Games of Interest - The NCAAs First and Second Rounds
Mar 14, 2021 23:19:06 GMT -5
HometownHoya, jpj, and 2 more like this
Post by njhoya78 on Mar 14, 2021 23:19:06 GMT -5
No Duke. No Kentucky. No Indiana. No Louisville. Savor the moment!
Gonzaga, having completed an undefeated regular season (26-0), remains atop the Associated Press Top 25 for a seventeenth consecutive week; the Bulldogs captured the West Coast Conference tournament championship in Las Vegas NV with victories over Saint Mary's (78-55) and Brigham Young (88-78). Illinois moved up one slot to #2 after winning the Big Ten Conference tournament championship in Indianapolis IN with victories over Rutgers (90-68), then-#5 ranked Iowa (82-71), and then-#9 ranked Ohio State in overtime (91-88). Baylor slipped one slot to #3 after falling to then-#12 ranked Oklahoma State, 83-74, in the Big 12 Conference tournament semifinal round in Kansas City MO; the Bears previously defeated Kansas State, 74-68. Michigan remained ranked #4 after the Wolverines lost in the Big Ten Conference semifinal round to then-#9 ranked Ohio State (68-67), after defeating Maryland (79-66). Alabama moved up one slot to #5 after the Crimson Tide won the Southeastern Conference championship in Nashville TN with victories over Mississippi State (85-48), Tennessee (73-68) and Louisiana State (80-79).
There are still two Big East Conference teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 this week, although both plummeted in the rankings after losing in the Big East Conference tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York NY. Villanova fell four slots to #18 after losing in the quarterfinal round to Georgetown (72-71), and Creighton fell two slots to #19 after getting hammered in the title game to the Hoyas (73-48). There are now two additional teams receiving votes in the AP Top 25 this week, as Connecticut and Georgetown also received consideration; the one vote received by the Hoyas is the first such ballot all season.
Texas was the biggest gainer amongst ranked teams, moving up four slots to #9 after the Longhorns won the Big 12 Conference tournament championship in Kansas City MO with a win over then-#20 ranked Texas Tech (67-66), an advancement over then-#11 ranked Kansas after the Jayhawks were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19, and a win over then-#12 ranked Oklahoma State in the finals (91-86). Villanova dropped the furthest amongst ranked teams, as noted above. Oklahoma fell out of the AP Top 25, after the then-#25 ranked Sooners lost to then-#11 ranked Kansas in the Big 12 Conference tournament quarterfinal round in Kansas City MO (69-62) after defeating Iowa State (79-73). Newly ranked, for the first time this season, is Brigham Young at #24; the Cougars defeated Pepperdine in overtime (82-77) before losing to #1 Gonzaga (88-78) in the West Coast Conference tournament finals in Las Vegas NV.
All NCAA Tournament games are being played in Indiana. The First Four and some first round games will be played in West Lafayette and Bloomington, with other first round games being played in Indianapolis at four separate locations. The second round games, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and Final Four will all be played in Indianapolis.
Last minute modifications and cancellations may occur, and I will attempt to update this weekly missive whenever I learn of tournament schedule changes; no warranties of accuracy, express or implied, are made.
Game times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. NOTE: UPDATED AT 12:44 AM ON MARCH 22, 2021.
Thursday, March 18
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Friday, March 19
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#18 Villanova 73 vs. Winthrop 63 in South Regional first round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
Syracuse 78 vs. #16 San Diego State 62 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#13 West Virginia 84 vs. Morehead State 67 in Midwest Regional first round game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute 70 vs. Florida 75 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
#10 Arkansas 85 vs. Colgate 68 in South Regional first round game.
#2 Illinois 78 vs. Drexel 49 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#21 Texas Tech 65 vs. Utah State 53 in South Regional first round game.
#7 Ohio State 72 vs. Oral Roberts 75 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
#3 Baylor 79 vs. Hartford 55 in South Regional first round game.
#17 Loyola (Illinois) 71 vs. Georgia Institute of Technology 60 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#11 Oklahoma State 69 vs. Liberty 60 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#6 Houston 87 vs. Cleveland State 56 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#20 Purdue 69 vs. North Texas 78 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
Saturday, March 20
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
Georgetown 73 vs. #22 Colorado 96 in East Regional first round game.
#19 Creighton 63 vs. California Santa Barbara 62 in West Regional first round game.
Connecticut 54 vs. Maryland 63 in East Regional first round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#14 Florida State 64 vs. North Carolina Greensboro 54 in East Regional first round game.
#12 Kansas 93 vs. Eastern Washington 84 in West Regional first round game.
#4 Michigan 82 vs. Texas Southern 66 in East Regional first round game.
