Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32

3/22/2026

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Kansas vs. St. Johns round of 32 pick and preview

Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32

A rare coaching matchup takes center stage in the Round of 32 as Bill Self and Rick Pitino face off when Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball takes on St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball.

Despite being two of the longest-tenured and most accomplished head coaches in college basketball, Self and Pitino have only faced each other once. That lone meeting came on November 28, 2021, when Pitino was coaching Iona and Self led Kansas in the ESPN Events Invitational.

Now, they meet again with significantly higher stakes and a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.

Why Kansas has the edge

St. John’s enters Sunday’s round of 32 showdown as 3.5-point favorites, but the matchup projects much tighter than the spread suggests.

The Jayhawks hold key advantages in areas that tend to decide close tournament games. Kansas is a more reliable three-point shooting team, while the Red Storm’s perimeter consistency has been inconsistent throughout the season.

Free-throw shooting also favors Kansas. In a physical postseason environment, where fouls accumulate late, the Jayhawks’ efficiency at the line could prove decisive.

Darryn Peterson factor

Superstar freshman phenom Darryn Peterson gives Kansas the most dynamic scorer on the floor.

He showed that in the opening round, taking over early and finishing with a high-volume, efficient scoring performance. Peterson’s ability to create offense in isolation and knock down perimeter shots makes him the type of player who can swing a tight March Madness game.

If this turns into a late-possession battle, Kansas has the advantage with the best closer.

Frontcourt matchup to watch

St. John’s brings size and athleticism, but Kansas matches it.

Flory Bidunga anchors a frontcourt that can neutralize the Red Storm’s strength on the offensive glass. While St. John’s thrives on second-chance opportunities, Kansas has the size and physicality to compete in that area.

Bidunga will be key defensively, particularly in limiting extra possessions.

Best bets

This game profiles as a close, physical matchup where execution and star power will decide the outcome.

Kansas moneyline
Darryn Peterson over 23.5 points
Flory Bidunga over 8.5 rebounds

Kansas enters battle-tested out of the Big 12 and appears undervalued in this spot, especially given how public perception shifted after the Round of 64.

Alabama vs Hofstra preview: March Madness Round of 64 matchup

The No. 4-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide face the No. 13-seeded Hofstra Pride in the Midwest Region, with a trip to the second round on the line. The seeding gives Alabama the edge on paper, but Hofstra enters with momentum and enough firepower to make things interesting.

Alabama arrives as one of the most explosive teams in the country. Head coach Nate Oats has built a fast-paced system that thrives on tempo, spacing, and scoring bursts, turning every defensive rebound into an offensive opportunity. The Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring at 91.7 points per game, constantly pushing the pace and forcing opponents into a track meet they rarely win.

They will have to do it without one of their top perimeter threats. Junior guard Aden Holloway, Alabama’s second-leading scorer and one of its best three-point shooters, will not play after being removed from campus earlier in the week following a felony drug arrest, and he did not travel with the team for the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. His absence not only subtracts a proven shot-maker and spacer from the rotation, but also increases the pressure on the rest of the backcourt to sustain Alabama’s offensive identity.

That attack still runs through the backcourt. Aden HollowayAden Holloway. leads Alabama as one of college basketball’s top scoring guards, capable of taking over stretches and swinging the game in a matter of minutes. His ability to create off the dribble, knock down shots, and control tempo gives the Crimson Tide a reliable engine in big moments, while Alabama’s guard depth will be asked to collectively fill the Holloway void.

Hofstra, however, enters with plenty of confidence. The Pride come into the NCAA Tournament at 24-10 after winning the CAA Tournament, punching their ticket with an automatic bid. Head coach Speedy Claxton has his group peaking at the right time, with a connected roster that defends, shares the ball, and doesn’t shy away from the spotlight.

Cruz Davis headlines the Hofstra backcourt. One of the top mid-major guards in the country, Davis gives the Pride a dynamic scoring option who can break down defenses and manufacture points when possessions bog down. His ability to respond to Alabama’s runs will be critical if Hofstra hopes to stick around into the second half.

The stakes are clear: the winner advances to face either Texas Tech or Akron in the second round, adding another layer of urgency to Friday’s matchup. For Alabama, the formula remains the same—dictate pace, attack in transition, and lean into its scoring depth, even with Holloway sidelined. When the Crimson Tide impose their tempo, they become incredibly difficult to contain.

Hofstra’s path looks different. The Pride will need to stay efficient offensively, value every possession, and limit Alabama’s transition opportunities by taking care of the ball and controlling the glass. If they can turn this into more of a half-court game, the absence of Holloway’s shooting and late-clock creation could become even more noticeable.

This matchup offers a compelling clash of styles—Alabama’s blistering pace against Hofstra’s disciplined, confident approach—paired with momentum on both sides. It has all the ingredients of the kind of unpredictable, high-stakes drama that defines March Madness.

Xavier Edmonds hits late winner as TCU edges Ohio State in NCAA Tournament

3/20/2026

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TCU survived a late push and delivered in the biggest moment when it mattered most.

