Dayton vs Arizona (-9.5) (@ Salt Lake City)
Dayton (25-7) ranked #30 by KenPom
Tempo: #336
Experience: #72
Continuity: #190
Dayton won three of its last four games.
Dayton rallied from 17 down to beat Nevada Thursday.
Flyers were held under 75 points in their last five losses.
Dayton is 11-2 in non-conference games.
Flyers are shooting 40.2% on arc (#3)
Dayton is 10-7 against teams in the top 100.
Dayton’s schedule, to this point: #87
bench minutes: #344
Dayton is in 2nd round of NCAA’s for first time since 2015.
Coach Grant has coached 5 NCAA games; all five were decided by 3 or less points, or in overtime.

Arizona (26-8) ranked #5 by KenPom
Tempo: #16
Experience: #82
Continuity: #210
Arizona split its last four games, after a 10-1 run.
Wildcats are 10-2 in non-league games.
Arizona has #25 eFG% in country.
Wildcats are a top 5 rebounding team in country.
Arizona is 9-4 against teams in the top 50.
Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #24
bench minutes: #281
Arizona is 6-0 SU/5-1 ATS in last six 2nd round games.

Last six years, #2-seeds are 8-12 ATS in this round.
Pac-12 teams are 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS vs A-15 teams this year.

Kansas vs Gonzaga (-4.5) (@ Salt Lake City)
Kansas (23-10) ranked #24 by KenPom
Tempo: #84
Experience: #22
Continuity: #139
Kansas lost four of its last six games.
Jayhawks’ best player McKullar (oblique) is out.
Kansas led Samford by 21 Thursday, had lead cut to 1- they won 93-89.
Kansas played four starters 35:00+.
Jayhawks shot 72.5% inside the arc vs Samford.
Jayhawks are 13-1 in non-conference games (NC sked #68).
Jayhawks are 2-4 ATS as an underdog this season.
Kansas is 10-7 against teams in the top 50.
Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #6
bench minutes: #315
Kansas lost three of last four second round games.

Gonzaga (26-7) ranked #12 by KenPom
Tempo: #79
Experience: #132
Continuity: #218
Gonzaga won 10 of its last 11 games.
Zags are 10-4 in D-I non-conference games.
Gonzaga is shooting 58.1% inside arc (#7)
Opponents are shooting 44.9% inside arc (#11)
Gonzaga is 10-6 against teams in the top 100.
Gonzaga’s schedule, to this point: #101
bench minutes: #343
Last 8 years, Gonzaga is 8-0 SU/4-4 ATS in second round games.

Zags beat Kansas 102-90 in a preseason tournament, three years ago.
Big X teams are 1-0 SU/0-1 ATS vs WCC teams this season.

Michigan State vs North Carolina (-3.5) (@ Charlotte)
Michigan State (20-14) ranked #16 by KenPom
Tempo: #310
Experience: #59
Continuity: #14
MSU lost five of its last eight games.
Michigan State made 10-23 on arc Thursday, had fairly easy win.
Spartans are 9-3 in non-conference games.
Spartans are 2-3 SU/ATS in last five 2nd round games.
Since 2015, MSU is 2-2 ATS as a 2nd round underdog.
MSU is 5-10 against top 50 teams.
MSU is 2-10 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Michigan State’s schedule, to this point: #8
bench minutes: #171

North Carolina (27-7) ranked #9 by KenPom
Tempo: #42
Experience: #6
Continuity: #179
UNC won nine of its last ten games.
Tar Heels are 9-3 in non-conference games.
UNC has #14 eFG% defense in country.
Tar Heels are #6 team in country on defensive boards.
UNC is 8-4 against teams in the top 50.
UNC’s schedule, to this point: #26
bench minutes: #332
UNC is 4-2 ATS in its last six second round games.

North Carolina is 5-0 vs Michigan State in NCAA Tourney games.
Last six years, #1-seeds are 9-13 ATS in second round games.
This year, ACC teams are 3-2 SU/4-1 ATS vs Big 14 teams.

Washington State vs Iowa State (-6.5) (@ Omaha)
Washington State (25-9) ranked #37 by KenPom
Tempo: #313
Experience: #295
Continuity: #307
Wazzu is 4-3 in last seven games, after a 21-6 start.
Wazzu played four starters 35:00+ in Thursday’s 66-61 win.
Coogs have #33 eFG% defense in country.
Coogs are 10-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #314).
Wazzu is shooting 52.1% inside arc (#106)
Wazzu is 10-6 against teams in the top 100.
Wazzu’s schedule, to this point: #84
bench minutes: #272
Wazzu is in NCAA’s for first time since 2008 (Tony Bennett was coach)

Iowa State (28-7) ranked #6 by KenPom
Tempo: #189
Experience: #123
Continuity: #199
Iowa State won 12 of its last 14 games.
Cyclones are 12-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #347).
Cyclones are forcing turnovers 25.6% of time (#2)
Iowa State has #34 eFG% defense in country.
Iowa State is 11-5 against teams in the top 50.
Iowa State’s schedule, to this point: #45
bench minutes: #232
Since 2014, Iowa State is 3-1 ATS in second round games.