#5 Alabama 68 vs. Iona 55 in East Regional first round game.
#23 Southern California 72 vs. Drake 56 in West Regional first round game.
#8 Iowa 86 vs. Grand Canyon 74 in West Regional first round game.
#15 Virginia 58 vs. Ohio 62 in West Regional first round game.
#1 Gonzaga 98 vs. Norfolk State 55 in West Regional first round game.
#24 Brigham Young 62 vs. California Los Angeles 73 in East Regional first round game.
#9 Texas 52 vs. Abilene Christian 53 in East Regional first round game.
Sunday, March 21
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#18 Villanova 84 vs. North Texas 61 in South Regional second round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
#13 West Virginia 72 vs. Syracuse 75 in Midwest Regional second round game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#2 Illinois 58 vs. #17 Loyola (Illinois) 71 in Midwest Regional second round game.
#3 Baylor 76 vs. Wisconsin 63 in South Regional second round game.
#10 Arkansas 68 vs. #21 Texas Tech 66 in South Regional second round game.
#6 Houston 60 vs. Rutgers 63 in Midwest Regional second round game.
#11 Oklahoma State 70 vs. Oregon State 80 in Midwest Regional second round game.
Monday, March 22
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#19 Creighton vs. Ohio in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 6:10 pm (TNT)
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#8 Iowa vs. Oregon in West Regional second round game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 12:10 pm (CBS)
#1 Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 2:40 pm (CBS)
#1 Michigan vs. Louisiana State in East Regional second round game at Lucas Oil Stadium, 7:10 pm (CBS)
#14 Florida State vs. #22 Colorado in East Regional second round game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis IN, 7:45 pm (TBS)
#5 Alabama vs. Maryland in East Regional second round game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 8:45 pm (TNT)
#12 Kansas vs. #23 Southern California in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 9:40 pm (CBS)
FIRST FOUR
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, and at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN
Thursday, March 18 first four games
Game A— Mount St. Mary’s (#16 seed East Regional as Northeast Conference champion; 9-7 conference record; 12-10 overall) 52 vs. Texas Southern (#16 seed East Regional as Southwest Athletic Conference champion; 10-3 conference record; 16-8 overall) 60.
Game B— Wichita State (#11 seed West Regional as at-large selection from American Athletic Conference; 11-2 conference record; 16-5 overall) 52 vs. Drake (#11 seed West Regional as at-large selection from Missouri Valley Conference; 15-3 conference record; 25-4 overall) 53.
Game C— Norfolk State (#16 seed West Regional as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion; 8-4 conference record; 16-7 overall) 54 vs. Appalachian State (#16 seed West Regional as Sun Belt Conference champion; 7-8 conference record; 17-11 overall) 53.
Game D— California Los Angeles (#11 seed East Regional as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 17-9 overall) 86 vs. Michigan State (#11 seed East Regional as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 15-12 overall) 80; overtime.
EAST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis’s Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Saturday, March 20 first round games
Game A— #22 Colorado (#5 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-6 conference record; 22-8 overall) 96 vs. Georgetown (#12 seed as Big East Conference champion; 7-9 conference record; 13-12 overall) 73.
Game B— #14 Florida State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall) 64 vs. North Carolina Greensboro (#13 seed as Southern Conference champion; 13-5 conference record; 21-8 overall) 54.
Game C—Louisiana State (#8 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 11-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 76 vs. St. Bonaventure (#9 seed as Atlantic 10 Conference champion; 11-4 conference record; 16-4 overall) 61.
Game D— #4 Michigan (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-3 conference record; 20-4 overall) 82 vs. Texas Southern (#16 seed as Southwest Athletic Conference champion; 10-3 conference record; 16-8 overall; 60-52 winner against Mount St. Mary's) 66.
Game E— #5 Alabama (#2 seed as Southeastern Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 24-6 overall) 68 vs. Iona (#15 seed at Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion; 6-3 conference record; 12-5 overall) 55.
Game F— Connecticut (#7 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-6 conference record; 15-7 overall) 54 vs. Maryland (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 16-13 overall) 63.
Game G— #24 Brigham Young (#6 seed as at-large selection from West Coast Conference; 10-3 conference record; 20-6 overall) 62 vs. California Los Angeles (#11 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 18-9 overall; 86-80 winner against Michigan State in overtime) 73.
Game H— #9 Texas (#3 seed as Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 19-7 overall) 52 vs. Abilene Christian (#14 seed as Southland Conference champion; 13-2 conference record; 23-4 overall) 53.