Xavier Edmonds scored the game-winning layup with 4.3 seconds remaining as No. 9 seed TCU held off No. 8 seed Ohio State for a 66-64 win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

The final sequence unfolded after David Punch created space in the halfcourt and found Edmonds inside. Edmonds converted the go-ahead basket, and Ohio State’s final attempt came up short when Bruce Thornton’s half-court heave hit the backboard at the buzzer.

Punch had already added fuel to the matchup earlier in the week, telling the Columbus Dispatch that TCU would beat Ohio State “nine times out of 10.” On Thursday night, the Horned Frogs backed it up. (Source)

“I felt like it kind of put a little more pressure on us, but at the same time, I know his words were just a little bit misconstrued and a little twisted,” Edmonds said. “That’s not 100 percent how he meant it. Still we seen it, and we felt like we had to stand on it. So we wanted to go out there and make sure we won nine out of 10 times.”

Edmonds finished with 16 points, while Punch recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Micah Robinson led TCU with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers in a key offensive performance.

The Horned Frogs appeared in control early, building a 15-point lead by halftime. However, the second half told a different story. TCU missed 18 of its first 22 shots after the break, allowing Ohio State to rally and take a 55-50 lead with seven minutes remaining.

John Mobley Jr. led the Buckeyes with 15 points and sparked the comeback effort.

“I just thought, I’m not going home like that,” Mobley said. “I’m not going home without putting my all to it. I had a talk at halftime, I’ve just got to do better. I was a little sluggish in the first half, can’t do that.”

TCU responded late, regaining a 64-61 lead on a Robinson three-pointer with under a minute remaining. Thornton answered with a clutch three of his own to tie the game before the Horned Frogs set up their final possession.

“We got it to Punch, and he created some space,” Edmonds said. “He didn’t have a shot he wanted, so he kicked it out to me, and I had a good seal and I just went up with it. Credit to him for making a better pass.”

Head coach Jamie Dixon emphasized his team’s composure down the stretch after nearly losing control of the game.

“What a character check for us down the stretch and just going and executing on every play,” Dixon said. “It was multiple guys in a variety of ways.”

With the win, TCU advances to face No. 1 seed Duke in the next round after the Blue Devils narrowly avoided an upset earlier in the day.

Ohio State, meanwhile, sees its season end after returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.

“There is a motivation now of getting back here,” Mobley said. “Ohio State has a great repertoire to come here. We want to keep building that. … When the guys come in, we’re going to have that and be ready to go for the summer.”

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Nebraska finally earns historic NCAA Tournament win over Troy

3/19/2026

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For decades, it wasn’t just a stat — it was a weight that followed Nebraska everywhere in March. Now, it’s gone.

This Nebraska NCAA Tournament win reflected more than one dominant performance. It captured a transformation years in the making under Fred Hoiberg, who has steadily reshaped the culture inside the program. After early struggles in his tenure, Nebraska now stands with a school-record 27 wins and a team that believes it belongs on this stage.

“It’s been a special group since the beginning,” as noted in a piece by The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman.

The game itself never turned into a fight. Nebraska seized control early, building an 18-point lead in the first half and never allowing Troy to recover. By halftime, the outcome already felt decided, and the second half only confirmed it.

This Tournament win reflected more than one dominant performance. It captured a transformation years in the making under Fred Hoiberg, who has steadily reshaped the culture inside the program. After early struggles in his tenure, Nebraska now stands with a school-record 27 wins and a team that believes it belongs on this stage.

“It’s been a special group since the beginning.”

That belief showed up in every phase of the game. The Huskers’ defense created separation, while their offense flowed through confident shot-making, highlighted by a 20-4 run in the first half that broke the game open. Sam Hoiberg, who experienced the program at its lowest points, described the moment in simple terms.

“It’s what I dreamed of.”

The impact extended far beyond the court. Nebraska fans filled the arena, turning a neutral site into what felt like a home environment. For a program that had carried the label of never winning in the tournament, the support reflected how much this breakthrough meant across generations.

“All of it means way more than makes sense to people who aren’t a part of it.”

That emotional release had been building for years. Nebraska had made multiple tournament appearances without a win, with each loss reinforcing a narrative that became difficult to escape. This time, the Huskers didn’t just win — they dominated.

The roster itself explains why this team feels different. It’s not built on one star, but on cohesion and shared purpose. Players move with confidence, trust each other, and execute a system that prioritizes collective success over individual numbers.

That identity has carried Nebraska through its best season in program history. Three straight 20-win seasons and a dramatic rise under Hoiberg have turned what was once a rebuilding project into a legitimate contender.

Now, the conversation changes. Nebraska is no longer chasing history — it has made it.

And with the Round of 32 ahead, this group has a chance to do something even more significant: prove that this moment is not the peak, but just the beginning.

Midwest Region chaos brewing ahead of March Madness

3/18/2026

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The spotlight on the March Madness Midwest region intensifies as the tournament begins, with Michigan positioned at the center of the conversation. Expectations are high, but history suggests stability rarely lasts in this part of the bracket. What appears clear on paper often unravels quickly once games tip off.

