DALLAS GAMES
No. 3 Tennessee (25-8) vs. No. 14 Wright State (25-9)
South Region Time, TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, truTV
Why Tennesseee will win: Before losing to Kentucky in the SEC tournament title game, the Volunteers had won 13 of 15. That’s the type of sustained, solid play — underscored by victories during the season vs. Florida, Kentucky and Purdue — that will propel Tennessee. Why Wright State will win: Simply put, it’s time. The Raiders, winners of the Horizon League tournament, are making their third appearance in the tournament and are in search of their first victory.
A formidable defense will power Wright State, especially if Tennessee underestimates the Raiders.
No. 6 Miami (Fla.) (22-9) vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago (28-5)
South Region Time, TV: approx. 3:10 p.m. ET, truTV
Why Miami will win: Any team that beat North Carolina on the road is more than capable of advancing past a first-round opponent making its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1985.
The Hurricanes are deep enough to survive the loss of star guard Bruce Bowen, who’s out with a foot injury. Why Loyola-Chicago will win: The Ramblers will tap into the magic of 1963, the year they won the NCAA tournament.
The Ramblers have won 10 in a row and their experience, deft shooting from three-point range and rebounding are a winning combination.
No. 3 Texas Tech (24-9) vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin (28-6)
East Region Time, TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, truTV
Why Texas Tech will win: Coach Chris Beard and his Red Raiders are tournament ready after finishing second in the rugged Big 12.
Why Stephen F. Austin will win: The Lumberjacks always seem primed for postseason upsets, having knocked off Virginia Commonwealth in 2014 as a No. 12 seed and West Virginia in 2016 as a No. 14.
No. 6 Florida (20-12) vs. No. 11 St. Bonaventure (26-7)
East Region TV, Time: approx. 9:57 p.m. ET, truTV
Why Florida will win: The Gators have the necessary experience after advancing to the Elite Eight last season, and their top guards, which each average double-figures in scoring, will be hard for the Bonnies to contain.
Why St. Bonaventure will win: Notching their first tournament victory since 1970 with a win against UCLA in the First Four, the Bonnies will ride the momentum. Courtney Stockard, back from a recent hamstring injury, knows how to score.