Monday, March 22 second round games
Game I— California Los Angeles (#11 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 86-80 winner against Michigan State in overtime; 73-62 winner against #24 Brigham Young) vs. Abilene Christian (#14 seed as Southland Conference champion; 13-2 conference record; 24-4 overall; 53-52 winner against #9 Texas) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 5:15 pm (TBS)
Game J— #4 Michigan (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-3 conference record; 21-4 overall; 82-66 winner against Texas Southern) vs. Louisiana State (#8 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 11-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 76-61 winner against St. Bonaventure) at Lucas Oil Stadium, 7:10 pm (CBS)
Game K— #14 Florida State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 11-4 conference record; 17-6 overall; 64-54 winner against North Carolina Greensboro) vs. #22 Colorado (#5 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-6 conference record; 23-8 overall; 96-73 winner against Georgetown) at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 7:45 pm (TBS)
Game L— #5 Alabama (#2 seed as Southeastern Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 25-6 overall; 68-55 winner against Iona) vs. Maryland (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 17-13 overall; 63-54 winner against Connecticut) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 8:45 pm (TNT)
SOUTH REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Friday, March 19 first round games
Game A— Florida (#7 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 9-7 conference record; 14-9 overall) 75 vs. #25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute (#10 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-4 conference record; 15-6 overall) 70; overtime.
Game B— #10 Arkansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 13-4 conference record; 22-6 overall) 85 vs. Colgate (#14 seed as Patriot League champion; 11-1 conference record; 14-1 overall) 68.
Game C— #21 Texas Tech (#6 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 17-10 overall) 65 vs. Utah State (#11 seed as at-large selection from Mountain West Conference champion; 15-4 conference record; 20-8 overall) 53.
Game D— #7 Ohio State (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 12-8 conference record; 21-9 overall) 72 vs. Oral Roberts (#15 seed as Summit League champion; 10-5 conference record; 16-10 overall) 75; overtime.
Game E— #3 Baylor (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 13-1 conference record; 22-2 overall) 79 vs. Hartford (#16 seed as America East Conference champion; 8-6 conference record; 15-8 overall) 55.
Game F— North Carolina (#8 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 10-6 conference record; 18-10 overall) 62 vs. Wisconsin (#9 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall) 85.
Game G— #20 Purdue (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 13-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 69 vs. North Texas (#13 seed as Conference USA champion; 9-5 conference record; 17-9 overall) 78; overtime.
Game H— #18 Villanova (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall) 73 vs. Winthrop (#12 seed as Big South Conference champion; 17-1 conference record; 23-1 overall) 63.
Sunday, March 21 second round games
Game I— #3 Baylor (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 13-1 conference record; 23-2 overall; 79-55 winner against Hartford) 76 vs. Wisconsin (#9 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 18-12 overall; 85-62 winner against North Carolina) 63.
Game J— #21 Texas Tech (#6 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 18-10 overall; 65-53 winner against Utah State) 66 vs. #10 Arkansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 13-4 conference record; 23-6 overall; 85-68 winner against Colgate) 68.
Game K— Florida (#7 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 9-7 conference record; 15-9 overall; 75-70 winner against #25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute in overtime) 78 vs. Oral Roberts (#15 seed as Summit League champion; 10-5 conference record; 17-10 overall; 75-72 winner over #7 Ohio State in overtime) 81.
Game L— #17 Villanova (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall; 73-63 winner against Winthrop) 84 vs. North Texas (#13 seed as Conference USA champion; 9-5 conference record; 18-9 overall; 78-69 winner against #20 Purdue in overtime) 61.
MIDWEST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Friday, March 19 first round games
Game A— #2 Illinois (#1 seed as Big Ten Conference champion; 16-4 conference record; 23-6 overall) 78 vs. Drexel (#16 seed as Colonial Athletic Association champion; 4-5 conference record; 12-7 overall) 49.
Game B— #17 Loyola (Illinois) (#8 seed as Missouri Valley Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 24-4 overall) 71 vs. Georgia Institute of Technology (#9 seed as Atlantic Coast Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 17-8 overall) 60.
Game C— Tennessee (#5 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 10-7 conference record; 18-8 overall) 56 vs. Oregon State (#12 seed as Pacific 12 Conference champion; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall) 70.
Game D— #11 Oklahoma State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 11-7 conference record; 20-8 overall) 69 vs. Liberty (#13 seed at Atlantic Sun Conference champion; 11-2 conference record; 23-5 overall), at Indiana Farmers Coliseum 60.
Game E— #6 Houston (#2 seed as American Athletic Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 24-3 overall) 87 vs. Cleveland State (#15 seed as Horizon League champion; 16-4 conference record; 19-7 overall) 56.
Game F— Clemson (#7 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 10-6 conference record; 16-7 overall) 56 vs. Rutgers (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 15-11 overall) 60.