Last six years, #2-seeds are 8-12 ATS in this round.
This year, Big X teams are 5-2 SU/4-3 ATS vs Pac-12 opponents.

Oakland vs NC State (-6.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
Oakland (24-11) ranked #130 by KenPom
Tempo: #240
Experience: #107
Continuity: #110
Oakland is 18-3 in its last 21 games, after a 6-8 start.
Grizzlies are 12-3 in games decided by 7 or less points, or in OT
Oakland is 10-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Grizzlies have #94 eFG% in country.
Oakland is 2-5 against teams in top 100.
Oakland’s schedule, to this point: #178
bench minutes: #225
Oakland is in NCAA’s for first time since 2011.
Since 1998, #14-seeds are 1-10 ATS in second round.

NC State (23-14) ranked #55 by KenPom
Tempo: #139
Experience: #15
Continuity: #243
NC State won its last six games, after a 2-7 skid.
Opponents are shooting 34.3% on the arc (#219)
Wolfpack is 10-6 in games decided by 7 or less points, or in OT
Wolfpack is 9-3 in non-conference games.
NC State is 13-0 against teams ranked outside the top 100.
NC State’s schedule, to this point: #49
bench minutes: #265
Under Keatts, NC State is 1-2 in NCAA Tourney games.
Thursday was Wolfpack’s first NCAA tourney win since 2015.
State played four starters 34:00+ Thursday.

Favorites are 6-0 ATS all-time when a #11-seed plays a #14-seed.
ACC teams are 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS vs Horizon League opponents.

Texas vs Tennessee (-6.5) (@ Charlotte)
Texas (21-12) ranked #25 by KenPom
Tempo: #195
Experience: #4
Continuity: #154
Texas is 7-7 in its last 14 games.
Longhorns are shooting 35.6% on arc (#83).
Longhorns are shooting 53.3% inside arc (#67).
Texas is #222 team on defensive boards.
Longhorns are 12-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #279).
Texas is 7-9 against teams in the top 50.
Texas’ schedule, to this point: #32
bench minutes: #193
Texas is in NCAA’s for 4th straight year, under 3 different coaches.
Since 2009, Texas is 1-4 SU in 2nd round games.

Tennessee (25-8) ranked #7 by KenPom
Tempo: #80
Experience: #52
Continuity: #66
Tennessee won eight of its last 10 games.
Vols have #5 eFG% defense in country.
Vols are 11-3 in non-conference games.
Tennessee is 8-7 against teams in the top 50.
Tennessee’s schedule, to this point: #13
bench minutes: #288
Coach Barnes is 8-7 SU/7-8 ATS in 2nd round NCAA games.
Coach Barnes grew up in Hickory, NC; 60 miles from Charlotte.

Coach Barnes coached Texas from 1998-2015 (402-180)
Both teams had stress-free wins Thursday.
Last six years, #2-seeds are 8-12 ATS in this round.
TY, Big X teams are 10-2 SU/7-5 ATS vs SEC opponents.

Duquesne vs Illinois (-10.5) (@ Omaha)
Duquesne (25-11) ranked #80 by KenPom
Tempo: #251
Experience: #48
Continuity: #95
Duquesne won its last nine games.
Since 2017, #11-seeds are 9-2 ATS in 2nd round games.
Dukes are 9-3 in D-I non-conference games.
Dukes have #53 eFG% defense in country.
Duquesne is 2-3 against top 50 teams.
Duquesne is 9-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Duquesne’s schedule, to this point: #95
bench minutes: #80
Duquesne is in NCAA’s for first time since 1977.
Coach Dambrot is retiring after this season.

Illinois (27-8) ranked #10 by KenPom
Tempo: #58
Experience: #11
Continuity: #136
Illinois won five in row, eight of last nine games.
Illini is 10-2 in non-league games.
Illinois outscored Morehead 46-31 in 2nd half Thursday.
Illini has #43 eFG%, #55 eFG% defense in country.
Illinois is 16-8 against teams in the top 100.
Illinois’ schedule, to this point: #19
bench minutes: #237
Underwood is 0-4 SU in second round games.
Illinois is 0-5 SU in last five 2nd round games.
Last time Illini made Sweet 16 was 2005.

