AI Brackzilla
Qwen3 MaxAlibabaEntry 1
EASYcompletedPublished
Outcome
0 pts
Accuracy
—
Created
Mar 18, 2026, 8:15 PM
Finished
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PM
Tiebreaker
148
Validation
—
R64
0
R32
0
S16
0
E8
0
F4
0
Ch
0
Predicted Champion
Huskies
Bracket
Final Four
F4
2
UConn—
2
Purdue—
1
Florida—
2
Iowa State—
Ch
2
UConn—
1
Florida—
Predicted Total
148
east
R64
1
Duke—
16
Siena—
8
Ohio State—
9
TCU—
5
St. John's—
12
Northern Iowa—
4
Kansas—
13
California Baptist—
6
Louisville—
11
South Florida—
3
Michigan State—
14
North Dakota State—
7
UCLA—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
15
Furman—
R32
1
Duke—
9
TCU—
12
Northern Iowa—
4
Kansas—
11
South Florida—
3
Michigan State—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
S16
1
Duke—
4
Kansas—
3
Michigan State—
2
UConn—
E8
4
Kansas—
2
UConn—
west
R64
1
Arizona—
16
Long Island University—
8
Villanova—
9
Utah State—
5
Wisconsin—
12
High Point—
4
Arkansas—
13
Hawai'i—
6
BYU—
11Texas / NC State
3
Gonzaga—
14
Kennesaw State—
7
Miami—
10
Missouri—
2
Purdue—
15
Queens—
R32
1
Arizona—
9
Utah State—
5
Wisconsin—
4
Arkansas—
11
Texas—
3
Gonzaga—
7
Miami—
2
Purdue—
S16
1
Arizona—
4
Arkansas—
3
Gonzaga—
2
Purdue—
E8
4
Arkansas—
2
Purdue—
south
R64
1
Florida—
16Prairie View A&M / Lehigh
8
Clemson—
9
Iowa—
5
Vanderbilt—
12
McNeese—
4
Nebraska—
13
Troy—
6
North Carolina—
11
VCU—
3
Illinois—
14
Pennsylvania—
7
Saint Mary's—
10
Texas A&M—
2
Houston—
15
Idaho—
R32
1
Florida—
8
Clemson—
12
McNeese—
13
Troy—
11
VCU—
3
Illinois—
10
Texas A&M—
2
Houston—
S16
1
Florida—
12
McNeese—
3
Illinois—
2
Houston—
E8
1
Florida—
2
Houston—
midwest
R64
1
Michigan—
16UMBC / Howard
8
Georgia—
9
Saint Louis—
5
Texas Tech—
12
Akron—
4
Alabama—
13
Hofstra—
6
Tennessee—
11SMU / Miami (OH)
3
Virginia—
14
Wright State—
7
Kentucky—
10
Santa Clara—
2
Iowa State—
15
Tennessee State—
R32
1
Michigan—
9
Saint Louis—
12
Akron—
13
Hofstra—
11
SMU—
14
Wright State—
10
Santa Clara—
2
Iowa State—
S16
1
Michigan—
12
Akron—
11
SMU—
2
Iowa State—
E8
1
Michigan—
2
Iowa State—
Trace
Stored prompt, assistant, tool, and reasoning parts for this attempt.
userMessage 1
Mar 18, 2026, 8:15 PMYou are competing against 30+ other AI models to build the best March Madness bracket for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Your bracket will be scored using standard ESPN scoring (10-20-40-80-160-320 points per round). The winning model gets featured on the public leaderboard.
To win, you need an EDGE. Chalk brackets (always picking the higher seed) lose every year. The models that win will be the ones that find real information — injuries, matchup advantages, hot streaks, coaching tendencies — and use it to make smart upset picks.
## Tournament Structure
- 64 teams, divided into 4 regions (East, West, South, Midwest)
- You will predict ONE ROUND AT A TIME. After each round, your winners advance to the next round's matchups.
- Some games have **First Four play-in matchups** shown as "teamA / teamB". For these, pick any of the three teams.
## Round of 64 Matchups
EAST:
game-1: [1] duke-blue-devils vs [16] siena-saints
game-2: [8] ohio-state-buckeyes vs [9] tcu-horned-frogs
game-3: [5] st-johns-red-storm vs [12] northern-iowa-panthers
game-4: [4] kansas-jayhawks vs [13] california-baptist-lancers
game-5: [6] louisville-cardinals vs [11] south-florida-bulls
game-6: [3] michigan-state-spartans vs [14] north-dakota-state-bison
game-7: [7] ucla-bruins vs [10] ucf-knights
game-8: [2] uconn-huskies vs [15] furman-paladins
WEST:
game-9: [1] arizona-wildcats vs [16] long-island-university-sharks
game-10: [8] villanova-wildcats vs [9] utah-state-aggies
game-11: [5] wisconsin-badgers vs [12] high-point-panthers
game-12: [4] arkansas-razorbacks vs [13] hawaii-rainbow-warriors
game-13: [6] byu-cougars vs [11] texas-longhorns / nc-state-wolfpack
game-14: [3] gonzaga-bulldogs vs [14] kennesaw-state-owls
game-15: [7] miami-hurricanes vs [10] missouri-tigers
game-16: [2] purdue-boilermakers vs [15] queens-nc-royals
SOUTH:
game-17: [1] florida-gators vs [16] prairie-view-am-panthers / lehigh-mountain-hawks
game-18: [8] clemson-tigers vs [9] iowa-hawkeyes
game-19: [5] vanderbilt-commodores vs [12] mcneese-cowboys
game-20: [4] nebraska-cornhuskers vs [13] troy-trojans
game-21: [6] north-carolina-tar-heels vs [11] vcu-rams
game-22: [3] illinois-fighting-illini vs [14] pennsylvania-quakers
game-23: [7] saint-marys-gaels vs [10] texas-am-aggies
game-24: [2] houston-cougars vs [15] idaho-vandals
MIDWEST:
game-25: [1] michigan-wolverines vs [16] umbc-retrievers / howard-bison
game-26: [8] georgia-bulldogs vs [9] saint-louis-billikens
game-27: [5] texas-tech-red-raiders vs [12] akron-zips
game-28: [4] alabama-crimson-tide vs [13] hofstra-pride
game-29: [6] tennessee-volunteers vs [11] smu-mustangs / miami-oh-redhawks
game-30: [3] virginia-cavaliers vs [14] wright-state-raiders
game-31: [7] kentucky-wildcats vs [10] santa-clara-broncos
game-32: [2] iowa-state-cyclones vs [15] tennessee-state-tigers
## Current Task: Round of 64 (Round 1 of 6)
Pick the winner of each game below. Use the team ID slugs shown above.
game-1: duke-blue-devils vs siena-saints
game-2: ohio-state-buckeyes vs tcu-horned-frogs
game-3: st-johns-red-storm vs northern-iowa-panthers
game-4: kansas-jayhawks vs california-baptist-lancers
game-5: louisville-cardinals vs south-florida-bulls
game-6: michigan-state-spartans vs north-dakota-state-bison
game-7: ucla-bruins vs ucf-knights
game-8: uconn-huskies vs furman-paladins
game-9: arizona-wildcats vs long-island-university-sharks
game-10: villanova-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies
game-11: wisconsin-badgers vs high-point-panthers
game-12: arkansas-razorbacks vs hawaii-rainbow-warriors
game-13: byu-cougars vs texas-longhorns
game-14: gonzaga-bulldogs vs kennesaw-state-owls
game-15: miami-hurricanes vs missouri-tigers
game-16: purdue-boilermakers vs queens-nc-royals
game-17: florida-gators vs prairie-view-am-panthers
game-18: clemson-tigers vs iowa-hawkeyes
game-19: vanderbilt-commodores vs mcneese-cowboys
game-20: nebraska-cornhuskers vs troy-trojans
game-21: north-carolina-tar-heels vs vcu-rams
game-22: illinois-fighting-illini vs pennsylvania-quakers
game-23: saint-marys-gaels vs texas-am-aggies
game-24: houston-cougars vs idaho-vandals
game-25: michigan-wolverines vs umbc-retrievers
game-26: georgia-bulldogs vs saint-louis-billikens
game-27: texas-tech-red-raiders vs akron-zips
game-28: alabama-crimson-tide vs hofstra-pride
game-29: tennessee-volunteers vs smu-mustangs
game-30: virginia-cavaliers vs wright-state-raiders
game-31: kentucky-wildcats vs santa-clara-broncos
game-32: iowa-state-cyclones vs tennessee-state-tigers
## Tools Available
- **web_search**: Search the web for team stats, rankings, or matchup analysis.
- **web_fetch**: Fetch a web page for detailed scouting reports or bracket previews.
- **use_browser**: Browse JS-heavy pages. Slower — use only when web_fetch fails.
- **lookup_team**: Find a team by name to get their slug, seed, and region.
- **calculator**: Evaluate math expressions.
- **submit_round**: Submit your picks for this round. Each pick is {"gameId": "...", "winnerId": "team-slug"}.
## Your Process
1. Research teams using web_search and web_fetch — look for rankings, injuries, upsets, matchup advantages.
2. Pick winners for all 32 games in this round.
3. Include upsets where your research supports them (this is March Madness!).
4. Call submit_round with your picks array.
Do not end with a prose bracket summary. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
Today's date: 2026-03-18
assistantMessage 2
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMI'll help you build a competitive March Madness bracket by researching key matchups and identifying potential upsets. Let me start by gathering information on some of the most intriguing games.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "March Madness 2026 bracket predictions upsets analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket-simulation-predicts-surprising-upsets-best-sleepers-march-madness-picks/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket: Simulation predicts surprising ...",
"snippet": "NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket: Simulation predicts surprising upsets, best sleepers, March Madness picks ... Betting Analysis · March Madness ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/17/march-madness-upset-predictions-final-four-picks-to-help-fill-out-ncaa-tournament-bracket-2026/89193610007/",
"title": "March Madness bold predictions: Top upset picks, surprises, sleepers",
"snippet": "What's most popular March Madness upset pick? How about a Sweet 16 surprise and a Final Four dark horse. See our NCAA Tournament 2026 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Ks4POvmUk",
"title": "March Madness Upsets, Bracket Picks & Final Four Predictions",
"snippet": "Ryan Hammer joins Yahoo Sports live to break down the 2026 March Madness bracket. From upset picks and sleepers to Final Four favorites, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-predictions-2026-using-231952977.html",
"title": "March Madness predictions 2026: Using AI to pick NCAA ...",
"snippet": "March Madness predictions 2026: Using AI to pick NCAA Tournament bracket upsets, Final Four ... 12 Pick: Analysis, key takeaways and full roster."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7123628/2026/03/17/march-madness-expert-bracket-picks-duke-champion/",
"title": "Expert picks for the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket: Why Brendan ...",
"snippet": "Expert picks for the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket: Why Brendan Marks has Duke winning it all ; 1 Duke. 8 Ohio State ; 5 St. John's. 4 Kansas ; 11 ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 3
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me research some specific matchups that could produce upsets. I'll start with a few key games that might have surprising outcomes.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "TCU Horned Frogs vs Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/03/ohio-state-got-the-opportunity-it-longed-for-are-the-buckeyes-now-built-for-march-madness-upsets.html",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU NCAA Tournament: What to know about matchup",
"snippet": "The NCAA Tournament — which starts Thursday with No. 8 seed Ohio State facing No. 9 seed TCU — is prominent because of upsets few see coming, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-basketball/2026/03/161907/five-things-to-know-takeaways-and-rebounds-fueled-late-season-hot-streak-for-tcu-buckeyes-first-ncaa-tournament-opponent",
"title": "Takeaways and Rebounds Fueled Late-Season Hot Streak for TCU ...",
"snippet": "TCU has four players averaging at least 10 points per game and seven averaging at least eight, and their rebounding and assist numbers are ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856479/tcu-ohio-state",
"title": "TCU vs. Ohio State (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the TCU Horned Frogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/learn-ohio-states-march-madness-191944245.html",
"title": "Learn about Ohio State's March Madness opponent TCU",
"snippet": "Ohio State men's basketball faces TCU in the March Madness Round of 64. Learn about the Horned Frogs' coach, record and players."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqZV4NNdVvg",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament: Ohio State vs TCU Preview - YouTube",
"snippet": "Jake Diebler, Bruce Thornton, and the Ohio State men's basketball team are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022."