Game G— #16 San Diego State (#6 seed as Mountain West Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 23-4 overall) 62 vs. Syracuse (#11 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-7 conference record; 16-9 overall) 78.
Game H— #13 West Virginia (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 84 vs. Morehead State (#14 seed as Ohio Valley Conference champion; 17-3 conference record; 23-7 overall) 67.
Sunday, March 21 second round games
Game I— #2 Illinois (#1 seed as Big Ten Conference champion; 16-4 conference record; 24-6 overall; 78-49 winner against Drexel) 58 vs. #17 Loyola (Illinois) (#8 seed as Missouri Valley Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 25-4 overall; 71-60 winner against Georgia Institute of Technology) 71.
Game J— Syracuse (#11 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-7 conference record; 16-9 overall; 78-62 winner against #16 San Diego State) 75 vs. #13 West Virginia (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 84-67 winner against Morehead State) 72.
Game K— #6 Houston (#2 seed as American Athletic Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 25-3 overall; 87-56 winner against Cleveland State) 63 vs. Rutgers (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 16-11 overall; 60-56 winner against Clemson) 60.
Game L— Oregon State (#12 seed as Pacific 12 Conference champion; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall; 70-56 winner against Tennessee) 80 vs. #11 Oklahoma State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 11-7 conference record; 21-8 overall; 69-60 winner against Liberty) 70.
WEST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Saturday, March 20 first round games
Game A— #12 Kansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 12-6 conference record; 20-8 overall) 93 vs. Eastern Washington (#14 seed as Big Sky Conference champion; 12-3 conference record; 16-7 overall) 84.
Game B— #19 Creighton (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 14-6 conference record; 20-8 overall) 63 vs. California Santa Barbara (#12 seed as Big West Conference champion; 13-3 conference record; 22-4 overall) 62.
Game C— #23 Southern California (#6 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 15-5 conference record; 22-7 overall) 72 vs. Drake (#11 seed as at-large selection from Missouri Valley Conference; 15-3 conference record; 25-4 overall; 53-52 winner against Wichita State) 56.
Game D— #8 Iowa (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-6 conference record; 21-8 overall) 86 vs. Grand Canyon (#15 seed as Western Athletic Conference champion; 9-3 conference record; 17-6 overall) 74.
Game E— #15 Virginia (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 13-4 conference record; 18-6 overall) 58 vs. Ohio (#13 seed as Mid-American Conference champion; 9-5 conference record; 16-7 overall) 62.
Game F— Oklahoma (#8 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 15-10 overall) 72 vs. Missouri (#9 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 8-8 conference record; 16-9 overall) 68.
Game G— #1 Gonzaga (#1 seed as West Coast Conference champion; 15-0 conference record; 26-0 overall) 98 vs. Norfolk State (#16 seed as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion; 8-4 conference record; 17-7 overall; 54-53 winner against Appalachian State) 55.
Game H— Oregon (#7 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-4 conference record; 20-6 overall) vs. Virginia Commonwealth (#10 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic 10 Conference; 10-4 conference record; 19-7 overall) CANCELED DUE TO ISSUES RELATED TO COVID-19 AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH; OREGON PLACED IN AND ADVANCED TO SECOND ROUND
Monday, March 22 second round games
Game I— #8 Iowa (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-6 conference record; 22-8 overall; 86-74 winner against Grand Canyon) vs. Oregon (#7 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-4 conference record; 20-6 overall; advanced after Virginia Commonwealth game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 12:10 pm (CBS)
Game J— #1 Gonzaga (#1 seed as West Coast Conference champion; 15-0 conference record; 27-0 overall; 98-55 winner against Norfolk State) vs. Oklahoma (#8 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 16-10 overall; 72-68 winner against Missouri) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 2:40 pm (CBS)
Game K— #19 Creighton (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 14-6 conference record; 21-8 overall; 63-62 winner against California Santa Barbara) vs. Ohio (#13 seed as Mid-American Conference champion; 9-5 conference record; 17-7 overall; 62-58 winner against #15 Virginia) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 6:10 pm
Game K— #12 Kansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 12-6 conference record; 21-8 overall; 93-84 winner against Eastern Washington) vs. #23 Southern California (#6 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 15-5 conference record; 23-7 overall; 72-56 winner against Drake) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 9:40 pm (CBS)
Gonzaga, having completed an undefeated regular season (26-0), remains atop the Associated Press Top 25 for a seventeenth consecutive week; the Bulldogs captured the West Coast Conference tournament championship in Las Vegas NV with victories over Saint Mary's (78-55) and Brigham Young (88-78). Illinois moved up one slot to #2 after winning the Big Ten Conference tournament championship in Indianapolis IN with victories over Rutgers (90-68), then-#5 ranked Iowa (82-71), and then-#9 ranked Ohio State in overtime (91-88). Baylor slipped one slot to #3 after falling to then-#12 ranked Oklahoma State, 83-74, in the Big 12 Conference tournament semifinal round in Kansas City MO; the Bears previously defeated Kansas State, 74-68. Michigan remained ranked #4 after the Wolverines lost in the Big Ten Conference semifinal round to then-#9 ranked Ohio State (68-67), after defeating Maryland (79-66). Alabama moved up one slot to #5 after the Crimson Tide won the Southeastern Conference championship in Nashville TN with victories over Mississippi State (85-48), Tennessee (73-68) and Louisiana State (80-79).
