The first full day of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Friday delivered all the excitement for which we could have asked as the first round got underway. The first game featuring Florida and Virginia Tech went to overtime, No. 3 seed Arkansas got a good scare by a team that shares the namesake of a famous toothpaste, and No. 2 seed Ohio State got outmatched by No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in overtime, becoming the ninth No. 2 seed ever to fall to a No. 15 seed.
And that was half of the first round.
Saturday has not brought the same drama to the court as the first eight games saw the higher seeds advance. But some, like Kansas and Creighton, needed to hang on late with underdogs rallying to score an upset. Saturday also saw the tournament’s first cancellation due to COVID-19 issues as Oregon vs. VCU was declared a no contest with the Rams withdrawing from competition. There’s still games to be played and picks to be made, so get all of the info you need for the remaining matchups on the slate from our experts.
Who will win and cover every game, and which teams should be on upset alert? Visit SportsLine now to see which team to back in every matchup, all from the model that’s up $2,600 for $100 players.
Odds via William Hill Sportsbook
(9) Missouri vs. (8) Oklahoma
Time: 7:25 p.m. ET | Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: TNT | Live stream: March Madness Live
Not too many players will miss tourney games because of COVID, but Sooners guard De’Vion Harmon is one of them. Harmon’s absence puts more pressure on Austin Reaves offensively, and that should be reflected in the outcome. Prediction: Missouri 68, Oklahoma 65 — Kercheval
(16) Norfolk State vs. (1) Gonzaga
Time: 9:20 p.m. ET | Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV: TBS | Live stream: March Madness Live
Gonzaga led the country in scoring margin this season, blowing out team after team en route to an undefeated regular season. So I won’t waste my air here: Gonzaga is going to win. But, with a spread approaching three dozen (!), I’ll happily take the points. Bulldogs should be up big early, so I’ll bank on a backdoor as they rest starters late.. Prediction: Gonzaga 80, Norfolk State 60 — Boone
(11) UCLA vs. (6) BYU
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET | Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse
TV: CBS | Live stream: March Madness Live
How about Mick Cronin’s squad with that comeback overtime win over Michigan State? The Bruins don’t make things simple, but they advance. But with Johnny Juzang’s injury, BYU’s under-the-radar efficiency should shine in a comfortable win. Prediction: BYU 78, UCLA 68 — Kercheval
(14) Abilene Christian vs. (3) Texas
Time: 9:50 p.m. ET | Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: truTV | Live stream: March Madness Live
Fresh off a Big 12 Tournament title run, Shaka Smart’s Texas Longhorns have all the momentum at their sails with wins in each of their last five outings. This Texas team is deep, experienced and built around its trio of guards who can score at every level. That combo should mean a fairly easy day in the office for the Longhorns. Prediction: Texas 74, Abilene Christian 60 — Boone
