Thursday’s games are now in the books, which means the Saturday matchups of the 2nd round are now on the schedule. Like always, there are some good matchups, but the following are the ones that I am looking forward to the most:

#7 Wofford vs. #2 Kentucky

Midwest Region

2:40 p.m.

CBS

The recipe for smaller schools beating the big schools is being successful from three-point range. And that is exactly what this Wofford team is all about. Fletcher Magee just set the all-time NCAA career record in three-pointers in the first round game against Seton Hall, and he is far from the only one on that team that can light it up from downtown. The Terriers are a very well-coached and smart team and will make free throws down the stretch in close games. Combine all of that with the fact that Kentucky’s best player in PJ Washington has been ruled out for the game due to injury, this game has the potential to be an upset alert for the #2 seeded Wildcats.

#12 Murray State vs. #4 Florida State

West Region

6:10 p.m.

TNT

Ja Morant and Murray State looked phenomenal yesterday against Marquette. I expected that one to be a close game, but Murray State ran away with it. Morant posted the first triple-double in the NCAA Tournament since 2012, with 17 pts, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds. The way he gets his teammates involved and makes them better is a lot of fun to watch. Florida State will be the best team the Racers have faced all season, and they are really long and athletic. The Seminoles are coming off a very close win to Vermont in the first round. If Florida State doesn’t step their game up from that one, and Murray State plays like they did against Marquette, look for the Racers to advance to the Sweet 16.

#6 Villanova vs. #3 Purdue

South Region

8:40 p.m.

TNT

I expect this one to be a really close game. Villanova is the defending champion, so there will be the target on their back until they lose. So I’m very interested to see how far their seniors and coach Jay Wright will carry them in this tournament given their pedigree, even though it’s clear they’re not as good as they were last year. Purdue is a very solid and capable team, and they are coming off a comfortable win in round one against Old Dominion. Future NBAer Carsen Edwards can really light up the scoreboard when he gets going and can carry Purdue to a win over a lot of teams. This matchup will be the best from the Big East vs. the best (tied for) from the Big Ten. I’ve got Villanova in a tight one.

Garett

March Madness 2nd Round: Most Intriguing Games (Saturday)