Big 14 teams are 3-2 SU/ATS vs A-15 teams this season.
Last six years, #3-seeds are 7-16 ATS in this round.

Oregon vs Creighton (-5.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
Oregon (24-11) ranked #51 by KenPom
Tempo: #181
Experience: #169
Continuity: #257
Oregon won its last five games, giving up 66.2 ppg.
Ducks are 9-3 in non-league games.
Ducks scored 1.30 ppp in Thursday’s win vs South Carolina.
Oregon played three starters 36:00+ Thursday.
Oregon is 4-7 against teams in the top 50.
Oregon’s schedule, to this point: #51
bench minutes: #178
Under Altman, Oregon is 5-2 in second round games.
Altman was the Creighton coach from 1994-2010 (327-176)

Creighton (24-9) ranked #11 by KenPom
Tempo: #208
Experience: #8
Continuity: #41
Creighton won eight of its last ten games.
Bluejays are 10-2 in non-conference games.
Creighton has #3 eFG% in the country.
Bluejays have #11 eFG% defense in country.
Creighton forces fewest turnovers in country.
Creighton’s schedule, to this point: #30
bench minutes: #355
Bluejays played four starters 32:00+ Thursday.
Under McDermott, Creighton is 2-4 SU in second round games..

Last six years, #3-seeds are 7-16 ATS in this round.
Big East teams are 4-2 SU/2-4 ATS vs Pac-12 teams this season.

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (795) OAKLAND vs. (796) NC STATE
Favoring: NC STATE against the spread.
Play On - Neutral court teams as a favorite or pick (NC STATE) - after beating the spread by 48 or more points total in their last seven games against opponent after beating the spread by 54 or more points total in their last ten games
(27-5 since 1997.) (84.4%, +21.5 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (3-0 +3 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (793) OREGON vs. (794) CREIGHTON
Favoring: OREGON against the spread.
Play Against - Any team (CREIGHTON) - good defensive team (40-42.5%) against a poor defensive team (45-47.5%) after 15+ games, after a game where a team made 55% of their shots or better
(73-31 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.2%, +38.9 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (13-9 +3.1 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (BETHUNE-COOKMAN) - after a game where a team made 33% of their shots or worse against opponent after a game - allowing a shooting pct. of 55% or higher
(55-18 since 1997.) (75.3%, +35.2 units. Rating=4*)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0 0 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (BETHUNE-COOKMAN) - after a game where a team made 33% of their shots or worse against opponent after a game - shooting 43% or lower, allowing 57% or higher
(29-6 since 1997.) (82.9%, +22.4 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0 0 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (791) TEXAS vs. (792) TENNESSEE
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points (TENNESSEE) - after leading in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half
(169-86 over the last 5 seasons.) (66.3%, +74.4 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (33-20 +11 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (791) TEXAS vs. (792) TENNESSEE
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points (TEXAS) - after leading in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half
(169-86 over the last 5 seasons.) (66.3%, +74.4 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (33-20 +11 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (795) OAKLAND vs. (796) NC STATE
Favoring: NC STATE on the first half line.
Play On - Neutral Court favorites vs. the 1rst half line (NC STATE) - in a game involving two excellent FT shooting teams (>=73%) after 15+ games, after 2 straight games making 50% of their shots or better
(46-18 since 1997.) (71.9%, +26.2 units. Rating=2*)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1 +0.9 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (809) BRADLEY vs. (810) CINCINNATI
Favoring: BRADLEY on the first half line.
Play Against - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (CINCINNATI) - after going under the total by 30 or more points total in their last five games, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team
(111-61 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.5%, +43.9 units. Rating=2*)
The situation's record this season is: (34-22 +9.8 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (BETHUNE-COOKMAN) - after a game where a team made 33% of their shots or worse against opponent after a game - allowing a shooting pct. of 55% or higher
(54-20 since 1997.) (73.0%, +32 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0 0 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (ARKANSAS ST) - in a game involving two average shooting teams (42.5-45%) after 15+ games
(206-114 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.4%, +80.6 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (30-30 -3 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (BETHUNE-COOKMAN) - in a game involving two average shooting teams (42.5-45%) after 15+ games
(206-114 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.4%, +80.6 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (30-30 -3 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (821) DELAWARE ST vs. (822) SEATTLE
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (DELAWARE ST) - in a game involving two average shooting teams (42.5-45%) after 15+ games
(206-114 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.4%, +80.6 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (30-30 -3 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (821) DELAWARE ST vs. (822) SEATTLE
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams against the total (SEATTLE) - in a game involving two average shooting teams (42.5-45%) after 15+ games
(206-114 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.4%, +80.6 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (30-30 -3 units).