}
]
}assistantMessage 4
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Northern Iowa Panthers vs St John's Red Storm 2026 March Madness upset potential"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7123051/2026/03/17/the-definitive-guide-to-march-madness-2026-first-round-upsets/",
"title": "The definitive guide to March Madness 2026 first-round upsets",
"snippet": "No. 5 St. John's Red Storm vs. No. 12 Northern Iowa Panthers. Upset chance: 24.5 percent. We often preach that a top seed needs ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-st-john-basketball-upset-021638293.html",
"title": "Why St. John's basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "St. John's basketball is fueling energy on campus ahead of March Madness. But Northern Iowa is no slouch for these reasons."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/st-johns-northern-iowa-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420748007/",
"title": "St. John's vs Northern Iowa picks for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "ESPN: St. John's has an 85% chance to beat Northern Iowa. The site gives the Panthers a 15% shot at defeating the Red Storm in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/they-got-hosed-st-johns-red-storm-fans-furious-over-5-seed-ranking-in-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "'They Got Hosed': St. John's Red Storm Fans Furious Over 5 Seed ...",
"snippet": "If they were to take down Northern Iowa, the Red Storm could potentially be facing #4 Kansas Jayhawks in the next round. It would be a matchup ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_uwHAlf4TQ",
"title": "How far will St. John's go during March Madness as a No. 5 seed?",
"snippet": "NCCA committee always gives us the business. Left us out couple of years ago. Made Louie and Chris go out west . Still got to final 4 ."
}
]
}assistantMessage 5
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "South Florida Bulls vs Louisville Cardinals 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/south-florida-star-refuses-believe-031202320.html",
"title": "South Florida star refuses to believe Bulls are the underdog vs ...",
"snippet": "South Florida star guard Wes Enis explained why he doesn't have the underdog mentality going into the first-round game against Louisville."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J_XRZ3yHanw",
"title": "Louisville Is DONE South Florida Upset Alert | March Madness",
"snippet": "Nobody is talking about the South Florida Bulls men's basketball… and ... Top March Madness Upset Picks 2026 Best NCAA Tournament Bracket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20260319_SFLA@LVILLE/",
"title": "South Florida Bulls vs. Louisville Cardinals Live Score and Stats",
"snippet": "Louisville leads the all-time series 29-4. The Cardinals are looking for their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2017, while the Bulls most recently had one ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/louisville-south-florida-march-madness-bracket-pick/800fc03ff0c84f0118b0284e",
"title": "Louisville or USF? How to pick 6 vs. 11 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "The Cardinals are a favorite over a red-hot Bulls team heading into Thursday's matchup, according to DraftKings odds. Louisville is still ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2026/03/16/louisville-south-florida-ncaa-tournament-bracket-usf-upset-predictions-pick-game-time-tv-streaming/89183450007/",
"title": "Louisville vs South Florida NCAA bracket predictions, USF upset pick?",
"snippet": "KenPom.com gives the Cards a 73% chance of beating South Florida, with a projected final score of 84-78. Torvik is also forecasting a UofL ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 6
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UCF Knights vs UCLA Bruins 2026 March Madness upset potential"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/16/ucf-predictions-march-madness-picks-college-basketball/89181127007/",
"title": "Can UCF basketball make a run in March Madness bracket? Our ...",
"snippet": "Can UCF basketball reach NCAA bracket's Sweet 16? Our 2026 March Madness predictions show how Knights can make run in tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/scouting-opponent-ucf-matches-ucla-172500246.html",
"title": "How UCF matches up with UCLA in NCAA Tournament - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 predictions: Which teams are Yahoo Sports users picking to win the NCAA tournament? The men's and women's NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/17/ncaa-tournament-march-madness-jay-bilas-ucla-ucf-prediction/89193108007/",
"title": "NCAA March Madness: Jay Bilas prediction for UCLA-UCF game ...",
"snippet": "ESPN's Jay Bilas picks UCF to advance in March Madness. Here's how ... Bilas released his predictions for every game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ucla-ucf-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420799007/",
"title": "UCLA vs UCF picks, odds for March Madness NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "ESPN: UCLA has a 72.2% chance to beat UCF. The site gives the Knights a 27.8% shot at defeating the Bruins in the NCAA Tournament March Madness ..."
},
{
"url": "https://dailybruin.com/2026/03/16/ucla-mens-basketball-march-madness-predictions-2026",
"title": "UCLA men's basketball March Madness predictions 2026 - Daily Bruin",
"snippet": "UCLA upset No. 3 seed Michigan State – the No. 11 team in the AP Poll and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament – in the Big Ten tournament ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 7
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Utah State Aggies vs Villanova Wildcats 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-west-region-no-150000824.html",
"title": "No. 8 Villanova Wildcats vs No. 9 Utah State Aggies. First ...",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 predictions: Which teams are Yahoo Sports users picking to win the NCAA tournament? The men's and women's NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.vuhoops.com/villanova-basketball/33369/ncaa-tournament-analyzing-villanovas-path-to-a-no-8-seed",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: Analyzing Villanova's path to a No. 8 ...",
"snippet": "NCAA Tournament: Villanova opens as slight underdog vs. Utah State · Tuesday First Four: Open Thread · West Region First Round: No. 8 Villanova ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/villanova-utah-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420666007/",
"title": "Villanova vs Utah State picks, predictions for NCAA March ...",
"snippet": "The site gives the Wildcats a 48.4% shot at defeating the Aggies in the NCAA Tournament March Madness first-round game. Join the madness: USA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/03/15/utah-state-basketball-2026-ncaa-tournament-seed-facing-/",
"title": "Utah State receives 9 seed, will face Villanova in NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Utah State receives 9 seed, will play Villanova in NCAA Tournament's first round ... Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/episode/utah-state-vs-villanova-ncaa-tournament-preview-march-17-2026-408000/",
"title": "Utah State vs Villanova NCAA Tournament Preview",
"snippet": "Utah State basketball; Villanova Basketball; Utah State vs Villanova; March Madness; NCAA Tournament. Share. Share. Email. Episode ratings."
}
]
}assistantMessage 8
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Longhorns vs BYU Cougars 2026 March Madness First Four analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-basketball/26788/texas-beats-nc-state-in-first-four-draws-byu-basketball",
"title": "Texas Beats NC State in First Four, Draws BYU | Vanquish The Foe",
"snippet": "March Madness' 50 best players, ranked for 2026 men's NCAA tournament. Mar 15. BYU Gets 6 Seed, Draws Winner of in Texas-NC State Round 1. Mar ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/kenpom-predicts-byu-vs-texas-in-the-first-round-of-the-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "KenPom Predicts BYU vs Texas in the First Round of the NCAA ...",
"snippet": "The Cougars and the Longhorns will square off in the NCAA Tournament ... BYU March Madness Hub: Schedule, Seed, Opponent and Path to Final Four."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/texas-beats-nc-state-first-041338551.html",
"title": "Texas Beats NC State in First Four, Draws BYU - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "March Madness betting: We had AI pick every first-round game of the men's NCAA tournament. Here's who won (and covered). We asked AI to predict ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/march-madness-2026-mens-first-four-live-updates-scores-results-bracket/FaqP8tALRmPJ/",
"title": "Men's March Madness 2026 First Four score, live updates",
"snippet": "Men's March Madness — Latest. The men's NCAA Tournament is off to an exciting start, with Howard holding off UMBC by three points in the opening ..."
},
{
"url": "https://apnews.com/article/brigham-young-cougars-texas-longhorns-texas-college-sports-basketball-47c20bde433c470fae28d2547a881f56",
"title": "BYU Cougars play Texas Longhorns in first round of NCAA ...",
"snippet": "BOTTOM LINE: BYU faces Texas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars' record in Big 12 play is 11-10, and their record is 12-1 in ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 9
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me check if Texas has already won the First Four game against NC State:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/texas-beats-nc-state-first-041338551.html"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[19\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n\\\\\n\\\\\nThink you've got the perfect bracket? Prove it.\\\\\n\\\\\n$50k is on the line. Enter by 3/19\\\\\n\\\\\nFill Out Bracket](https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/mens-basketball-bracket/register/createteam?ncid=100003769)\n\nTRENDING\n\n- [Play Bracket Mayhem](http://yahoofantasy.com/bracketmayhem)\n\n- [March Madness bracket picks](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-picks-cinderellas-upsets-final-four-predictions-and-more-for-the-ncaa-mens-and-womens-tournaments-134128076.html)\n\n- [Printable brackets](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-2026-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418159.html)\n\n- [About WNBA's new CBA and season](https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-wnbas-new-cba-and-upcoming-season-173735615.html)\n\n- [No silver lining for USA](https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/world-baseball-classic-for-team-usa-juggernaut-offense-never-materializes-in-another-wbc-disappointment-075418149.html)\n\n\nStory by [\\\\\n\\\\\n](https://www.sbnation.com/)\n\n\n\nDAYTON, OHIO - MARCH 17: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles against Paul McNeil #2 of the NC State Wolfpack during the first half in the First Four game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 17, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) \\| Getty Images\n\nRobby McCombs\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 4:13 AM UTC·\n\n1 min read\n\nThe Longhorns nearly blew it, but Texas beat NC State 68-66 Tuesday night in the First Four and will play BYU Thursday. Texas led 62-53 with under two minutes left, but NC State tied the game with under 20 seconds to go before Texas made the game-winning shot with 1.1 seconds remaining to seal the win.\n\nThis was supposed to be a high-scoring affair between two teams who are potent on offense and struggle on defense, but neither offense could get going. Both teams shot under 40%, but Texas’ 15-7 advantage on the offensive glass was a difference. Texas shot 5-17 from three, and were able to draw fouls and finished 21-29 from the foul line.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nTexas leading scorer Dailyn Swain struggled with 2-9 shooting and 5 turnovers, but was 8-9 from the foul line and finished with 13 points. 7-foot starting Center Matas Vokeietaitis scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, including 4 offensive.\n\nBYU-Texas will play Thursday at 4:25 PT on TBS.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement"
}assistantMessage 10
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMGreat! So Texas has already won the First Four game against NC State, so they'll be facing BYU in game-13.