Michigan enters the NCAA Tournament with one of the most complete profiles in the field. The Wolverines rely on interior dominance and frontcourt depth that consistently creates mismatches. Their ability to control the paint gives them a structural advantage, especially against teams that lack comparable size. Combined with a favorable draw, Michigan has a legitimate pathway to the Final Four and carries some of the strongest title expectations in the region.

Still, the Midwest region presents far more resistance than a top-heavy outlook suggests. Iowa State has emerged as a serious threat, driven by perimeter shooting and growing confidence. The Cyclones’ offense can shift momentum rapidly, particularly when Milan Momcilovic finds consistency from beyond the arc. In a tournament setting where runs define outcomes, that shooting profile makes Iowa State dangerous in any matchup.

Virginia stands out as a potential disruptor among the top seeds. The Cavaliers bring a defensive identity that can dictate tempo and limit scoring opportunities. Ugonna Onyenso anchors the interior, forcing opponents into difficult possessions and slowing games into half-court battles. That style often proves effective in March, where execution and patience become critical late in games.

The volatility of the March Madness Midwest region becomes even more apparent beyond the top seeds. Santa Clara’s perimeter-heavy offense introduces immediate upset potential, particularly against a Kentucky squad that has struggled to maintain consistency. Akron enters the tournament with momentum, creating pressure on a Texas Tech team dealing with rotation concerns and limited depth.

Miami of Ohio adds another layer of intrigue. If the RedHawks advance out of the First Four, their disciplined structure and near-flawless regular season performance suggest they are capable of competing beyond expectations. That kind of profile often produces early-round surprises in March.

Coaching trends and recent tournament history further complicate the bracket. Tennessee has faced recurring challenges in translating regular-season success into deep tournament runs, while Alabama enters with uncertainty following late developments affecting its roster. Both situations create openings for unexpected outcomes.

As the tournament unfolds, attention will remain fixed on Michigan and whether it can convert its advantages into sustained success. The Wolverines have the roster balance, physical presence, and bracket positioning to control the region. However, March Madness consistently rewards adaptability over projections.

The Midwest region is structured for volatility. A single shooting surge or defensive sequence can redefine the bracket in an instant. Michigan may set the standard entering the tournament, but the margin for error remains thin, and the narrative is likely to shift quickly as results come in.

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These 2 teams got snubbed from the 2026 NCAA Tournament

3/16/2026

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Selection Sunday always produces celebration and heartbreak across college basketball, and the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket delivered both.

While 68 teams secured spots in March Madness, several programs that hoped to hear their name called were left out of the field. Among the most notable omissions were the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball and the Seton Hall Pirates men’s basketball.

Both teams entered Selection Sunday with realistic hopes of earning an at-large bid but ultimately fell short of the committee’s final cut.

Auburn Tigers

Auburn’s NCAA Tournament hopes came to an end after its loss to the Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament.

Without the automatic bid, Auburn had to rely on the selection committee to extend an at-large invitation. That opportunity never came.

The Tigers finished the season 17-16 overall and 7-11 in SEC play while navigating one of the most difficult schedules in the country. According to KenPom, Auburn played the third-toughest schedule in Division I basketball this season.

The year presented challenges from the start.

After reaching the Final Four in 2025, Auburn lost five starters from that team. The program also experienced a leadership change when longtime head coach Bruce Pearl stepped aside before the season and handed the program to his son, Steven Pearl.

Despite the roster turnover, Auburn delivered some impressive moments during the season. The Tigers’ biggest victory came on January 24 when they defeated then-No. 4 Florida Gators men’s basketball in Gainesville.

However, Auburn struggled to maintain consistency late in the year. The Tigers lost nine of their final 12 games, a stretch that ultimately derailed their postseason hopes.

The absence from the NCAA Tournament marks Auburn’s first time missing March Madness in four years.

Seton Hall Pirates

The Seton Hall Pirates men’s basketball also came up short in their bid to reach the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Seton Hall finished the season 21-12 and made a late push to strengthen its résumé. The Pirates battled top competition in the closing weeks of the year, including competitive games against UConn Huskies men’s basketball and St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball in the Big East Tournament.

Despite those efforts, the selection committee ultimately left the Pirates out of the 68-team field.

One factor working against Seton Hall was the overall strength of the Big East this season. With fewer opportunities to secure marquee wins, the margin for error shrank significantly.

As a result, each loss carried greater weight in the committee’s evaluation.

The exclusion extends Seton Hall’s NCAA Tournament drought to two seasons.

Selection Sunday debate continues

Every year, the NCAA Tournament selection process sparks debate over which teams deserved inclusion.

For Auburn and Seton Hall, the 2026 bracket announcement brought disappointment. Both programs showed flashes of tournament-level play during the season but ultimately fell just short of securing a spot in March Madness.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to check out the latest episode of the OutOfSightSports YouTube series below for more coverage, analysis, and the latest updates across the sports world.

Tag: NCAA Tournament

Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32

Why Kansas has the edge

Darryn Peterson factor

Frontcourt matchup to watch

Best bets

Auburn Tigers

Seton Hall Pirates

Selection Sunday debate continues