There are still two Big East Conference teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 this week, although both plummeted in the rankings after losing in the Big East Conference tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York NY. Villanova fell four slots to #18 after losing in the quarterfinal round to Georgetown (72-71), and Creighton fell two slots to #19 after getting hammered in the title game to the Hoyas (73-48). There are now two additional teams receiving votes in the AP Top 25 this week, as Connecticut and Georgetown also received consideration; the one vote received by the Hoyas is the first such ballot all season.
Texas was the biggest gainer amongst ranked teams, moving up four slots to #9 after the Longhorns won the Big 12 Conference tournament championship in Kansas City MO with a win over then-#20 ranked Texas Tech (67-66), an advancement over then-#11 ranked Kansas after the Jayhawks were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19, and a win over then-#12 ranked Oklahoma State in the finals (91-86). Villanova dropped the furthest amongst ranked teams, as noted above. Oklahoma fell out of the AP Top 25, after the then-#25 ranked Sooners lost to then-#11 ranked Kansas in the Big 12 Conference tournament quarterfinal round in Kansas City MO (69-62) after defeating Iowa State (79-73). Newly ranked, for the first time this season, is Brigham Young at #24; the Cougars defeated Pepperdine in overtime (82-77) before losing to #1 Gonzaga (88-78) in the West Coast Conference tournament finals in Las Vegas NV.
All NCAA Tournament games are being played in Indiana. The First Four and some first round games will be played in West Lafayette and Bloomington, with other first round games being played in Indianapolis at four separate locations. The second round games, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and Final Four will all be played in Indianapolis.
Last minute modifications and cancellations may occur, and I will attempt to update this weekly missive whenever I learn of tournament schedule changes; no warranties of accuracy, express or implied, are made.
Game times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. NOTE: UPDATED AT 12:44 AM ON MARCH 22, 2021.
Thursday, March 18
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
No games scheduled
Friday, March 19
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#18 Villanova 73 vs. Winthrop 63 in South Regional first round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
Syracuse 78 vs. #16 San Diego State 62 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#13 West Virginia 84 vs. Morehead State 67 in Midwest Regional first round game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute 70 vs. Florida 75 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
#10 Arkansas 85 vs. Colgate 68 in South Regional first round game.
#2 Illinois 78 vs. Drexel 49 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#21 Texas Tech 65 vs. Utah State 53 in South Regional first round game.
#7 Ohio State 72 vs. Oral Roberts 75 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
#3 Baylor 79 vs. Hartford 55 in South Regional first round game.
#17 Loyola (Illinois) 71 vs. Georgia Institute of Technology 60 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#11 Oklahoma State 69 vs. Liberty 60 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#6 Houston 87 vs. Cleveland State 56 in Midwest Regional first round game.
#20 Purdue 69 vs. North Texas 78 in South Regional first round game; overtime.
Saturday, March 20
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
Georgetown 73 vs. #22 Colorado 96 in East Regional first round game.
#19 Creighton 63 vs. California Santa Barbara 62 in West Regional first round game.
Connecticut 54 vs. Maryland 63 in East Regional first round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#14 Florida State 64 vs. North Carolina Greensboro 54 in East Regional first round game.
#12 Kansas 93 vs. Eastern Washington 84 in West Regional first round game.
#4 Michigan 82 vs. Texas Southern 66 in East Regional first round game.
#5 Alabama 68 vs. Iona 55 in East Regional first round game.
#23 Southern California 72 vs. Drake 56 in West Regional first round game.
#8 Iowa 86 vs. Grand Canyon 74 in West Regional first round game.
#15 Virginia 58 vs. Ohio 62 in West Regional first round game.
#1 Gonzaga 98 vs. Norfolk State 55 in West Regional first round game.
#24 Brigham Young 62 vs. California Los Angeles 73 in East Regional first round game.
#9 Texas 52 vs. Abilene Christian 53 in East Regional first round game.