Let me research a few more potential upset candidates:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Missouri Tigers vs Miami Hurricanes 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/challenges-miami-presents-mizzou-round-110005452.html",
"title": "The Challenges Miami Presents to Mizzou in Round 1 of March ...",
"snippet": "Looking into what the Hurricanes bring to the table and how it could challenge Missouri in the first round of the NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://caneswarning.com/missouri-got-the-ncaa-tournament-s-sweetest-deal-and-miami-will-have-to-overcome-it",
"title": "Missouri got the NCAA tournament's sweetest deal and Miami will ...",
"snippet": "Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes ... NCAA tournament bracket reveal comes with a twist for the Miami Hurricanes."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/chuck-todd-miami-missouri-march-madness-basketball-22080210.php",
"title": "Chuck Todd says Miami got 'screwed' in Mizzou basketball matchup",
"snippet": "Louis for March Madness, but still picked the Hurricanes ... Chuck Todd questions the NCAA Tournament bracket after Miami draws Missouri in St."
},
{
"url": "https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2026/03/17/ncaa-tournament-home-court-mizzou-tigers-miami-hurricanes/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Home Court: Mizzou's Loophole Tests Miami",
"snippet": "Furthermore, the Hurricanes find themselves facing the most difficult possible version of a game that the NCAA Tournament bracket already favors ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.stateoftheu.com/basketball-news/85796/miami-hurricanes-open-as-favorites-over-missouri-tigers-in-2026-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Miami Hurricanes open as favorites over Missouri Tigers in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Miami Hurricanes open as favorites over Missouri Tigers in 2026 NCAA tournament · Build Your Winning Bracket! · Go Canes · Most Popular · More in ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 11
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "McNeese Cowboys vs Vanderbilt Commodores 2026 March Madness upset potential"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/basketball/breaking-down-mcneese-basketball-ahead-of-vanderbilt-s-first-round-matchup",
"title": "Breaking Down McNeese Basketball Ahead of Vanderbilt's ...",
"snippet": "But for Vanderbilt basketball, it is hoping it will not be featured in one of the notable upsets in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-vanderbilt-basketball-upset-alert-033119077.html",
"title": "Why Vanderbilt basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "2026 NCAA Tournament bracket picks: Best Cinderella teams and upset sleepers for March Madness. Do you believe in magic? Well, these teams ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2026/03/17/vanderbilt-basketball-jay-bilas-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-tournament/89196569007/",
"title": "How far ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts Vanderbilt basketball in ...",
"snippet": "ESPN analyst Jay BIlas believes Vanderbilt men's basketball will make it to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121264/2026/03/16/march-madness-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-10-most-likely/",
"title": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for ...",
"snippet": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for March Madness 2026 ; No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores vs. No. 12 McNeese Cowboys · 41.2 percent ; No ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/vanderbilt-mcneese-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419840007/",
"title": "Vanderbilt vs McNeese State picks, odds for March Madness",
"snippet": "Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament bracket? Check out these March Madness picks and ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 12
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Troy Trojans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/nebraska-chasing-history-in-challenge-from-no-13-seed-troy/",
"title": "Nebraska chasing history in challenge from No. 13 seed Troy",
"snippet": "2026 NCAA Tournament schedule, March Madness scores by region. David ... March Madness expert brackets: Picks, predictions for NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nebraska-cornhuskers-play-troy-trojans-084258684.html",
"title": "Nebraska Cornhuskers play the Troy Trojans in first round of NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Nebraska Cornhuskers play the Troy Trojans ... March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA tournament game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/basketball/where-nebraska-needs-to-be-better-for-an-ncaa-tournament-run-2026",
"title": "Where Nebraska Needs to be Better for an NCAA Tournament Run",
"snippet": "Where Nebraska Needs to be Better for an NCAA Tournament Run. With their seed and opponent in place, here's where the Huskers will need to ..."
},
{
"url": "https://hurrdatsports.com/hailvarsity/mens-basketball/nebraska-mens-basketball-opponent-breakdown-troy-trojans/",
"title": "Nebraska Men's Basketball Opponent Breakdown: Troy Trojans",
"snippet": "The first round opponent for No. 4 seed Nebraska men's basketball in the 2026 NCAA Tournament is the Troy Trojans."
},
{
"url": "https://nebraska.tv/sports/college/nebraska-faces-troy-in-ncaa-tournament-with-history-on-the-line",
"title": "Nebraska faces Troy in the NCAA Tournament with history on the line",
"snippet": "... NCAA Tournament seed since 1991. The appearance marks Nebraska's ninth trip to March Madness and its second in the last three tournaments ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 13
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "VCU Rams vs North Carolina Tar Heels 2026 March Madness upset potential"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026",
"title": "Most probable first-round upsets in the men's 2026 NCAA tournament",
"snippet": "Most probable first-round upsets in the men's 2026 NCAA tournament · Editor's Picks · Joe Lunardi's ultimate guide to men's March Madness 2026."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/north-carolina-tar-heels-cbs-165443051.html",
"title": "North Carolina Tar Heels: CBS Sports David Cobb Puts Them on ...",
"snippet": "The Rams are no strangers to March Madness. ... March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA tournament game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/unc/tar-heels-3-ways-can-beat-vcu-round-64",
"title": "3 Ways the Tar Heels Can Beat VCU in Round of 64 - Sports Illustrated",
"snippet": "3 Ways the Tar Heels Can Beat VCU in Round of 64. The Tar Heels open their 2026 NCAA tournament against the Rams on Thursday night. Logan ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/north-carolina-vcu-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419923007/",
"title": "North Carolina vs VCU picks, predictions, odds for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament bracket? Check out these March Madness picks and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://fansided.com/ncaab/why-unc-vs-vcu-is-the-one-first-round-march-madness-game-you-need-to-see",
"title": "Why UNC vs. VCU is the one first-round March Madness game you ...",
"snippet": "The NCAA Tournament bracket is out and there are intriguing matchups in every region, but there may be none better than the battle between ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 14
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas A&M Aggies vs Saint Mary's Gaels 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-jay-bilas-predicts-texas-113050275.html",
"title": "ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts Texas A&M vs. Saint Mary's in March ...",
"snippet": "ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts that Saint Mary's won't have a lot of trouble against Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/texas-aggies-basketball-bucky-ball-ultimate-test-vs-st-mary-march-madness/89200498007/",
"title": "Texas A&M's 'Bucky Ball' will be put to the test vs St. Mary's",
"snippet": "Texas A&M will play in its first NCAA tournament of the Bucky McMillan era on Thursday evening, opening against the seventh-seeded St."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856492/texas-am-saint-marys",
"title": "Texas A&M vs. Saint Mary's (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "0:46. No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's game preview · 0:28. Texas A&M's NCAA tournament preview · 0:44. Saint Mary's NCAA tournament preview."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/tamu/basketball/texas-am-upset-chances-and-path-to-victory-vs-saint-marys",
"title": "Texas A&M Upset Chances and Path to Victory vs Saint Mary's",
"snippet": "The Texas A&M Lineup Tweak That Could Impact the Aggies' March Madness Run. Published by on Invalid Date ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/no-7-saint-marys-strives-for-tournament-breakthrough-against-no-10-texas-a-m/",
"title": "No. 7 Saint Mary's strives for tournament breakthrough against No ...",
"snippet": "Saint Mary's (27-5) is making its fifth ... march-madness-basketball-swish.jpg · 2026 NCAA Tournament schedule, March Madness scores by region."
}
]
}assistantMessage 15
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Saint Louis Billikens vs Georgia Bulldogs 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://ugawire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/jay-bilas-prediction-georgia-basketball-saint-louis-march-madness/89197251007/",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts winner of Georgia vs. Saint Louis game - UGA Wire",
"snippet": "... Saint Louis Billikens in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. ... Georgia's March Madness run coming to an end in the second round against No."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/georgia/basketball/georgia-vs-saint-louis-tactical-breakdown-3-ways-dawgs-can-beat-billikens-01kky1mtm60e",
"title": "Georgia vs Saint Louis Tactical Breakdown: 3 Ways Dawgs Can ...",
"snippet": "Georgia vs Saint Louis - Everything to Know About the 1st Round March Madness Game. Published by on Invalid Date ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/georgia-saint-louis-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420026007/",
"title": "Georgia vs Saint Louis picks, predictions, odds for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The site gives the Billikens a 49.1% shot at defeating the Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament March Madness first-round game. Join the madness: USA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/georgia-saint-louis-march-madness-bracket-pick/36571d8fbfb480a076a41cea",
"title": "Georgia or Saint Louis? How to pick 8 vs. 9 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Here's your guide to picking No. 8 Georgia vs. No. 9 Saint Louis in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/georgia-basketball-learns-its-ncaa-tournament-opponent/ar-AA1YGKzf?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "Georgia basketball learns its NCAA Tournament opponent - MSN",
"snippet": "8 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. Georgia will play the No. 9 seed Saint Louis Billikens in the first-round of March Madness."
}
]
}assistantMessage 16
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Akron Zips vs Texas Tech Red Raiders 2026 March Madness upset potential"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.rdrnews.com/sports/is-texas-tech-basketball-on-upset-alert-in-march-madness/article_27f504e8-fdda-5816-bf8a-cfe7ac0f9c43.html",
"title": "Is Texas Tech basketball on upset alert in March Madness? | Sports",
"snippet": "Grant McCasland knows that his Texas Tech basketball team is ripe for the upset pick in the 2026 edition of March Madness. The Red Raiders ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPUjpovsTQo",
"title": "March Madness is HERE! | Texas Tech vs Akron - YouTube",
"snippet": "| Texas Tech vs Akron | Perfect Bracket Hopes, Red Raider Dreams! ... These Teams Could DESTROY Your March Madness Bracket | 2026 NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/is-akron-the-best-cinderella-bet-to-reach-the-sweet-16-in-the-2026-ncaa-tournament-basketball",
"title": "Is Akron the best Cinderella bet to reach the Sweet 16 in the 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Akron could be one of the best Cinderella picks in the 2026 NCAA tournament. Here's why the Zips have a real path to the Sweet 16."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/texas-tech/basketball/why-texas-tech-is-only-slight-favorite-over-akron-in-march-madness-opener",
"title": "Why Texas Tech Is Only Slight Favorite Over Akron In March ...",
"snippet": "Will Texas Tech Avoid the Infamous 5–12 March Madness Upset? The 5-12 matchups in the NCAA Tournament have been one of the most obscure upset ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/AkronBeaconJournal/posts/its-akron-zips-vs-texas-tech-in-march-madness-bracket-heres-our-prediction-for-t/1681274833563901/",
"title": "It's Akron Zips vs Texas Tech in March Madness bracket. Here's our ...",
"snippet": "It's Akron Zips vs Texas Tech in March Madness bracket. Here's our prediction for the 2026 NCAA Tournament basketball game."
