:15 p.m. ET, truTV
• (6) BYU vs. (11) VCU
  4:05 p.m. ET, TNT
• (8) Gonzaga vs. (9) Georgia
  4:35 p.m. ET, TBS

Fans are encouraged to settle in as these afternoon games promise intense competition, with Gonzaga facing off against Georgia and BYU clashing with VCU, showcasing diverse playing styles and player talents.

Late-Night Excitement

(5) Michigan vs. (12) UC San Diego
10 p.m. ET, TBS

As the night progresses, this matchup is sure to attract interest. Historically, “12-5” matchups are fertile ground for upsets, and UC San Diego presents a viable contender against a Michigan team fresh off a conference championship run.

Moore highlights Michigan’s issues with turnovers, pitting them against UC San Diego, known for its outstanding defensive performance in creating turnovers.

Friday’s Top Picks

Main Attraction

(4) Maryland vs. (13) Grand Canyon
4:35 p.m. ET, TBS

Lindsay Schnell selects Grand Canyon for this matchup, highlighting their consistent performance as a mid-major threat in recent tournaments.

Don’t Miss This Game

(5) Memphis vs. (12) Colorado State
2 p.m. ET, TBS

This game features Colorado State, a team currently on a winning streak, facing Memphis. With standout players like Nique Clifford, the matchup promises to be competitive and packed with talent.

Exciting Follow-Up Match

(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (10) Vanderbilt
3:15 p.m. ET, truTV

Schnell anticipates Saint Mary’s being a strong contender, citing their experience and talent, especially through their lead player, Augustas Marciulionis.

Worth the Late-Night Watch

(5) Oregon vs. (12) Liberty
10:10 p.m. ET, truTV