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The big day is finally here! After 128 days, it’s officially time to dance with an entire NCAA Tournament field set. It’s always exciting to get back into the madness, and we are already off to a wild start with these first couple of play-in games.
Running through some games in the first round, there is much to consider. Favorites taking care of business, upset potential, and over/unders are the beautiful aspects of what makes the NCAA Tournament the sport's most chaotic event. Many of these matchups are unfamiliar, presenting exciting and new elements for each team.
In this article, you can find some of my favorite picks for Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2024. Make sure also to check out our other NCAA/NIT Tournament articles, as we will be offering picks and DFS suggestions throughout the tournament. Find me on X @JustinPottinger. Let's dive in!
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Kansas Jayhawks (4) vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (5)
3:15 PM EDT (CBS)
Line: Gonzaga -4.5
Kansas and Gonzaga are coming off exciting performances as they both took down their first-round opponent on Thursday. The Jayhawks were impressive in their tournament debut as they led for double-digits for most of their game against Samford and put the game away despite a too-little, too-late comeback attempt by Samford. Gonzaga put its foot on the gas pedal and didn’t let up as they demolished McNeese State in their first-round tournament win.
Important information to consider before betting on this game is to remember that Kansas is short-handed as they will be without their leading scorer, Kevin McCullar Jr., as he has been shut down for the remainder of the season due to a knee bruise.
This is most likely why Gonzaga is favored in this game despite Kansas being the higher seed. When looking at the two rosters, the Jayhawks match up well against the Zags as they supply a very tall frontcourt, including Johnny Furphy, K.J. Adams Jr., and 7-foot-2 Hunter Dickinson.
The Zags also have some height, with forwards Ben Gregg and Graham Ike, but Kansas will give them problems at the rim. Dickinson is coming off a dominant performance where he logged 19 points and 20 rebounds in Thursday’s win over Samford.
Gonzaga has been one of the most efficient teams in the country this year, but the Jayhawks defense will have a bounceback performance after allowing 89 points in the round of 64. This game will come down to coaching, and even though Mark Few is well respected, I lean toward Bill Self and the Jayhawks to advance to the Sweet 16.
The Pick: Kansas +4.5 (ESPN Bet)
North Carolina Tar Heels (1) vs. Michigan State Spartans (9)
5:30 PM EDT (CBS)
Line: North Carolina -3.5
One of the most intriguing lines on the slate as No. 1 seed North Carolina is set at only 3.5-point favorites over a nine-seeded Michigan State team that has shown signs of inconsistency throughout the season. Many believe that the Spartans were overseeded to begin with, but they have a chance to eliminate the first one seed of the tournament.
Both teams had no problem taking down their first-round opponent as North Carolina and Michigan State saw double-digit wins over Wagner and Mississippi State, respectively.
North Carolina has been one of the most dominant teams all season, and a lot of that success can be attributed to the all-star duo of RJ Davis and Armando Bacot. However, Michigan State has a star of its own with Tyson Walker, the team’s leading scorer in their round of 64 game against Mississippi State. Both teams have been superb when looking at the metrics, but North Carolina has the edge in almost all categories, including a decisive advantage when it comes to offensive efficiency.
In a game that could come down to limiting turnovers and connecting on three-point shooting, I see North Carolina winning Round 2 in a very close matchup. The Tar Heels win by five and slightly cover.
The Pick: North Carolina -3.5 (ESPN Bet)
Marquette Golden Eagles (2) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (10)
12:05 PM EDT (CBS)
Line: Marquette -3.5
Marquette Golden Eagles are coming off a strong showing in their first-round victory over Western Kentucky after steamrolling in the second half and ending with an 18-point win. Marquette did show signs of struggling in the first half after Western Kentucky led by seven points at the half, but ultimately couldn’t hang on. Colorado had a solid first-round outing as well after surviving a three-point victory over the Florida Gators in a game that felt like Colorado controlled the majority of the game.
Despite being a 10 seed, Colorado has plenty of talent on its roster. KJ Simpson and Tristan da Silva have been outstanding all season for the Buffs. TCU transfer Eddie Lampkin Jr. also has had a massive impact on this team as he brings energy and a paint presence throughout the game. Colorado also has a projected lottery pick for Cody Williams.
Marquette has put together an excellent season in 2024, but I think their year ends with a Colorado upset victory. The game will be close, so even if Marquette does come out on top, I’m confident the Buffs will be able to cover the 3.5 spread. The Golden Eagles go down, and the Buffs move on.
The Pick: Colorado +3.5 (ESPN Bet)
Alabama Crimson Tide (4) vs. Grand Canyon (12)
4:30 PM EDT (TBS)
Line: Alabama -5.5
The Crimson Tide have had one of the best and most explosive offenses in the nation this season, averaging 91.3 points per game, which is second in the NCAA. Alabama had a great start to the tournament after scoring 109 points on Charleston while shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field. Grand Canyon had a solid first showing after taking down Saint Mary’s in Friday’s night game.
Alabama should have no problem in this contest, and the Cinderella story ends here for Grand Canyon. Alabama has the best player in the country on its team, and nobody can defend Mark Sears. Grand Canyon also has a stud, former Kansas transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, but this team will be no match for the high-flying Crimson Tide.
Alabama surpasses Grand Canyon and will easily cover in a game that I believe won’t be close. Even though I had Grand Canyon over Saint Mary’s last round, their magic ends here.
The Pick: Alabama -5.5 (ESPN Bet)
Roll Tide Roll‼️ pic.twitter.com/szQTamLSVu
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) March 23, 2024
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