}
]
}assistantMessage 17
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Hofstra Pride vs Alabama Crimson Tide 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://nypost.com/2026/03/15/sports/hofstra-unfazed-by-drawing-alabama-in-2026-march-madness/",
"title": "Hofstra unfazed by drawing SEC power Alabama in March Madness",
"snippet": "“We both tie our shoes the same way.” The Post has you covered with a printable NCAA bracket featuring the full 68-team March Madness 2026 field ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/alabama/basketball/why-alabama-matchup-hofstra-more-complicated-than-looks",
"title": "Why Alabama's Matchup With Hofstra Is More Complicated Than It ...",
"snippet": "Despite a season that fell short of expectations, Alabama enters the NCAA Tournament with one of the most explosive offenses in college ..."
},
{
"url": "https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/crimson-tide/mens-basketball/2026/03/14/alabama-basketball-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-projection-hofstra-pride/89156693007/",
"title": "Alabama to face this first-round foe in March Madness, experts project",
"snippet": "Only 24 hours remain until Nate Oats' Alabama Crimson Tide learn their 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket and first-round opponent for March Madness."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/alabama-hofstra-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420621007/",
"title": "Alabama vs Hofstra picks, predictions, odds for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament bracket? Check out these March Madness picks and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/video/why-hofstra-could-hang-with-alabama-153748232.html",
"title": "Why Hofstra could hang with Alabama - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "Yahoo Sports' Tourney Bracket Live crew breaks down why the Pride have a chance to upset the Crimson Tide in the first round of the NCAA ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 18
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU Mustangs vs Tennessee Volunteers 2026 March Madness First Four analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmzj8U0VHsE",
"title": "Jon Rothstein's First Four BREAKDOWN + THESE 9 Teams Are Title ...",
"snippet": "2026 March Madness ROUND 1 Preview & Predictions! Best games to ... Tennessee Football, LSU Football, VANDERBILT, sec football,VOLS."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-first-four-teams-march-madness-run/amp/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament: Which First Four team is most capable of a ...",
"snippet": "2026 NCAA Tournament: Which First Four team has the best chance to make a deep March Madness run? · 1. SMU · 2. NC State · 3. Texas · 4. Miami (Ohio)."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/miami-smu-basketball-game-ties-114612612.html",
"title": "Miami-SMU basketball game has ties to Tennessee's program",
"snippet": "No. 6 seed Tennessee (22-11) will open play in the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday. The Vols are in the Midwest Regional and will play their ..."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/first-four-miami-oh-smu-lehigh-prairie-view-march-madness-2026",
"title": "First Four drama continues as Miami (OH), SMU ... - Athlon Sports",
"snippet": "First Four Drama Rolls on as Miami (OH) Faces Pressure and Chaos Returns to Dayton ... It didn't take long for March Madness to feel like March ..."
},
{
"url": "https://allfortennessee.com/tennessee-s-2026-ncaa-tournament-draw-is-an-absolute-nightmare-01kkssq1ds49",
"title": "Tennessee's 2026 NCAA Tournament draw is an absolute nightmare",
"snippet": "Tennessee's 2026 NCAA Tournament draw is an absolute nightmare ... Tennessee has made the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight season under Rick ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 19
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me check if SMU has already won the First Four game:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-first-four-teams-march-madness-run/amp/"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: ncaa-tournament-2026-first-four-teams-march-madness-run \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-first-four-teams-march-madness-run/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# 2026 NCAA Tournament: Which First Four team has the best chance to make a deep March Madness run?\n\n## Since the First Four started in 2011, 13 of its teams have won multiple NCAA Tournament games\n\n[](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/zachary-pereles/)\n\nBy\n[Zachary Pereles](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/zachary-pereles/)\n\n\nMar 16, 2026\n\nat\n\n6:15 pm ET\n•\n6 min read\n\n\nImagn Images\n\nIt's a commonly held belief that the NCAA Tournament begins this Thursday. After all, you have until Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET -- when (8) [Ohio State](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/OHIOST/ohio-state-buckeyes/) vs. (9) [TCU](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/TCU/tcu-horned-frogs/) tips off -- to [join CBS Sports' Men's Bracket Games](https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket?ftag=CBS-03-10aed4f).\n\nAnd sure, Thursday is the first day of true madness, with tip times ranging from just after noon Eastern until after 10 p.m., when (2) [Houston](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/HOU/houston-cougars/) takes on (15) [Idaho](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/IDAHO/idaho-vandals/). It's called the \"First Round\" after all. But since 2011, the idea that the First Round is _really_ the first taste of [March Madness](https://cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/) is a misconception.\n\nThat's because, since 2011, we've had the First Four: the Tuesday- and Wednesday-night games in Dayton, Ohio. This year, doing the honors of _actually_ beginning the NCAA Tournament are ...\n\n## First Four\n\n**Tuesday, March 17** _UD Arena (Dayton)_\n\n| Time (ET) | Game | TV / Stream |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 6:40 p.m. | (16) [UMBC](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/UMBC/umbc-retrievers/) vs. (16) [Howard](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/HOW/howard-bison/) | truTV ( [watch live](https://mml.app.link/cbs_game_101)) |\n| 9:15 p.m. | (11) [Texas](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/TEXAS/texas-longhorns/) vs. (11) [NC State](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/NCST/nc-state-wolfpack/) | truTV ( [watch live](https://mml.app.link/cbs_game_102)) |\n\n**Wednesday, March 18** _UD Arena (Dayton)_\n\n| Time (ET) | Game | TV / Stream |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 6:40 p.m. | (16) [Prairie View A&M](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/PVAM/prairie-view-am-panthers/) vs. (16) [Lehigh](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/LEHIGH/lehigh-mountain-hawks/) | truTV ( [watch live](https://mml.app.link/cbs_game_103)) |\n| 9:15 p.m. | (11) [Miami (Ohio)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MIAOH/miami-ohio-redhawks/) vs. (11) [SMU](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SMU/smu-mustangs/) | truTV ( [watch live](https://mml.app.link/cbs_game_104)) |\n\nIgnore them at your own peril: Since 2011, 13 teams that won a First Four game we"
}assistantMessage 20
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me check the results of the SMU vs Miami (OH) game:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU vs Miami Ohio First Four 2026 result"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://smumustangs.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-ncaa-first-four-no-11-smu-vs-no-11-miami-oh-wednesday-8-10pm-ct.aspx",
"title": "NCAA First Four: No. 11 SMU vs No. 11 Miami (OH) - SMU Athletics",
"snippet": "No. 11 SMU (20-13) vs No. 11 Miami (OH) (31-1) NCAA Tournament – First Four UD Arena – Dayton, Ohio Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 9:10 p.m. ET ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-first-4-miami-oh-redhawks-vs-smu-mustangs-mar-18-2026-game-boxscore-264060",
"title": "Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs - March 18, 2026",
"snippet": "A bet of $100 would win $343 total if Miami (OH) wins and a bet of $321 would win $421 total if SMU wins. +243. M-OH. -321. SMU."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/smu-mustangs-miami-oh-redhawks-084312065.html",
"title": "SMU Mustangs and Miami (OH) RedHawks square off in the First 4",
"snippet": "Miami (OH) RedHawks (31-1, 18-1 MAC) vs. SMU Mustangs (20-13, 9-11 ACC) Dayton, Ohio; Wednesday, 9:15 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://apnews.com/article/southern-methodist-mustangs-miami-redhawks-college-sports-ohio-mens-college-basketball-9562b06561214928a2dcd36f534fd796",
"title": "SMU Mustangs and Miami (OH) RedHawks square off in the First 4",
"snippet": "Miami (OH) RedHawks (31-1, 18-1 MAC) vs. SMU Mustangs (20-13, 9-11 ACC). Dayton, Ohio; Wednesday, 9:15 p.m. EDT."
},
{
"url": "https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/stats/2973359",
"title": "Miami (OH) RedHawks at SMU Mustangs - Mar 18, 2026",
"snippet": "NCAA Tournament - First Four. Wed, 3/18 6:15 PM. Miami (OH) RedHawks SMU Mustangs. RedHawks · 11Miami (OH) RedHawks. 11M-OH. 31-1, 1st in MAC. 31-1. TV: tru."
}
]
}assistantMessage 21
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me check for the result of this game:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20260318_MIAOH@SMU/"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: scoring \\|\nsection: \\| slug: \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: gametracker \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/gamecenter\\_boxscores\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n\n\n\n\nMIAOH\n\n\n11 [Miami (Ohio)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MIAOH/miami-ohio-redhawks/)\n\n[RedHawks](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MIAOH/miami-ohio-redhawks/)\n\n31-1\n\n[](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MIAOH/miami-ohio-redhawks/)\n\nTF 0\n\nFINAL\n\ntru\n\nWedMar. 18\n\n9:15P\n\nBONUS\n\nTF 0\n\n[](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SMU/smu-mustangs/)\n\nSMU\n\n\n11 [SMU](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SMU/smu-mustangs/)\n\n[Mustangs](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SMU/smu-mustangs/)\n\n20-13\n\n\nML: +241\n\n\nSMU -6.5, O/U 163.5\n\n\nML: -303\n\n\n[Watch Live](https://mml.app.link/cbs_game_104)\n\n- [Preview](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20260318_MIAOH@SMU/#preview-container)\n- [Expert Picks](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20260318_MIAOH@SMU/#expert-picks-container)\n- [StubHub](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101liUFf/ar:CBSSports/destination:https://www.stubhub.com/march-madness-ncaa-division-i-men-s-basketball-tournament-dayton-tickets-3-18-2026/event/157994927/?qid=6902348f-5010-4fd7-8c42-b28db6d7282d&iid=a7f4c318-4713-47a4-a7a1-1ddf82147255&index=stubhub&ut=bf4e8273-4e43-4dcb-a8ba-3fb76282cd04<=26.268&lg=-80.209 \"StubHub\")\n\nMIAOH\n\n\n\n\nSMU\n\n\n# Miami (Ohio)'s storybook season takes underdog angle against SMU\n\n- FLM\n\n- Mar 16, 2026\n\nDAYTON, Ohio -- College basketball's biggest storybook tale this season seizes the national spotlight as Miami (Ohio) takes on SMU Mustangs in a clash of No. 11 seeds in the final First Four game Wednesday night.\n\nThe RedHawks (31-1) will have a decided home-court advantage from the sellout crowd as they try to put their stunning 87-83 loss to UMass in the first round of the Mid-American Conference tournament behind them.\n\nUniversity of Dayton Arena is only one hour from Miami's campus in Oxford, Ohio. Xavier enjoyed a similar geographical benefit in last year's First Four and rode the crowd's energy to rally past Texas.\n\nFor SMU (20-13), the First Four is a chance to prove they deserved their ticket to the tournament thanks to their ambitious nonconference schedule. The Mustangs went only 8-10 in the powerful Atlantic Coast Conference -- and 3-8 on the road overall. But in four straight games in December against SEC opposition away from home, they defeated Mississippi State and Texas A&M while falling to Vanderbilt and LSU.\n\nWhile the Mustangs earned a tournament spot because of their demanding schedule -- the Mustangs went 4-9 against Quad 1 opponents and 5-4 versus Quad 2 -- the RedHawks earned theirs despite a soft nonconference slate that featured no games against power conference foes.\n\nNonetheless, Miami -- No. 37 in NET rankings -- became the first team since Gonzaga in 2021 to post an unbeaten regular season. Despite their historic run, the MAC tournament quarterfinal exit relegated the RedHawks to an at-large bid and the trip to Dayton.\n\n\"In this world, everybody gets caught up in results. That's all the world wants,\" Miami coach Travis Steele said, addressing"
}assistantMessage 22
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMI need to find the actual result of the SMU vs Miami (OH) game. Let me try another search:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU beats Miami Ohio First Four 2026 final score"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-first-4-miami-oh-redhawks-vs-smu-mustangs-mar-18-2026-game-boxscore-264060",
"title": "Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs - March 18, 2026",
"snippet": "A bet of $100 would win $343 total if Miami (OH) wins and a bet of $321 would win $421 total if SMU wins. +243. M-OH. -321. SMU. TOTAL."
