Thursday’s other NCAA Tournament games
SOUTH REGION
AT LOUISVILLE, KY.
▪ No. 2 Villanova vs. No. 3 Miami, Fla.
Time/TV: 6:10 p.m., CBS
The winner meets the Kansas-Maryland survivor. Villanova breezed through the first two rounds behind guards Josh Hart and Ryan Arcidiacono. They’ll go against the Hurricanes backcourt of Angel Rodriguez and Sheldon McClellan. The Hurricanes took a 21-point lead on Wichita State, lost it all with about 10 minutes to play, then rallied to win. The Wildcats will need to get plenty from forward Daniel Ochefu, a tough rebounder.
Pick: Villanova 77-74
WEST REGION
AT ANAHEIM, CALIF.
▪ No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas A&M
Time/TV: 6:37 p.m., TBS
How did the Aggies do it? They were down 12 to Northern Iowa with 44 seconds remaining and won in double overtime. A&M, which was 4-0 against the Big 12 this season, can’t afford to get behind Oklahoma in the same way. The Sooners start with Buddy Hield, who scored 36 in the second-round victory over VCU. Give the Sooners the edge in the backcourt, and A&M the edge up front with Danuel House.
Pick: Texas A&M, 81-77
▪ No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Duke
Time/TV: about 8:57 p.m. TBS
Utah is the team’s common opponent. The Blue Devils lost to the Utes, and the Ducks won all three meetings, including a 31-point thrashing in the Pac-12 Tournament title game. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was reminded that he’s 0-4 all-time in NCAA Tournament games in the Pacific time zone. Oregon forward Chris Boucher averages three blocks per game. The Ducks will have to contend with Duke’s Grayson Allen, one of the nation’s top shooters.
Pick: Oregon 80-76
Blair Kerkhoff: @BlairKerkhoff
This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 8:07 PM with the headline "Thursday’s other NCAA Tournament games."