SACRAMENTO GAMES
NO. 3 OREGON (29-5) VS. NO. 14 IONA (22-12)
Midwest Region Time, TV: 2 p.m. ET, TBS
Why Oregon will win: Duh, because it is playing Iona. Last week, Oregon lost forward Chris Boucher, who was averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. But the Ducks, led by Dillon Brooks, are still too deep for Iona.
Why Iona will win: Because in the history of the NCAA tournament, 21 No. 14 seeds have upset No. 3 seeds, so why not the Gaels? They won’t buckle under pressure, because they’re in the tournament for the second year in a row, and they have bracket-busting DNA with Sam Cassell Jr., son of the former NBA star.
NO. 6 CREIGHTON (25-9) VS. NO. 11 RHODE ISLAND (24-9)
Midwest Region Time, TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS
Why Creighton will win: Simply put, Creighton has more talent. Its roster features an impressive trio: Justin Patton, a freshman center projected to go in the first round of this year’s NBA draft; Marcus Foster, a junior guard averaging 18.3 points per game; and Khyri Thomas, a sophomore guard and emerging star.
Why Rhode Island will win: Rhode Island is riding an eight-game winning streak. And after waiting 18 years to get back to the tournament, the Rams have no intention of bowing out in the first round. Look for a key swat to determine the outcome, because Rhode Island ranks fourth nationally in blocked shots (6.1 per game).
NO. 6 CINCINNATI (29-5) VS. NO. 11 KANSAS STATE (21-13)
South Region Time, TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, TruTV
Why Cincinnati will win: The Bearcats don’t have a superstar, but they do have a variety of scoring options. Six players are averaging eight or more points per game, and Jacob Evans, a 6-6 guard averaging 13.7 points, and Kyle Washington, a 6-9 forward averaging 13.1 points, will lead the way. Why Kansas State will win: A pair of victories against Baylor and a win vs. West Virginia were evidence the Wildcats have what it takes to pull off upsets. And a 95-88 victory against Wake Forest in the First Four again demonstrated the Wildcats have the necessary firepower.
NO. 3 UCLA (29-4) VS. NO. 14 KENT STATE (22-13)
South Region Time, TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, TRU
Why UCLA will win: The Bruins will not have the services of LaVar Ball, the father of UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball who famously said in his heyday he would’ve killed Michael Jordan one-on-one. Nonetheless, Lonzo highlights a packed UCLA roster that leads the NCAA in scoring with 90.4 points per game and has Final Four potential. Why Kent State will win: Any team named the Golden Flashes has at least a puncher’s chance against heavyweight UCLA. Kent State has won nine of its last 10 games, following the lead of Jimmy Hall, a three-time, first-team all-Mid-American pick who averages 18.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.