},
{
"url": "https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/mar/18/smu-mustangs-and-miami-oh-redhawks-square-off-in-t/",
"title": "SMU Mustangs and Miami (OH) RedHawks square off in the First 4",
"snippet": "Miami (OH) RedHawks (31-1, 18-1 MAC) vs. SMU Mustangs (20-13, 9-11 ACC). Dayton, Ohio; Wednesday, 9:15 p.m. EDT."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20260318_MIAOH@SMU/",
"title": "Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs Live Score and Stats",
"snippet": "... Miami (Ohio) takes on SMU Mustangs in a clash of No. 11 seeds in the final First Four game Wednesday night. The RedHawks (31-1) will have a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://miamiredhawks.com/news/2026/3/15/mens-basketball-miami-ncaa-tournament-selection-sunday",
"title": "RedHawks Are Dancing! 31-1 Miami Earns At-Large Bid to NCAA ...",
"snippet": "RedHawks Are Dancing! 31-1 Miami Earns At-Large Bid to NCAA Tournament - Miami University RedHawks."
},
{
"url": "https://smumustangs.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-ncaa-first-four-no-11-smu-vs-no-11-miami-oh-wednesday-8-10pm-ct.aspx",
"title": "NCAA First Four: No. 11 SMU vs No. 11 Miami (OH) - SMU Athletics",
"snippet": "THE SERIES VS. MIAMI OH (2-0): SMU and Miami (OH) are meeting for the third time."
}
]
}assistantMessage 23
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me check one more source for the First Four results:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-19/first-four-results-march-madness-2026"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-19/first-four-results-march-madness-2026#main-content)\n\n# That's a foul on us... that page seems to be missing\n\nThis can happen if the link you followed has changed or if you bookmarked a page that moved\n\n[Back Home](https://www.ncaa.com/)\n\n\n\nHere are some other places to try:\n\n- [Men's Basketball](https://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-men/d1)\n- [Women's Basketball](https://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-women/d1)\n- [Football](https://www.ncaa.com/sports/football/fbs)\n- [Live Video](https://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule)\n- [Tickets](https://www.ncaa.com/tickets)"
}assistantMessage 24
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMLet me try a different approach. Since today is March 18, 2026, and the SMU vs Miami (OH) game was scheduled for tonight at 9:15 PM ET, it hasn't happened yet. So for game-29, I should pick between Tennessee and SMU (since SMU hasn't played yet).
Now let me research a few more key matchups:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wright State Raiders vs Virginia Cavaliers 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/virginia/basketball/virginia-s-path-to-victory-against-wright-state-in-ncaa-tournament-01km0v255qyh",
"title": "Virginia's Path to Victory Against Wright State in NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "The Best and Worst March Madness Moments in Virginia History ... Virginia Conference Tournament Hub: Schedule, Bracket, Predictions."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/virginia-basketballs-march-madness-opponent-223620011.html",
"title": "Virginia basketball's March Madness opponent is Wright State",
"snippet": "It's Virginia basketball vs. Wright State in March Madness to open its 2026 NCAA tournament men's bracket. Here's what to know about the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/03/16/virginia-men-receive-3-seed-march-madness-cavaliers-face-wright-state-friday/",
"title": "Virginia men receive #3 seed to March Madness; Cavaliers face ...",
"snippet": "Virginia men receive #3 seed to March Madness; Cavaliers face Wright State Friday ... 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket strategy: Tips and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-virginia-wright-state-march-madness",
"title": "#3 Virginia vs. #14 Wright State Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch ...",
"snippet": "3 seed Virginia Cavaliers (29–5) enter the tournament as the ACC Tournament runner-up, making their 27th overall appearance in March Madness®."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/virginia/basketball/jay-bilas-predicts-a-surprising-early-exit-from-the-ncaa-tournament-for-virginia-01kkype9qrzw",
"title": "Jay Bilas Predicts a Surprising Early Exit From The NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Jay Bilas Predicts a Surprising Early Exit From The NCAA Tournament For Virginia. Bilas does not think that Virgnia is going to last very long ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 25
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Santa Clara Broncos vs Kentucky Wildcats 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfa9j_slRYw",
"title": "'Kentucky-Santa Clara might be the MOST exciting First Round ...",
"snippet": "... 2026 Big 12 tournament, the 2026 ACC tournament, or the 2026 SEC. ... Greg's Official March Madness Bracket! Sleepers Media. New. 2.2K views."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-jay-bilas-makes-ncaa-172257706.html",
"title": "ESPN's Jay Bilas makes his NCAA Tournament prediction for ...",
"snippet": "It's a popular upset game pick: The Broncos are very good in areas Kentucky is weak, such as rebounding and defending the perimeter. Injuries ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiOTKLHz8c",
"title": "Kentucky vs. Santa Clara PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Kentucky vs. Santa Clara in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round game in the Midwest Region and share ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/166364/why-santa-clara-ncaa-tournament-selection-committee-seeding-rules",
"title": "Why Santa Clara was the only choice for Kentucky's first NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Based on how the Selection Committee seeds teams, the Broncos were the only No. 10 seed Kentucky could play in the opening round this Friday. ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF69U3U8qOM",
"title": "Did the NCAA Bracket SHATTER Kentucky Wildcats' March Hopes ...",
"snippet": "Kentucky Wildcats face a brutal NCAA Tournament draw, squaring off against Santa Clara and their high-powered offense led by a future NBA ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 26
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Tennessee State Tigers vs Iowa State Cyclones 2026 March Madness analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/latest-news/iowa-state-basketball-predicted-to-make-final-four-in-march-madness",
"title": "Iowa State Basketball Predicted to Make Final Four in March Madness",
"snippet": "Are the Iowa State Cyclones poised for a run in March Madness ... against the Tennessee State Tigers, with the hopes of making a lengthy run."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/15-vs-2-upset-rankings-iowa-state-least-likely-ncaa-tournament-no-2-seed-to-lose-but-heres-who-could/",
"title": "15 vs. 2 upset rankings: Could Iowa State or UConn be in danger?",
"snippet": "While 16-over-1 upsets remain the gold standard in the NCAA Tournament, No. 16 seeds haven't provided much madness to March."
},
{
"url": "https://www.widerightnattylite.com/iowa-state-basketball/51112/iowa-state-mens-basketball-land-no-2-seed-open-march-madness-against-tennessee-state",
"title": "Iowa State men's basketball land No. 2 seed, open March Madness ...",
"snippet": "2 seed, open March Madness against Tennessee State. by Jared Larson ... March Madness' 50 best players, ranked for 2026 men's NCAA tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/tennessee-state-iowa-state-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket/89091991007/",
"title": "TSU vs Iowa State prediction, pick, odds March Madness first round",
"snippet": "It's Tennessee State Tigers vs Iowa State in March Madness bracket. Here's our prediction for the 2026 NCAA tournament basketball game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/iowa-state-tennessee-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420597007/",
"title": "Iowa State vs Tennessee State picks, predictions for March Madness",
"snippet": "Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament bracket? Check out these March Madness picks and ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 27
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMNow I have enough information to make my picks. Let me analyze what I've found:
Key upsets to consider based on my research:
1. **TCU over Ohio State** - TCU has been hot lately with strong rebounding and assists
2. **Northern Iowa over St. John's** - 24.5% upset chance according to analysis
3. **South Florida over Louisville** - South Florida star doesn't see themselves as underdogs
4. **UCF over UCLA** - ESPN gives UCF a 27.8% chance, which is significant
5. **Utah State over Villanova** - Very close matchup (48.4% vs 51.6%)
6. **McNeese over Vanderbilt** - Listed as one of the most likely upsets (41.2% chance)
7. **Troy over Nebraska** - Could be challenging for Nebraska
8. **VCU over North Carolina** - Intriguing matchup that experts highlight
9. **Texas A&M over Saint Mary's** - Could go either way
10. **Akron over Texas Tech** - Akron considered a potential Cinderella team
11. **Hofstra over Alabama** - Some analysts think Hofstra can hang with Alabama
12. **Wright State over Virginia** - Jay Bilas predicts Virginia might have an early exit
13. **Santa Clara over Kentucky** - Popular upset pick due to matchup advantages
For the First Four games:
- Texas already beat NC State, so they face BYU
- SMU vs Miami (OH) hasn't happened yet (scheduled for tonight), so I'll pick SMU to advance since they're listed in the matchup
Let me make my final picks:
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "game-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "game-2",
"winnerId": "tcu-horned-frogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-3",
"winnerId": "northern-iowa-panthers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-4",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-5",
"winnerId": "south-florida-bulls"
},
{
"gameId": "game-6",
"winnerId": "michigan-state-spartans"
},
{
"gameId": "game-7",
"winnerId": "ucf-knights"
},
{
"gameId": "game-8",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-9",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "game-10",
"winnerId": "utah-state-aggies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-11",
"winnerId": "wisconsin-badgers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-12",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-13",
"winnerId": "texas-longhorns"
},
{
"gameId": "game-14",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-15",
"winnerId": "miami-hurricanes"
},
{
"gameId": "game-16",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-17",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "game-18",
"winnerId": "clemson-tigers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-19",
"winnerId": "mcneese-cowboys"
},
{
"gameId": "game-20",
"winnerId": "troy-trojans"
},
{
"gameId": "game-21",
"winnerId": "vcu-rams"
},
{
"gameId": "game-22",
"winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
},
{
"gameId": "game-23",
"winnerId": "texas-am-aggies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-24",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "game-25",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
},
{
"gameId": "game-26",
"winnerId": "saint-louis-billikens"
},
{
"gameId": "game-27",
"winnerId": "akron-zips"
},
{
"gameId": "game-28",
"winnerId": "hofstra-pride"
},
{
"gameId": "game-29",
"winnerId": "smu-mustangs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-30",
"winnerId": "wright-state-raiders"
},
{
"gameId": "game-31",
"winnerId": "santa-clara-broncos"
},
{
"gameId": "game-32",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 28
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PM## Round 2 of 6: Round of 32
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → south-florida-bulls
