The greatest tournament in all of sports is underway, and here are five must watch games for the round of 64. From Hall of Fame coaching battles to seeding controversies the storylines are more than exciting for this year’s opening round.
5. 11. UNC vs. 6. Ole Miss (Friday 4:05 TNT)
The Tarheels selection has been the biggest storyline in the sport this week receiving backlash from most of the country. The Heels have silenced some of these haters after slaughtering San Diego State 95-68 in the first four. All eyes are on the Heels and the Rebels will be looking to prove North Carolina’s critics correct.
4. 12. UC San Diego vs. 5. Michigan (Thursday 10:00 TBS)
The Tritons are one of the country’s best at causing turnovers and Michigan coughs the ball up at a high rate causing the Wolverines to be on major upset watch. UCSD will struggle to match the Wolverines size inside but this game has all the makings of an electric late night finish.
3. 11. VCU vs. 6. BYU (Thursday 4:05 TNT)
The Rams won the A-10 championship last week and possess one of the best defenses in all of the nation. BYU is one of the nations best offenses and on any given night can put up 90+ points. These contrasting styles should make for an exciting game in the mile high city.
2. 9. Creighton vs. 8. Louisville (Thursday 12:15 CBS)
The Cards after receiving a less than generous seeding find themselves facing the Big East runners up in Lexington. This game has the attention of the entire bluegrass and is a battle of two surging teams. Headlined by Ryan Kalkbrenner and Chucky Hepburn, there are plenty of experienced stars in this game to keep an eye on.
1. 7. Kansas vs. 10. Arkansas (Thursday 7:10 CBS)
Both programs entered the year highly ranked and were forecasted to have massive years. After two disappointing regular seasons they find themselves matching up in the first round in a battle of two Hall of Fame coaches. John Calipari vs. Bill Self in the first round is must see TV not to mention the plethora of blue chip talent all over the floor.