Sunday, March 21
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#18 Villanova 84 vs. North Texas 61 in South Regional second round game.
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
#13 West Virginia 72 vs. Syracuse 75 in Midwest Regional second round game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#2 Illinois 58 vs. #17 Loyola (Illinois) 71 in Midwest Regional second round game.
#3 Baylor 76 vs. Wisconsin 63 in South Regional second round game.
#10 Arkansas 68 vs. #21 Texas Tech 66 in South Regional second round game.
#6 Houston 60 vs. Rutgers 63 in Midwest Regional second round game.
#11 Oklahoma State 70 vs. Oregon State 80 in Midwest Regional second round game.
Monday, March 22
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
#19 Creighton vs. Ohio in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 6:10 pm (TNT)
OUT-OF-CONFERENCE
No games scheduled
ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25
#8 Iowa vs. Oregon in West Regional second round game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 12:10 pm (CBS)
#1 Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 2:40 pm (CBS)
#1 Michigan vs. Louisiana State in East Regional second round game at Lucas Oil Stadium, 7:10 pm (CBS)
#14 Florida State vs. #22 Colorado in East Regional second round game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis IN, 7:45 pm (TBS)
#5 Alabama vs. Maryland in East Regional second round game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 8:45 pm (TNT)
#12 Kansas vs. #23 Southern California in West Regional second round game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis IN, 9:40 pm (CBS)
FIRST FOUR
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, and at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN
Thursday, March 18 first four games
Game A— Mount St. Mary’s (#16 seed East Regional as Northeast Conference champion; 9-7 conference record; 12-10 overall) 52 vs. Texas Southern (#16 seed East Regional as Southwest Athletic Conference champion; 10-3 conference record; 16-8 overall) 60.
Game B— Wichita State (#11 seed West Regional as at-large selection from American Athletic Conference; 11-2 conference record; 16-5 overall) 52 vs. Drake (#11 seed West Regional as at-large selection from Missouri Valley Conference; 15-3 conference record; 25-4 overall) 53.
Game C— Norfolk State (#16 seed West Regional as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion; 8-4 conference record; 16-7 overall) 54 vs. Appalachian State (#16 seed West Regional as Sun Belt Conference champion; 7-8 conference record; 17-11 overall) 53.
Game D— California Los Angeles (#11 seed East Regional as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 17-9 overall) 86 vs. Michigan State (#11 seed East Regional as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 15-12 overall) 80; overtime.
EAST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis’s Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Saturday, March 20 first round games
Game A— #22 Colorado (#5 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-6 conference record; 22-8 overall) 96 vs. Georgetown (#12 seed as Big East Conference champion; 7-9 conference record; 13-12 overall) 73.
Game B— #14 Florida State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall) 64 vs. North Carolina Greensboro (#13 seed as Southern Conference champion; 13-5 conference record; 21-8 overall) 54.
Game C—Louisiana State (#8 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 11-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 76 vs. St. Bonaventure (#9 seed as Atlantic 10 Conference champion; 11-4 conference record; 16-4 overall) 61.
Game D— #4 Michigan (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-3 conference record; 20-4 overall) 82 vs. Texas Southern (#16 seed as Southwest Athletic Conference champion; 10-3 conference record; 16-8 overall; 60-52 winner against Mount St. Mary's) 66.
Game E— #5 Alabama (#2 seed as Southeastern Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 24-6 overall) 68 vs. Iona (#15 seed at Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion; 6-3 conference record; 12-5 overall) 55.
Game F— Connecticut (#7 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-6 conference record; 15-7 overall) 54 vs. Maryland (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 16-13 overall) 63.
Game G— #24 Brigham Young (#6 seed as at-large selection from West Coast Conference; 10-3 conference record; 20-6 overall) 62 vs. California Los Angeles (#11 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 18-9 overall; 86-80 winner against Michigan State in overtime) 73.
Game H— #9 Texas (#3 seed as Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 19-7 overall) 52 vs. Abilene Christian (#14 seed as Southland Conference champion; 13-2 conference record; 23-4 overall) 53.