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → troy-trojans
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → texas-am-aggies
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → akron-zips
Round of 64: game-28 → hofstra-pride
Round of 64: game-29 → smu-mustangs
Round of 64: game-30 → wright-state-raiders
Round of 64: game-31 → santa-clara-broncos
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
r32-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs tcu-horned-frogs
r32-east-2: northern-iowa-panthers vs kansas-jayhawks
r32-east-3: south-florida-bulls vs michigan-state-spartans
r32-east-4: ucf-knights vs uconn-huskies
r32-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies
r32-west-2: wisconsin-badgers vs arkansas-razorbacks
r32-west-3: texas-longhorns vs gonzaga-bulldogs
r32-west-4: miami-hurricanes vs purdue-boilermakers
r32-south-1: florida-gators vs clemson-tigers
r32-south-2: mcneese-cowboys vs troy-trojans
r32-south-3: vcu-rams vs illinois-fighting-illini
r32-south-4: texas-am-aggies vs houston-cougars
r32-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs saint-louis-billikens
r32-midwest-2: akron-zips vs hofstra-pride
r32-midwest-3: smu-mustangs vs wright-state-raiders
r32-midwest-4: santa-clara-broncos vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 16 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 29
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke Blue Devils vs TCU Horned Frogs basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Northern Iowa Panthers vs Kansas Jayhawks basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "South Florida Bulls vs Michigan State Spartans basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UCF Knights vs UConn Huskies basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona Wildcats vs Utah State Aggies basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wisconsin Badgers vs Arkansas Razorbacks basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Miami Hurricanes vs Purdue Boilermakers basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Clemson Tigers basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "McNeese Cowboys vs Troy Trojans basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "VCU Rams vs Illinois Fighting Illini basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas A&M Aggies vs Houston Cougars basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines vs Saint Louis Billikens basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Akron Zips vs Hofstra Pride basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU Mustangs vs Wright State Raiders basketball prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Santa Clara Broncos vs Iowa State Cyclones basketball prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/tcu/basketball/tcu-sweet-16-ohio-state-duke",
"title": "TCU's Road to the Sweet 16 Features Several Tough Tests",
"snippet": "Yes, the best team in all the land, the Duke Blue Devils, stand in the way of the Horned Frogs accomplishing their goals. Yeesh. Duke is good."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/college-basketball-conference-tournament-predictions-friday-2026",
"title": "College Basketball Conference Tournament Predictions Friday | CFN",
"snippet": "CFN's Friday college basketball predictions and picks for the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and other big tournament showdowns."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnetwork.com/mens-college-basketball/march-madness-prediction-ncaa-tournament-duke/",
"title": "March Madness First Round Prediction: Top 5 Contenders That Will ...",
"snippet": "1. Duke (No. 1 Seed, East Region) ... Duke enters as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. However, the path ahead looks quite challenging."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "TCU Horned Frogs Their consensus at-large chances are still holding steady at 92%, up from just 10% a few weeks ago, and they are still mid-30s ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article315064969.html",
"title": "TCU vs. Ohio State and Duke - Fort Worth Star-Telegram",
"snippet": "The Horned Frogs (22-11) will face No. 8 seed Ohio State (21-12) on Thursday in Greenville, South Carolina, with a chance to likely face No. 1 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/kansas-jayhawks-northern-iowa-panthers/uNZbsgyic",
"title": "Northern Iowa Panthers Kansas Jayhawks live score and H2H results",
"snippet": "Northern Iowa Panthers vs Kansas Jayhawks live scores, head to head, schedule, predictions and stats. 29/11/2024. 12:00."
},
{
"url": "https://livescores.biz/basketball/h2h/kansas-jayhawks-6-vs-northern-iowa-panthers-4",
"title": "Northern Iowa Panthers (Women) vs Kansas Jayhawks (Women) H2H",
"snippet": "Scores | Predictions | News | Sure bets · Football | Basketball | Hockey | E-sport | Cricket | Tennis | Volleyball. Northern Iowa Panthers (Women) vs Kansas ..."
},
{
"url": "https://capperspicks.com/blog/tag/panthers-vs-jayhawks-free-pick/",
"title": "Tag: Panthers vs. Jayhawks Free Pick",
"snippet": "Northern Iowa Panthers vs KU Jayhawks – Round 2 – Mid West Region College Hoops Gambling. Welcome to the CappersPicks.com college hoops weekly predictions ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/teams/basketball/mens-college-basketball/kansas-jayhawks--odds",
"title": "Kansas Basketball Odds, Scores, & Betting Lines Men's College ...",
"snippet": "Get the latest Kansas Basketball odds, standings, and more and find all Kansas Basketball bets on DraftKings Sportsbook."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401714668/kansas-northern-iowa",
"title": "Kansas 76-73 Northern Iowa (Nov 29, 2024) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Game summary of the Kansas Jayhawks vs. Northern Iowa Panthers NCAAW game ... Odds for each team to advance through the bracket and to win the 2026 women's NCAA ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-basketball-predictions-deep-090943435.html",
"title": "Michigan State basketball predictions, how deep in March Madness",
"snippet": "The Spartans should escape a tough contest against North Dakota State, but that could be followed by a capable South Florida team which could ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-03/florida-michigan-state-climb-new-2026-march-madness-mens-basketball-bracket",
"title": "Florida, Michigan State climb in new 2026 March Madness men's ...",
"snippet": "Florida, Michigan State climb in new 2026 March Madness men's basketball bracket predictions ... basketball tournament First Four and first ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "The forecast composite still gives the Pirates' at-large chances of 13%, with uncertainty across the bubble. Still, they rank outside the top 50 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrs6hPvzjI4&vl=en",
"title": "NBA & NHL Picks | NCAA Tournament Predictions | Celtics vs Warriors",
"snippet": "... nflbestbets #basketball #football #nflpicks #nflbets #nflbetting #nbabets #nbabetting #nbabetstoday #nbabestbets cfb #collegebasketball ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2026/03/15/south-florida-march-madness-bracket-predictions-ncaa-tournament/89144700007/",
"title": "South Florida March Madness bracket predictions for NCAA ...",
"snippet": "South Florida basketball in NCAA tournament bracket projections. ESPN: No. 11 seed (automatic qualifier), vs. No. 6 seed North Carolina in ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.tcpalm.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/16/ucf-predictions-march-madness-picks-college-basketball/89181127007/",
"title": "Can UCF basketball make a run in March Madness bracket? Our ...",
"snippet": "Can UCF basketball reach NCAA bracket's Sweet 16? Our 2026 March Madness predictions show how Knights can make run in tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/daytonabeachnewsjournal/posts/where-ucf-knights-basketball-march-madness-bracketology-and-predictions-stand-on/1610692657210684/",
"title": "Where UCF Knights basketball March Madness bracketology and ...",
"snippet": "For the final time this season, it's prediction time. Florida is currently favored by 6.5. What say you? For the final time this season, it's ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/ucf-knights-connecticut-huskies/jTMsfwic",
"title": "UConn vs UCF Knights scores & predictions - Sofascore",
"snippet": "Current odds and predictions; Sofascore community votes on which team is more likely to win the game. Connecticut Huskies - UCF Knights video ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/daily-dunk-best-college-basketball-bets-today-predictions-for-texas-tech-ucf-uconn-creighton-and-more-01kg9321hmxb",
"title": "Daily Dunk: Best College Basketball Bets Today (Predictions for ...",
"snippet": "Instead of betting on the spread in this game, I'm going to bet the total and take the OVER. Both teams are better offensively than defensively."
},
{
"url": "https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/womens-basketball/2022/3/21/22989800/ucf-knights-uconn-huskies-womens-ncaa-tournament-second-round-preview-tv-how-to-watch",
"title": "UCF vs. UConn - NCAA Tournament Second Round: Preview, TV ...",
"snippet": "The UCF Knights (26-3, 14-1 AAC, 7-Seed) are in back in action at Gempel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, for their NCAA Second Round game with ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/74217/arizona-wildcats-mens-basketball-utah-utes-big12-preview-opener-2026",
"title": "What to watch for when Arizona men's basketball opens Big 12 play ...",
"snippet": "The calendar has flipped to 2026 but Arizona remains unbeaten, one of six Division I schools without a loss. The Wildcats' 13-0 start is its ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/01/03/arizona-at-utah-odds-picks-and-predictions/88002388007/",
"title": "Arizona Wildcats at Utah Utes odds, picks and predictions",
"snippet": "Moneyline (ML): Arizona -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100) | Utah +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,150) · Against the spread (ATS): Arizona -18.5 (-105) | ..."
},
{
"url": "https://pickdawgz.com/college-basketball-picks/arizona-vs-utah-prediction-1-3-2026-todays-college-basketball-picks-2026-01-03/",
"title": "Arizona vs Utah Prediction 1/3/2026 Today's College Basketball Picks",
"snippet": "The Arizona Wildcats come into this game looking to add on to their 99-71 win over South Dakota State last time out to sit at 13-0 on the year."
},
{
"url": "https://www.fanduel.com/research/arizona-vs-utah-college-basketball-predictions-odds-picks-best-bets-for-1-3-2026",
"title": "Arizona vs Utah College Basketball Prediction, Odds, Picks, Best ...",
"snippet": "The Arizona Wildcats (13-0, 0-0 Big 12) hope to continue a four-game road win streak when they visit the Utah Utes (8-5, 0-0 Big 12) on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaab/arizona-wildcats-vs-utah-utes-predictions-picks-odds-college-basketball-saturday-january-3",
"title": "Arizona vs Utah Predictions, Start Time, Odds: NCAAB Picks for ...",
"snippet": "Arizona is favored by 18.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -3500. The total is set at 161 points. Here are my Arizona vs. Utah ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.bestofarkansassports.com/arkansas-basketball-ncaa-tournament-wisconsin-admitting-betting-line/",
"title": "Wisconsin Side Predicts UA vs UW Betting Line after Admitting ...",
"snippet": "The Razorbacks are actually slightly more efficient defensively than the Badgers, ranking 48th in KenPom compared to Wisconsin in 51st."
},
{
"url": "https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-basketball/89231/wisconsin-badgers-basketball-news-prediction-sweet-sixteen-arkansas-razorbacks",
"title": "Wisconsin Basketball: Badgers predicted to make Sweet Sixteen run",
"snippet": "53 percent of fans predicted Wisconsin to reach the Sweet Sixteen. 26 percent see the Badgers winning their first-round game against High Point ..."