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (795) OAKLAND vs. (796) NC STATE
Favoring: Under on the total.
Play Under - Neutral court teams where the first half total is 65.5 to 70.5 (OAKLAND) - in a game involving two good offensive teams (74-78 PPG), after allowing 75 points or more 2 straight games
(43-15 since 1997.) (74.1%, +26.5 units. Rating=3*)
The situation's record this season is: (4-1 +2.9 units).

Underdogs went 12-20 SU in the Round of 64.

The 12 wins by dogs are the most since 2001

A $100 bettor wagering on each pup would be up $842.

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: DUQUESNE against the spread.
DUQUESNE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games this season.
The average score was DUQUESNE 65.1, OPPONENT 59.5 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (799) WASHINGTON ST vs. (800) IOWA ST
Favoring: IOWA ST against the spread.
IOWA ST is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games this season.
The average score was IOWA ST 72.2, OPPONENT 63.7 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (805) VIRGINIA TECH vs. (806) OHIO ST
Favoring: VIRGINIA TECH against the spread.
OHIO ST is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after a game outrebounding opponent by 15 or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was OHIO ST 70.8, OPPONENT 67.2 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (805) VIRGINIA TECH vs. (806) OHIO ST
Favoring: OHIO ST against the spread.
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was VIRGINIA TECH 70.8, OPPONENT 80.7 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (805) VIRGINIA TECH vs. (806) OHIO ST
Favoring: OHIO ST against the spread.
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was VIRGINIA TECH 70.6, OPPONENT 80.2 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (805) VIRGINIA TECH vs. (806) OHIO ST
Favoring: OHIO ST against the spread.
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) in road games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was VIRGINIA TECH 69.4, OPPONENT 76.9 - (Rating = 4*)
View Entire FoxSheet for this game.

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: Over on the total.
ILLINOIS is 20-3 OVER (+16.7 Units) versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3 point shots/game on the season this season.
The average score was ILLINOIS 87.9, OPPONENT 75.5 - (Rating = 6*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (803) GONZAGA vs. (804) KANSAS
Favoring: Over on the total.
GONZAGA is 20-1 OVER (+18.9 Units) in the second round of the NCAA tournament since 1997.
The average score was GONZAGA 79.1, OPPONENT 77.7 - (Rating = 6*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: Over on the total.
ILLINOIS is 23-5 OVER (+17.5 Units) after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games this season.
The average score was ILLINOIS 86.4, OPPONENT 77.3 - (Rating = 5*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: Over on the total.
ILLINOIS is 17-3 OVER (+13.7 Units) after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games this season.
The average score was ILLINOIS 85.8, OPPONENT 78.5 - (Rating = 5*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (809) BRADLEY vs. (810) CINCINNATI
Favoring: BRADLEY on the first half line.
BRADLEY is 10-0 (+10 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% this season.
The average score was BRADLEY 38.8, OPPONENT 28.9 - (Rating = 6*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (807) N TEXAS vs. (808) SETON HALL
Favoring: N TEXAS on the first half line.
SETON HALL is 0-12 (-13.2 Units) against the 1rst half line in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SETON HALL 28.4, OPPONENT 34.1 - (Rating = 6*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (793) OREGON vs. (794) CREIGHTON
Favoring: CREIGHTON on the first half line.
OREGON is 5-19 (-15.9 Units) against the 1rst half line after playing a game as favorite this season.
The average score was OREGON 34.3, OPPONENT 34.5 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: DUQUESNE on the first half line.
DUQUESNE is 10-1 (+8.9 Units) against the 1rst half line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games this season.
The average score was DUQUESNE 31.3, OPPONENT 25.6 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: DUQUESNE on the first half line.
DUQUESNE is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
The average score was DUQUESNE 31.4, OPPONENT 26.5 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (817) BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. (818) ARKANSAS ST
Favoring: ARKANSAS ST on the first half line.
BETHUNE-COOKMAN is 3-15 (-13.5 Units) against the 1rst half line in road games after a game where they made 78% of their free throws or better over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was BETHUNE-COOKMAN 25.2, OPPONENT 38.9 - (Rating = 3*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (797) DUQUESNE vs. (798) ILLINOIS
Favoring: Over on the first half line.
ILLINOIS is 23-7 OVER (+15.3 Units) the 1rst half total versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was ILLINOIS 40.5, OPPONENT 35.8 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (789) MICHIGAN ST vs. (790) N CAROLINA
Favoring: Under on the first half line.
N CAROLINA is 9-0 UNDER (+9 Units) the 1rst half total when playing their 2nd game in 3 days over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was N CAROLINA 34, OPPONENT 31.9 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (881) ALABAMA A&M vs. (882) NORFOLK ST
Favoring: Over on the first half line.
NORFOLK ST is 11-0 OVER (+11 Units) the 1rst half total in home games in non-conference games since 1997.
The average score was NORFOLK ST 37.1, OPPONENT 35.7 - (Rating = 4*)