Monday, March 22 second round games
Game I— California Los Angeles (#11 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 13-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 86-80 winner against Michigan State in overtime; 73-62 winner against #24 Brigham Young) vs. Abilene Christian (#14 seed as Southland Conference champion; 13-2 conference record; 24-4 overall; 53-52 winner against #9 Texas) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 5:15 pm (TBS)
Game J— #4 Michigan (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-3 conference record; 21-4 overall; 82-66 winner against Texas Southern) vs. Louisiana State (#8 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 11-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 76-61 winner against St. Bonaventure) at Lucas Oil Stadium, 7:10 pm (CBS)
Game K— #14 Florida State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 11-4 conference record; 17-6 overall; 64-54 winner against North Carolina Greensboro) vs. #22 Colorado (#5 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-6 conference record; 23-8 overall; 96-73 winner against Georgetown) at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 7:45 pm (TBS)
Game L— #5 Alabama (#2 seed as Southeastern Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 25-6 overall; 68-55 winner against Iona) vs. Maryland (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 9-11 conference record; 17-13 overall; 63-54 winner against Connecticut) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 8:45 pm (TNT)
SOUTH REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Friday, March 19 first round games
Game A— Florida (#7 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 9-7 conference record; 14-9 overall) 75 vs. #25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute (#10 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-4 conference record; 15-6 overall) 70; overtime.
Game B— #10 Arkansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 13-4 conference record; 22-6 overall) 85 vs. Colgate (#14 seed as Patriot League champion; 11-1 conference record; 14-1 overall) 68.
Game C— #21 Texas Tech (#6 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 17-10 overall) 65 vs. Utah State (#11 seed as at-large selection from Mountain West Conference champion; 15-4 conference record; 20-8 overall) 53.
Game D— #7 Ohio State (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 12-8 conference record; 21-9 overall) 72 vs. Oral Roberts (#15 seed as Summit League champion; 10-5 conference record; 16-10 overall) 75; overtime.
Game E— #3 Baylor (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 13-1 conference record; 22-2 overall) 79 vs. Hartford (#16 seed as America East Conference champion; 8-6 conference record; 15-8 overall) 55.
Game F— North Carolina (#8 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 10-6 conference record; 18-10 overall) 62 vs. Wisconsin (#9 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall) 85.
Game G— #20 Purdue (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 13-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 69 vs. North Texas (#13 seed as Conference USA champion; 9-5 conference record; 17-9 overall) 78; overtime.
Game H— #18 Villanova (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall) 73 vs. Winthrop (#12 seed as Big South Conference champion; 17-1 conference record; 23-1 overall) 63.
Sunday, March 21 second round games
Game I— #3 Baylor (#1 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 13-1 conference record; 23-2 overall; 79-55 winner against Hartford) 76 vs. Wisconsin (#9 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 18-12 overall; 85-62 winner against North Carolina) 63.
Game J— #21 Texas Tech (#6 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 18-10 overall; 65-53 winner against Utah State) 66 vs. #10 Arkansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 13-4 conference record; 23-6 overall; 85-68 winner against Colgate) 68.
Game K— Florida (#7 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 9-7 conference record; 15-9 overall; 75-70 winner against #25 Virginia Polytechnic Institute in overtime) 78 vs. Oral Roberts (#15 seed as Summit League champion; 10-5 conference record; 17-10 overall; 75-72 winner over #7 Ohio State in overtime) 81.
Game L— #17 Villanova (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 11-4 conference record; 16-6 overall; 73-63 winner against Winthrop) 84 vs. North Texas (#13 seed as Conference USA champion; 9-5 conference record; 18-9 overall; 78-69 winner against #20 Purdue in overtime) 61.
MIDWEST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Friday, March 19 first round games
Game A— #2 Illinois (#1 seed as Big Ten Conference champion; 16-4 conference record; 23-6 overall) 78 vs. Drexel (#16 seed as Colonial Athletic Association champion; 4-5 conference record; 12-7 overall) 49.
Game B— #17 Loyola (Illinois) (#8 seed as Missouri Valley Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 24-4 overall) 71 vs. Georgia Institute of Technology (#9 seed as Atlantic Coast Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 17-8 overall) 60.
Game C— Tennessee (#5 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 10-7 conference record; 18-8 overall) 56 vs. Oregon State (#12 seed as Pacific 12 Conference champion; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall) 70.
Game D— #11 Oklahoma State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 11-7 conference record; 20-8 overall) 69 vs. Liberty (#13 seed at Atlantic Sun Conference champion; 11-2 conference record; 23-5 overall), at Indiana Farmers Coliseum 60.
Game E— #6 Houston (#2 seed as American Athletic Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 24-3 overall) 87 vs. Cleveland State (#15 seed as Horizon League champion; 16-4 conference record; 19-7 overall) 56.
Game F— Clemson (#7 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 10-6 conference record; 16-7 overall) 56 vs. Rutgers (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 15-11 overall) 60.
Game G— #16 San Diego State (#6 seed as Mountain West Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 23-4 overall) 62 vs. Syracuse (#11 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-7 conference record; 16-9 overall) 78.
Game H— #13 West Virginia (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 18-9 overall) 84 vs. Morehead State (#14 seed as Ohio Valley Conference champion; 17-3 conference record; 23-7 overall) 67.
