Everything you need to know about Friday's NCAA tournament games:
CLOSE SportsPulse: USA TODAY's Trysta Krick recaps all the biggest moments from the first day of March Madness and looks ahead to Friday's action. USA TODAY
Why Iowa will win: Jordan Bohannon, one of four Hawkeyes averaging double figures, is clutch. The junior guard is averaging 4.2 points in the first half, and almost twice that, 7.1, in the second. His 81 points in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime rank among the nation’s best, and he shoots 53.3 percent from the floor and 47.6 from 3-point range down the stretch.
Why Colgate will win: Let’s be honest: Unless the Rick Barnes Curse kicks in early, Tennessee isn’t losing this game. The Vols’ only losses this season have been to ranked — or in the case of that first loss to Auburn, soon-to-be-ranked — teams, and Colgate isn’t even in the “Also Getting Votes” category.Columbia, South RegionWhy Virginia will win: As unfathomable as it was for the Cavaliers to lose to a No. 16 last year, the odds of doing it again are astronomical.
First round: Michigan forward Ignas Brazdeikis dunks the ball against Montana. Steven Branscombe, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenFirst round: Wofford guard Fletcher Magee celebrates with teammates after scoring against Seton Hall. Matt Stamey, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenFirst round: Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj dives for a loose ball with Baylor guard Jared Butler and forward Freddie Gillespie . Gary A.
Why Georgia State will win: Junior guard D’Marcus Simonds leads the way for the Sun Belt champion, but four more players average double figures. The Panthers force turnovers and shoot the three well.Why Mississippi State will win: Mississippi State is taller and/or bigger at virtually every spot. And there’s a reason Liberty has never won an NCAA basketball tournament game — it doesn’t measure up against more established programs.
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