RANKING AND PREDICTING SATURDAY’S MARCH MADNESS TOURNAMENT GAMES

Today’s games ranked from least to most intriguing with game predictions.

8. Auburn -8.5 vs. Creighton - Creighton keeps it close for a half but Auburn pulls out a double-digit win.

7. St. Johns -6.5 vs. Arkansas - The battle of the former Kentucky coaches as Rick Pitino and John Calipari go head to head. Arkansas should be able to hang early with a solid game plan, but St. John's will be too much and pull out a double-digit victory.

6. Texas Tech -6.5 vs. Drake - Drake has proved that a team led by a group of D-2 transfers can not only compete in one of the best mid-major conferences in the nation but also on the big stage of the NCAA Tournament. Drake will have to play a near-flawless game to compete with Texas Tech and the NIL money backing them and their roster. Look for Texas Tech to win this game and cover the spread.

5. Tennessee -5.5 vs. UCLA - In keeping with the theme of favorites, I can’t see a team who lost on their home floor to Minnesota being able to keep it close with a team who at times during the season looked like the best team in the nation. Take Tennessee at -6.5.

4. Houston -5.5 vs. Gonzaga - Gonzaga will have no answer for the athleticism of Houston will score in flashes. Houston covers but Gonzaga will keep things interesting at times before the Cougars pull away in the second half.

3. Purdue -6.5 vs. McNeese State - Will Wade might be taking his coaching talents to NC State after the tournament but he’s not ready to make the move yet. McNeese State looks to be this year’s tournament's best chance at a Cinderella. Purdue has looked vulnerable at times this season and a far cry from the talent they’ve had in the previous seasons but expect the Boilermakers to pull out a tight one as the clock strikes midnight on the Cowboys who will cover at least the spread.

2. Texas A&M -2.5 vs. Michigan - This game will feature some good action down low with both teams featuring some good size. In recent games, the Wolverines have struggled to score which could hinder their ability to advance to the Sweet 16. I expect this game to be close throughout with Texas A&M pulling away with the narrow victory and cover.

1. Wisconsin -1.5 vs. BYU - I have zero clue why I am so intrigued with the game that very well may end up being the most lackluster of the second-round games but it has my attention. Wisconsin is the slight favorite in a game that could be viewed as a coin toss. I like the Cougars to pull this one out in the 5 to 8-point range.