Sunday, March 21 second round games
Game I— #2 Illinois (#1 seed as Big Ten Conference champion; 16-4 conference record; 24-6 overall; 78-49 winner against Drexel) 58 vs. #17 Loyola (Illinois) (#8 seed as Missouri Valley Conference champion; 16-2 conference record; 25-4 overall; 71-60 winner against Georgia Institute of Technology) 71.
Game J— Syracuse (#11 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 9-7 conference record; 16-9 overall; 78-62 winner against #16 San Diego State) 75 vs. #13 West Virginia (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference champion; 11-6 conference record; 19-9 overall; 84-67 winner against Morehead State) 72.
Game K— #6 Houston (#2 seed as American Athletic Conference champion; 14-3 conference record; 25-3 overall; 87-56 winner against Cleveland State) 63 vs. Rutgers (#10 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 10-10 conference record; 16-11 overall; 60-56 winner against Clemson) 60.
Game L— Oregon State (#12 seed as Pacific 12 Conference champion; 10-10 conference record; 17-12 overall; 70-56 winner against Tennessee) 80 vs. #11 Oklahoma State (#4 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 11-7 conference record; 21-8 overall; 69-60 winner against Liberty) 70.
WEST REGIONALS
Games will be played at Purdue University’s Mackey Arena, West Lafayette IN, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington IN, and at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, all in Indianapolis IN
Saturday, March 20 first round games
Game A— #12 Kansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 12-6 conference record; 20-8 overall) 93 vs. Eastern Washington (#14 seed as Big Sky Conference champion; 12-3 conference record; 16-7 overall) 84.
Game B— #19 Creighton (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 14-6 conference record; 20-8 overall) 63 vs. California Santa Barbara (#12 seed as Big West Conference champion; 13-3 conference record; 22-4 overall) 62.
Game C— #23 Southern California (#6 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 15-5 conference record; 22-7 overall) 72 vs. Drake (#11 seed as at-large selection from Missouri Valley Conference; 15-3 conference record; 25-4 overall; 53-52 winner against Wichita State) 56.
Game D— #8 Iowa (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-6 conference record; 21-8 overall) 86 vs. Grand Canyon (#15 seed as Western Athletic Conference champion; 9-3 conference record; 17-6 overall) 74.
Game E— #15 Virginia (#4 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic Coast Conference; 13-4 conference record; 18-6 overall) 58 vs. Ohio (#13 seed as Mid-American Conference champion; 9-5 conference record; 16-7 overall) 62.
Game F— Oklahoma (#8 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 15-10 overall) 72 vs. Missouri (#9 seed as at-large selection from Southeastern Conference; 8-8 conference record; 16-9 overall) 68.
Game G— #1 Gonzaga (#1 seed as West Coast Conference champion; 15-0 conference record; 26-0 overall) 98 vs. Norfolk State (#16 seed as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion; 8-4 conference record; 17-7 overall; 54-53 winner against Appalachian State) 55.
Game H— Oregon (#7 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-4 conference record; 20-6 overall) vs. Virginia Commonwealth (#10 seed as at-large selection from Atlantic 10 Conference; 10-4 conference record; 19-7 overall) CANCELED DUE TO ISSUES RELATED TO COVID-19 AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH; OREGON PLACED IN AND ADVANCED TO SECOND ROUND
Monday, March 22 second round games
Game I— #8 Iowa (#2 seed as at-large selection from Big Ten Conference; 14-6 conference record; 22-8 overall; 86-74 winner against Grand Canyon) vs. Oregon (#7 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 14-4 conference record; 20-6 overall; advanced after Virginia Commonwealth game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 12:10 pm (CBS)
Game J— #1 Gonzaga (#1 seed as West Coast Conference champion; 15-0 conference record; 27-0 overall; 98-55 winner against Norfolk State) vs. Oklahoma (#8 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 9-8 conference record; 16-10 overall; 72-68 winner against Missouri) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 2:40 pm (CBS)
Game K— #19 Creighton (#5 seed as at-large selection from Big East Conference; 14-6 conference record; 21-8 overall; 63-62 winner against California Santa Barbara) vs. Ohio (#13 seed as Mid-American Conference champion; 9-5 conference record; 17-7 overall; 62-58 winner against #15 Virginia) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 6:10 pm
Game K— #12 Kansas (#3 seed as at-large selection from Big 12 Conference; 12-6 conference record; 21-8 overall; 93-84 winner against Eastern Washington) vs. #23 Southern California (#6 seed as at-large selection from Pacific 12 Conference; 15-5 conference record; 23-7 overall; 72-56 winner against Drake) at Hinkle Fieldhouse, 9:40 pm (CBS)