},
{
"url": "http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/badgers-bracket-preview-dominant-arkansas-razorbacks-could-challenge-wisconsin/ar-AA1YKuSe?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "Badgers' bracket preview: Dominant Arkansas Razorbacks could ...",
"snippet": "Badgers' Bracket Preview: Dominant Arkansas Razorbacks could challenge Wisconsin 1 © Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd (2) hits a three-point basket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/wisconsin/predicting-wisconsin-full-ncaa-tournament-path-badgers-shed-postseason-demons",
"title": "Predicting Wisconsin's Full NCAA Tournament Path: Badgers Shed ...",
"snippet": "Wisconsin wins an all-timer in the Round of 32 and at long last, returns to the Sweet 16. Prediction: Wisconsin 91, Arkansas 90. Sweet 16: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/wisconsin/basketball/best-and-worst-potential-march-madness-matchups-for-wisconsin-basketball-01kkq2dzrnme",
"title": "Best and worst potential March Madness matchups for Wisconsin ...",
"snippet": "Which potential matchups should the Badgers fear, and which should have them salivating?"
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/gonzaga/basketball/predicting-gonzaga-full-ncaa-tournament-path-bulldogs-overcome-familiar-foes-for-another-deep-postseason-run",
"title": "Predicting Gonzaga's full NCAA Tournament path - Sports Illustrated",
"snippet": "Predicting Gonzaga's full NCAA Tournament path: Bulldogs overcome familiar foes for another deep postseason run · Prediction: Gonzaga 86, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/texas-vs-gonzaga-odds-line-spread-2022-college-basketball-picks-nov-16-predictions-from-proven-model/",
"title": "Texas vs. Gonzaga odds, line, spread: 2022 college basketball picks ...",
"snippet": "16 predictions from proven model. The No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs will take on the No. 11 Texas Longhorns on Wednesday at the Moody Center in Austin ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "The Longhorns will now wait out the bubble as one of its more confusing teams: They have six Quadrant 1 wins this season -- more than Kentucky, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/gonzaga-vs-texas-picks-predictions-november-16-2022",
"title": "Gonzaga vs Texas Odds, Picks, & Predictions Tonight - Covers.com",
"snippet": "The Bulldogs are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 road games while the Longhorns are 2-5 ATS in their previous seven contests in Austin. Find more ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.docsports.com/free-picks/ncaa-college-basketball/",
"title": "Free College Basketball Picks, Expert Predictions & Parlays, Against ...",
"snippet": "Texas heads into this matchup with a mark of 18-14 on the campaign. North Carolina State has a win-loss mark of 20-13 for the season. This report includes ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/purdue/basketball/multiple-college-basketball-analysts-like-purdue-final-four-chances",
"title": "Multiple College Basketball Analysts Like Purdue's Final Four ...",
"snippet": "Crean thinks Purdue will glide into the second round, where it will face either No. 7 Miami (Florida) or No. 10 Missouri. The former IU coach ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/miami-hurricanes-purdue-boilermakers/gRnscKJ",
"title": "Miami vs Purdue scores & predictions - Sofascore",
"snippet": "Current odds and predictions; Sofascore community votes on which team is more likely to win the game. Miami Hurricanes - Purdue Boilermakers video highlights ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hammerandrails.com/mens-basketball/58933/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview",
"title": "How The West Will Be Won | Hammer and Rails",
"snippet": "Purdue did play Miami in the 1999 NCAA Tournament, when the Boilermakers were a 10 seed and upset the 2 seed Hurricanes in round 2. 6 Seed: BYU ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "Their consensus at-large chances are 41%, but that feels like an overstatement considering the MAC could get an extra bid with Miami (Ohio) also ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioxak-uUiE0",
"title": "Miami vs Bowling Green | Indiana vs Purdue Predictions and Best Bets",
"snippet": "If you are looking for a college basketball betting preview with picks and predictions for the Indiana Hoosiers vs Purdue Boilermakers and ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://rubbingtherock.com/clemson-tigers-final-bracket-predictions-don-t-give-fans-much-hope-for-deep-ncaa-run-01kksbg633vt",
"title": "Clemson Tigers final bracket predictions don't give fans much hope ...",
"snippet": "If Clemson gets through Thursday, their reward is likely a date with a No. 1 seed. We're speaking here to a collision course with Duke, Arizona, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wunderdog.com/college-basketball/clemson-tigers-vs-florida-gators",
"title": "Clemson Tigers vs Florida Gators College Basketball Picks ...",
"snippet": "My computer prediction for this game was that Florida would win by a score of 76.7 to 72.0 with Florida winning on the moneyline, Clemson winning on the spread ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaGatorNation/posts/25640533005624137/",
"title": "Gators predicted to win back to back nc - Facebook",
"snippet": "I see wins over whoever wins the playin game, then Clemson,Vandy,Illinois,revenge over Duke, then finish the season with a payback victory ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2026/03/16/clemson-sweet-16-predictions-march-madness-picks-college-basketball/89069815007/",
"title": "Clemson NCAA bracket predictions, why Tigers won't make Sweet 16",
"snippet": "Welling's absence will impact the Tigers' ability to rebound as the Gators advance to the Sweet 16."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-experts-final-ncaa-185133961.html",
"title": "March Madness experts' final NCAA Tournament projections for ...",
"snippet": "The experts all see Clemson in same position on the NCAA Tournament seed line with just a few hours remaining until the Selection Sunday ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament - ESPN",
"snippet": "12 McNeese Cowboys. This 5 vs. 12 matchup is always a trendy upset pick -- and then-No. 12 McNeese beat Clemson last year. But in this case ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/",
"title": "2026 March Madness picks: Predictions for every first-round game in ...",
"snippet": "McNeese wants to press and leans on its overwhelming athleticism to generate takeaways. The Cowboys score 21.3 points per game off turnovers."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/basketball/experts-predict-outcome-of-nebraska-troy-ncaa-tournament-game-and-give-reasons-why",
"title": "'Experts' Predict Outcome of Nebraska-Troy NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "In our survey, experts say the fourth-seeded Huskers will win over the 13th-seeded Trojans in the South Region at Oklahoma City. College ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/moneyline-picks-thursday-march-19-2026",
"title": "March Madness Moneyline Picks for Thursday's Games - Covers.com",
"snippet": "However, the Troy Trojans won't easily stop the long-range avalanche. Nebraska hunkers down on defense and finds enough offense to pull away. No ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/let-s-have-a-conference-tournament-predicting-the-winners-of-the-early-madness-basketball",
"title": "Let's have a conference tournament! Predicting the winners of the ...",
"snippet": "McNeese forces about 15 turnovers a game, leads the league in blocked shots, steals, and shots allowed. They are going to be tough in the NCAA ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/far-illinois-projecting-ncaa-tournament-114530892.html",
"title": "How Far Can Illinois Go? Projecting the NCAA Tournament South ...",
"snippet": "The Illini are the No. 3 seed in the South Region at the NCAA Tournament. Here is our game-by-game prediction for the region."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thechampaignroom.com/illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-news/52627/breaking-down-illinois-path-to-ncaa-tournament-final-four-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-houston-florida",
"title": "Breaking down Illinois' path to NCAA Tournament Final Four",
"snippet": "North Carolina will have the geographical advantage, but Illinois should still be a sizable favorite against either the Tar Heels or the Rams ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/15/illinois-penn-vcu-unc-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket/89112313007/",
"title": "Greenville South Region predictions, odds March Madness first round",
"snippet": "The Greenville South Region features Illinois vs Penn and UNC vs VCU in March Madness bracket. Here's our 2026 NCAA tournament predictions."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-ncaa-tournament-draw-penn-north-carolina-vcu-greenville-277855306/",
"title": "Tausk: Breaking down Illini's NCAA Tournament path through the ...",
"snippet": "The Illini will be the favorite to come out of its Greenville pod — where it will face No. 14 seed Penn and the winner of No. 11 seed VCU vs. No ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/100093705583317/posts/illini-contrast-of-spreads-illinois-is-a-245-point-favorite-over-penn-6-seed-nor/828822636917915/",
"title": "#illini contrast of spreads. Illinois is a 24.5 point favorite over Penn. 6 ...",
"snippet": "Illinois is a 24.5 point favorite over Penn. 6-seed North Carolina is a 2.5 point favorite over 11-seed VCU The winner will play each other in ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/houston-vs-texas-a-m-odds-score-prediction-2024-ncaa-tournament-picks-march-madness-bets-from-proven-model/",
"title": "Houston vs. Texas A&M odds, score prediction",
"snippet": "Tipoff is set for 8:40 p.m. ET from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn. The Cougars are 9.5-point favorites in the latest Houston vs. Texas A&M ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/texas-am-houston-prediction-odds-ncaa-tourney-second-round-picks/",
"title": "Texas A&M vs Houston Prediction & Odds | NCAA Tourney ...",
"snippet": "The Aggies are steep 10-point underdogs on the spread in Sunday's contest; with the game total set at over/under 134 at most sportsbooks. Here's everything you ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/texas-a-m-houston-alabama-and-more-college-basketball-picks-for-big-games-tomorrow",
"title": "Texas A&M, Houston, Alabama and more college ...",
"snippet": "This game is likely going to be close and low-scoring. Texas A&M Aggies logo Texas A&M Aggies. 70. Prediction. Tennessee Volunteers logo ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.prizepicks.com/playbook-article/top-college-basketball-predictions-expert-picks-saturday-florida",
"title": "Top College Basketball Predictions, Expert Picks for Saturday",
"snippet": "Our top college basketball predictions and expert picks for Saturday include PrizePicks analysis on Florida vs. Texas A&M and two other ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/matchups/houston-vs-texas-am/",
"title": "Texas A&M vs Houston Odds, Betting Trends, and Line ...",
"snippet": "View the best Texas A&M vs Houston odds, betting trends, and line movements for 03/15/2026. We've got their head to head and last 10 game results."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25404004-big-ten-tournament-2026-mens-bracketology-predictions-final-games",
"title": "Big Ten Tournament 2026 Men's Bracketology Predictions Before ...",
"snippet": "The Wolverines host Michigan State on Sunday. If Michigan wins, it could shake up the top four seeds because Michigan State, Nebraska and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/jsh.fshr/videos/2026-march-madness-bracket-prediction-midwest-region-edition-is-this-the-region-/1608462940398269/",
"title": "2026 March madness bracket prediction: Midwest region edition. Is ...",
"snippet": "2026 March madness bracket prediction: Midwest region edition. Is this the region of chaos? @nickduringtheday breaks it all down ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV2Qnj6rt1o",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Betting Picks + Mizzou and SLU Predictions",
"snippet": "You are watching Domesticated Gamblers! Eric Sontag, Shawn Surwillo, and Tito Ulrich break down our St. Louis area teams and national sports ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-bold-predictions-michigan-basketball-160000003.html",
"title": "3 bold predictions for Michigan Basketball in the Big Ten Tournament",
"snippet": "Positioned as the No. 3 seed, Michigan State is in a favorable spot to make a run to the championship. Its toughest possible opponents are ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/saint-louis-billikens/projections",
"title": "Saint Louis Billikens Projections - TeamRankings.com",
"snippet": "Dominate Your 2026 Bracket. Get bracket tips that won $2.8 million in prizes, plus NCAA tournament predictions and upset picks. All for free."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/where-akron-basketball-stands-march-090715859.html",
"title": "Where Akron basketball stands in March Madness bracket ...",
"snippet": "This will be Akron's eighth trip overall to the tournament and the Zips are seeking their first win. The Zips ended up being a 12 seed in the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/hofstra-pride/projections",
"title": "Hofstra Pride Projections",
"snippet": "Hofstra Pride team page with results, picks, power rankings, odds and stats."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/hofstra/Season/2026-Basketball/InstitutionPredictions/",
"title": "Crystal Ball Predictions for Hofstra",
"snippet": "Hofstra 2026 Basketball Crystal Ball Predictions Sorted By Ranking."
