7 NCAA Tournament first-round matchups on upset alert

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Jay Bilas along with three other analysts filled out a bracket during the ESPN's Selection Sunday coverage. The panelists were given very little time to consider their selections, which added excitment on what's meant to be a first reaction. 

After that segment, Bilas decided to give the field more than a few minutes and compiled a different bracket of winners. The result of that provides seven upsets Bilas expects to see in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

While Bilas’ exercise picks winners and losers for every matchup. Bilas was certain to be clear that the following matchups and their corresponding results are “guesses”. He also made sure to ask readers to “use their best judgment”.

Bilas sees seven upsets and a few are big names

No. 9 TCU over No. 8 Ohio State

Both of these teams have a lone scorer that demands national respect. However, TCU’s success over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament and a win over Florida makes TCU an underrated team, according to Bilas.

No. 11 South Florida over No. 6 Louisville

Two teams that will likely live and die by the three, this matchup could go either way. However, Mikel Brown Jr and his 18 points and five assists has been out with a sore back. South Florida is a tough team who should been in this game late. As Bilas noted, regardless of who wins this matchup, neither is likely to get past Michigan St in the next round.

 No. 10 UCF over No. 7 UCLA

UCLA is hobbling into the Tournment with multiple players fighting the injury bug. Donovan Dent is a top five point guard in the nation according to Bilas, but he might need more help than will be available. As opposed to UCF who is healthy and has a 3-headed attack that UCLA won’t have. Including Jamichael Stillwell who Bilas compares to Draymond Green.

No. 9 Iowa over No. 8 Clemson

Another 8 vs 9 matchup. A relative coin flip. However, this may come down to great shooting vs an stout front court. “Bennett Stirtz for Iowa is one of the best shotmakers in college basketball who is averaging over 20 points per game. Like the USF vs Louisville matchup, Bilas does not expect Iowa nor Clemson to be Florida in the second round.

No. 9 Utah State over No. 8 Villanova

This is a matchup of very different programs and tournament history, but it is still an eight vs nine. Another relative coin flip, but this one has some intrigue. Mason Falslev is the Mountain West player of the year. They also have MJ Collins who is a 3-point shooting threat. 8/9 is not a huge upset, but Utah State beating Villanova would still qualify.

No. 11 Texas over No. 6 BYU

This one might feel like a hot take. Bilas’ contention is that Texas will beat NC State in the play-in round and face No. 6 BYU. AJ Dybansta is the nation’s leading scorer and a probative favorite to be drafted very early in the NBA draft. However, Bilas claims BYU is a tale of two halves. Claiming they aren’t close to the same team they were in the first half of the year. If Dybansta can’t carry the Cougars, Bilas believes they will struggle against Texas.

No. 10 Missouri over No. 7 Miami

The West region might be the most interesting for the first two rounds. Bilas seems to be less aggressive on this pick. He admitted that Miami had a stellar season allowing them to see the biggest win/loss improvement of any team. Improving by 18 wins. Bilas is picking Missouri but gives very little reason why beyond Mark Mitchell’s 18 points per game.

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Games begin today, when and where to watch

The NCAA Tournament begins today, March 17 with the first two of four play-in games. Univeristy of Maryland Baltimore County will play HBCU Howard University, both 16 seeds. That game tips off at 6:40pm EST and will broadcast on TruTV.

The aforementioned 11-seeded play-in game between No. 11 Texas and No. 11 NC State will be the second game. Tipping off at 9:15pm EST and also broadcasting on TruTV.

The NCAA Tournament, post play-in games, will begin on Thursday March 19 and lead off with another of Bilas’ upset games. No. 9 TCU vs No. 8 Ohio State will begin the full day slate of games, starting at 12:15pm EST. Sixteen games in total broadcasting across several networks including CBS, TruTV, TNT and TBS.

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