Saturday, 03/23/2024 (791) TEXAS vs. (792) TENNESSEE
Favoring: Over on the first half line.
TENNESSEE is 10-1 OVER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 42.5, OPPONENT 33.9 - (Rating = 4*)

10 most bet (tickets) teams to win NCAA Tournament at BetMGM

UConn 12.1%
UNC 11.2%
Houston 8.0%
Kentucky 7.3% X
Purdue 7.2%
Arizona 6.5%
Tennessee 5.0%
Kansas 3.4%

Saturday college basketball betting at BetMGM

Most bet games
1. Michigan St-North Carolina
2. Dayton-Arizona
3. Kansas-Gonzaga

Most bet teams
1. North Carolina -3.5
2. Gonzaga -4.5
3. Arizona -9.5

Most bet teams $
1. North Carolina -3.5
2. Gonzaga -4.5
3. Arizona -9.5

West Region No. 7 Dayton

It’s a shame Dayton lost Malachi Smith for the year, as this Flyers team had the potential to be borderline special. DaRon Holmes II is one of the most dominant bigs in the nation, and he allows Dayton to play inside-out. However, Holmes is also a good pick-and-pop option now, as he worked hard on his jumper in the offseason. He’s going to present problems for any team the Flyers face. Holmes also has some serious shooters around him, with Nate Santos, Koby Brea and Kobe Elvis all being lethal from deep. There’s a reason the Flyers are a top-five team when it comes to 3PT%. Dayton just needs to find a way to lock in defensively. The team has been lousy on that end of the floor all year. The Flyers need to figure it out as they prepare to face more talented opponents.

West Region No. 2 Arizona Wildcats

Arizona was a No. 2 in last year’s tournament and lost in the first round to 15th-seeded Princeton. The Wildcats had to deal with a lot of criticism because of that, and it would have been worse if Purdue didn’t lose in a 1-16 game. But Arizona is back with another excellent basketball team. The Wildcats are a top-10 team when it comes to both offensive and defensive efficiency, and they can play inside and out. Caleb Love, Kylan Boswell and Pelle Larsson are all very good perimeter players, and Oumar Ballo is a tank in the paint. Keshad Johnson is also a tremendous mix of both at power forward. The only thing to worry about with Arizona is whether the team can overcome a bad matchup.

This is not a great matchup for Dayton. The Flyers have some issues on the defensive end and they’re now facing an explosive Wildcats team. Arizona has three perimeter players that can overwhelm opponents, with Kylan Boswell, Pelle Larsson and Caleb Love all being fantastic. The three of them combined to score 53 points in an opening-round win over Long Beach State, and all three have the potential to go off against Dayton. But it’s Love that will be the most intriguing player to watch here. The former North Carolina star isn’t shy about hunting shots, and he tends to live for March Madness. There will undoubtedly be games in which Love struggles, but having a fearless scorer is big at this time of the year.

It’s also going to be tough for the Flyers to see Oumar Ballo out there. With DaRon Holmes II, Dayton is used to having the most dominant big man on the court. And the Flyers feed off the extra attention Holmes commands, as he then has several snipers to kick out to for open 3s. But Ballo has the size and strength to handle the assignment without help. So, Dayton might struggle to get the type of quality looks these players are used to. Perhaps Holmes will use his new-and-improved 3-point shot to draw Ballo out and create openings for his guards to go to the rim. But the reality is that the Wildcats will be happy if Holmes settles for outside shots.

The center matchup also figures to be interesting when Dayton is on defense. The Flyers don’t normally have to worry about an opposing center scoring around the rim. But Arizona isn’t going to hesitate to dump it inside and let Ballo go to work. He can either tire Holmes out or get him in foul trouble.

The interesting thing about this game is that the Wildcats can struggle against teams that let 3s fly. So, maybe the Flyers will make it a priority to launch away from deep. They’re actually 29th in the nation in 3-point rate this year, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Arizona is down at 286th in the country in 3-point rate, so Dayton has an opportunity to make the math tricky. If the Flyers make a lot more 3s than the Wildcats, it’ll be hard for Arizona to cover — or win outright.