March Madness games today: NCAA Men’s D1 basketball Thursday first round matchups

Here is the list of today’s program at the 2024 March Madness NCAA basketball tournament.

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(8) Mississippi State vs. (9) Michigan State | 12:15 p.m. | CBS

The Spartans started roughly at 4-5 but improved to 17-9 by mid-February. They stumbled at the end of the regular season, losing four of their last five games, but won against Minnesota in the conference tournament. Mississippi State had a 3-6 stretch in January/February but won five straight to get to 19-8. Unfortunately, they lost their last four regular-season games but rebounded in the conference tournament with wins over LSU and Tennessee.

(6) BYU vs. (11) Duquesne | 12:40 p.m. | truTV

Duquesne Dukes ranks 45th in points allowed, 91st in field goal percentage defense, and 102nd in three-point field goal defense. They have covered 8 of their last 10 games. However, their offense is limited. BYU Cougars are a top-25 offense with an above-average defense that ranks 35th in three-point percentage defense. They have a 20-13 ATS record. BYU has the upper hand offensively and should win.

(3) Creighton vs. (14) Akron | 1:30 p.m. | TNT

Creighton’s early exit from the Big East Tournament was a wake-up call. They have a manageable draw against Akron and can advance if they start strong. Limiting Enrique Freeman’s impact and achieving a double-digit margin may be challenging, but Creighton has a good chance of winning.

(2) Arizona vs. (15) Long Beach State | 2 p.m. | TBS

Arizona and North Carolina’s Elite Eight face-off is highly anticipated, but remember that Caleb Love’s performance could affect the outcome. Long Beach could win if he plays poorly, as he is responsible for most of the Wildcats’ offense. Long Beach has the potential to stick with Arizona, thanks to the Traore brothers’ presence in the frontcourt. With the generous margin, they could capitalize on it and win.

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(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Wagner | 2:45 p.m. | CBS

North Carolina is expected to dominate in this game, averaging 81.5 points per game, while Wagner is averaging only 63.8 points per game. It seems unlikely that Wagner will have enough offense to keep the game close.

(3) Illinois vs. (14) Morehead State | 3:10 p.m. | truTV

The Fighting Illini are playing well, shooting 52.6% from the field and scoring 70+ points in 18 straight games. Morehead State has scored 69+ points in their last three games but will face tougher competition.

(6) South Carolina vs. (11) Oregon | 4 p.m. | TNT

Oregon finished strong with four straight wins, but they had an average season. They won 13 of their 23 games at home and only one major game on the road. They lost all three games on neutral grounds. The three-hour time difference could be a challenge for the Ducks when traveling to the east. South Carolina won eight of their eleven away games, including wins over Texas A&M and Tennessee. They also won on neutral grounds. The Gamecocks are healthier and more battle-tested than the Ducks.

(7) Dayton vs. (10) Nevada | 4:30 p.m. | TBS

The upcoming matchup will test the teams at a new level. The Wolfpack have various ways of scoring with Jarod Lucas and Kenan Blackshear generating efficient offense. Despite being the lower-seeded team, Nevada is the betting favorite. This high-variance game will be determined by the three-point shooting of each team.

(7) Texas vs. (10) Colorado State | 6:50 p.m. | TNT

This game is expected to have a high score. Colorado State has an average of 76.1 points per game, while Texas is averaging 76.5 points per game. Neither team is likely to play any defense, which means it will be a shootout. It wouldn’t surprise us if both teams scored over 80 points.

(3) Kentucky vs. (14) Oakland | 7:10 p.m. | CBS

The possibility of an upset looms as Oakland takes on Kentucky in round one. However, after a premature exit from the SEC Tournament, Kentucky is expected to come out strong. The Wildcats had an impressive season, ending on a high note with wins over ranked teams such as Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee. I believe they will continue their winning streak in this game. Although Oakland has the experience and shooting skills to give them a run for their money, we think Kentucky will come out on top.

(5) Gonzaga vs. (12) McNeese | 7:25 p.m. | TBS

McNeese State has a 30-3 record and an elite offense, averaging 80.4 points per game. Gonzaga averages 84.9 points and has improved in the last couple of weeks. In their last games, McNeese State won 92-76 against Nicholls, with Shahada Wells scoring 27 points, and Gonzaga lost 69-60 against Saint Mary’s, with Anton Watson scoring 18 points.

(2) Iowa State vs. (15) South Dakota State | 7:35 p.m. | truTV

It is expected that the Cyclones will take an early lead in the game and maintain it throughout. However, their inability to hit free throws will give the Jackrabbits an opportunity to make a comeback in the final moments.

The rebounding should be evenly matched, which will work in favor of the Jackrabbits. South Dakota has a strong ball security and an explosive offensive player in Zeke Mayo. It won’t be an easy game for Iowa State, even if they advance.

(2) Tennessee vs. (15) Saint Peter’s | 9:20 p.m. | TNT

Tennessee’s defense is strong, and Saint Peter’s is unlikely to score more than 70 points. Tennessee will win easily if Saint Peter’s fails to hit 45% of their shots. However, if the opposing team scores multiple threes, it could pose a challenge for Tennessee.

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(6) Texas Tech vs. (11) NC State | 9:40 p.m. | CBS

NC State is expected to cover the spread, but we’re not confident picking them to win outright. Texas Tech has a tough schedule (33rd SOS rating) compared to NC State (59th SOS rating). We predict that NC State will cover the spread. Texas Tech’s potential lack of a big player under the rim may make it harder for them to deal with NC State’s Burns, who showed in a previous game that he could take over.

(4) Kansas vs. (13) Samford | 9:55 p.m. | TBS

Samford Bulldogs secured a 76-69 win over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in their previous game, while the Kansas Jayhawks suffered a 72-52 defeat at home to the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last game.

(7) Washington State vs. (10) Drake | 10:05 p.m. | truTV

Drake holds a major advantage in turnovers and free throw shooting against Washington State. Their top-tier guard will likely break down Washington State’s defense, leading to a win for the MWC champions. Take Drake to cover the tight spread.