},
{
"url": "https://www.pickswise.com/college-basketball/predictions/",
"title": "College Basketball Predictions - Expert NCAAB Predictions",
"snippet": "Get college basketball expert predictions against the spread, money line, and totals (over/under) on the best NCAAB games including the Power 5 Conferences, or ..."
},
{
"url": "https://polymarket.com/sports/cbb/games",
"title": "NCAAB Trading Odds & Predictions",
"snippet": "The primary market is the moneyline — which team will win the game — where Hawks is currently priced at 60¢ (60% implied probability) and Panthers at 41¢ (41%)."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://livescores.biz/basketball/h2h/southern-methodist-mustangs-2-vs-wright-state-raiders-6-1",
"title": "SMU Mustangs (Women) vs Wright State Raiders (Women) H2H",
"snippet": "Scores | Predictions | News | Sure bets · Football | Basketball | Hockey | E-sport | Cricket | Tennis | Volleyball. SMU Mustangs (Women) vs Wright State Raiders ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/ncaab/teams/main/wright-state-raiders/picks",
"title": "Wright State Raiders Expert Picks & Predictions Today - Covers.com",
"snippet": "'BillyJack' picks Wright St. vs Virginia to go Under (145.5). BillyJack is #7 on picking games that Wright St. is in with a record of (9-1-0) and +4750 units on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/southern-methodist-mustangs/projections",
"title": "SMU Mustangs Projections - TeamRankings.com",
"snippet": "Dominate Your 2026 Bracket. Get bracket tips that won $2.8 million in prizes, plus NCAA tournament predictions and upset picks. All for free."
},
{
"url": "https://www.oddsshark.com/stats/team/basketball/ncaab/15546",
"title": "SMU Mustangs | NCAAB Team Report - Odds Shark",
"snippet": "SMU Mustangs Team Report with an up-to-date injuries, betting trends, recent transactions, and offense and defense stats for 2026 NCAAB season."
},
{
"url": "https://scores24.live/en/basketball/m-10-03-2026-smu-mustangs-syracuse-orange-prediction",
"title": "Southern Methodist Mustangs vs Syracuse Orange Prediction Today",
"snippet": "The favorite for the match is the SMU Mustangs team, and the victory of each side is rated as follows: against . We will analyze how accurate ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/basketball-mens/2026/03/15/iowa-state-ncaa-bracket-predictions-cyclones-reach-final-four-hines/89171339007/",
"title": "Iowa State NCAA bracket predictions, Cyclones reach Final Four",
"snippet": "No. 10 Santa Clara: 26-8 overall and 15-3 in WCC. The Broncos have a strong offensive attack, but they aren't anything special ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/latest-news/breaking-down-if-iowa-state-basketball-can-win-midwest-region",
"title": "Breaking Down if Iowa State Basketball Can Win Midwest Region",
"snippet": "The Broncos are a very strong team, and the Wildcats could be upset already from a seeding perspective in that one."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "Iowa State Cyclones · Kansas Jayhawks · Texas Tech Red Raiders · BYU ... Should be in (3). Santa Clara Broncos (WCC). Updated: March 10, 11:19 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/team/iowa-state-cyclones/projections",
"title": "Iowa State Cyclones Projections - TeamRankings.com",
"snippet": "Iowa State Cyclones team page with results, picks, power rankings, odds and stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/latest-news/ranking-top-three-threats-to-iowa-state-basketball-in-midwest-region",
"title": "Ranking Top Three Threats to Iowa State Basketball in Midwest ...",
"snippet": "Despite lofty expectations this year and a lot of talent, the Wildcats have underachieved, and the draw of Santa Clara in the seven vs. ten ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 30
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PMTool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "r32-east-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-2",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-3",
"winnerId": "michigan-state-spartans"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-4",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-1",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-2",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-3",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-4",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-1",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-2",
"winnerId": "mcneese-cowboys"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-3",
"winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-4",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-2",
"winnerId": "akron-zips"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-3",
"winnerId": "smu-mustangs"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-4",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 31
Mar 18, 2026, 8:18 PM## Round 3 of 6: Sweet 16
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → south-florida-bulls
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → troy-trojans
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → texas-am-aggies
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → akron-zips
Round of 64: game-28 → hofstra-pride
Round of 64: game-29 → smu-mustangs
Round of 64: game-30 → wright-state-raiders
Round of 64: game-31 → santa-clara-broncos
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → akron-zips
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → smu-mustangs
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
s16-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks
s16-east-2: michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies
s16-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks
s16-west-2: gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers
s16-south-1: florida-gators vs mcneese-cowboys
s16-south-2: illinois-fighting-illini vs houston-cougars
s16-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs akron-zips
s16-midwest-2: smu-mustangs vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 8 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 32
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMI'll research the matchups to make informed picks for the Sweet 16 round.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke vs Kansas basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/duke/2901",
"title": "University of Kansas Men's Basketball History vs Duke ... - KU Athletics",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; First Matchup. L 86-92. 12/1/1985 ; Last 10 Matchups. 6-4. 3/19/2000 - 11/18/2025 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 94-83. 11/12/2013."
},
{
"url": "https://m.aiscore.com/head-to-head/basketball/duke-blue-devils-vs-kansas",
"title": "Duke Blue Devils vs Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Head ... - AiScore",
"snippet": "The Teams Duke Blue Devils and Kansas Jayhawks played 5 Games since 2016. Among them, Duke Blue Devils won 1 games (PPG 72.0, OPP PPG 74.4), Kansas Jayhawks ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/duke/229",
"title": "Kansas State University Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Duke ...",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; Wins. 0. Losses. 1 ; Home Record. 0-0. Away Record. 0-0 ; Conference Record. 0-0. Streak. L1."
},
{
"url": "https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article312936632.html",
"title": "KU basketball all-time series vs. Duke has classic games",
"snippet": "Kansas has won six of eight recent games vs Duke, including 2018 (Final Four) and 2024. Kansas men's basketball, which has won five of the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/1p1039f/duke_blue_devils_vs_kansas_jayhawks_full_game/",
"title": "Duke Blue Devils vs Kansas Jayhawks Full game with breakdown ...",
"snippet": "Very active defense from Kansas, but it looked like Duke had the better offense overall like you said. It was interesting seeing how Duke ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 33
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan State vs UConn basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://msuspartans.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/connecticut-exhibition/73",
"title": "Michigan State University Athletics Men's Basketball History vs ...",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; First Matchup. W 85-66. 2/5/2000 ; Last 7 Matchups. 4-3. 2/5/2000 - 11/25/2021 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 77-57. 11/24/2017."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/michigan-state-university/60",
"title": "University of Connecticut Athletics Men's Basketball History vs ...",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs Michigan State University from December 5, 1998 - November 25, 2021. Last Matchup 11/25/2021."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/michigan-state-university/60",
"title": "University of Connecticut Athletics Men's Basketball History vs ...",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; Sunday, March 30, 2013-14. Neutral. Madison Square Garden (New York, N.Y.) ; Friday, November 9, 2012-13. Neutral. Ramstein Air Base, Germany."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/400999748/uconn-michigan-st",
"title": "Michigan State 77-57 UConn (Nov 24, 2017) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Winston sparks No. 4 Michigan State past UConn 77-57. Cassius Winston scored 12 of his career-high 28 points during a 4-minute span late in the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CMdFHURUkI",
"title": "UConn Men's Basketball vs. Michigan State (Exhibition) - YouTube",
"snippet": "HIGHLIGHTS | UConn Men's Basketball vs. Michigan State (Exhibition). 14K views · 4 months ago ...more. UConn Huskies. 53.4K. Subscribe."
}
]
}assistantMessage 34
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona vs Arkansas basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-arkansas/187",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Arkansas - Arizona Wildcats",
"snippet": "Wins. 2. Losses. 6 ; Streak. W1. Longest Win Streak. 1 Game · Longest Losing Streak. 3 Games. 12/21/1991 - 4/2/1994 ; Home Record. 0-1. Away Record. 2-4 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hogstats.com/seriesresults.php?opponent=Arizona",
"title": "Series Results :: Arkansas vs. Arizona - HogStats.com",
"snippet": "Arkansas basketball vs. Arizona Arkansas is 6-2 all time against Arizona. (Home: 1-1, Road: 1-0, Neutral/off-campus: 4-1). Date (Season), Rank, Opponent. Result."
},
{
"url": "https://ucasports.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/arizona-state-university/147",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs Arizona State University",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs Arizona State University from Nov 10, 2012 - Dec 22, 2016. Last Matchup. Dec. 22,2016. 62. University of Central Arkansas."
},
{
"url": "https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/womens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-arkansas/187",
"title": "Women's Basketball History vs University of Arkansas",
"snippet": "University of Arizona Athletics ; First Matchup. W 80-77 ; Last 1 Matchups. 1-0 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 80-77 ; Smallest Margin of Victory. W 80-77 ; Total ..."
},
{
"url": "https://astateredwolves.com/sports/womens-basketball/opponent-history/arizona-state-university/11",
"title": "Women's Basketball History vs Arizona State University",
"snippet": "Women's Basketball History vs Arizona State University from Nov 30, 2013 - Nov 8, 2024. Last Matchup. Nov. 8,2024. 100. Arkansas State."
}
]
}assistantMessage 35
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Gonzaga vs Purdue basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://gozags.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/purdue-university/188",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs Purdue University from Nov 18, 1998",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs Purdue University from Nov 18, 1998 - Mar 29, 2024. Last Matchup. Mar. 29,2024. 68. Gonzaga University."
},
{
"url": "https://gomastodons.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/gonzaga-university/183",
"title": "Purdue Fort Wayne Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Gonzaga ...",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; Wins. 0. Losses. 1 ; Home Record. 0-0. Away Record. 0-1 ; Conference Record. 0-0. Streak. L1."
},
{
"url": "https://gozags.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/purdue-fort-wayne/292",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs Purdue Fort Wayne - Gonzaga University",
"snippet": "Gonzaga University Athletics ; Wins. 1 ; Streak. W1. Longest Win Streak. 1 Game. 11/20/2009 - 11/20/2009 ; Home Record. 1-0. Away Record. 0-0 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://purduesports.com/news/2024/03/29/top-seeded-purdue-rolls-past-gonzaga-for-spot-in-elite-eight",
"title": "Top-Seeded Purdue Rolls Past Gonzaga For Spot in Elite Eight",
"snippet": "Purdue now owns a 5-0 record all-time against Gonzaga, winning three games against the Bulldogs in the last 17 months. Gonzaga was ranked sixth, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aiscore.com/head-to-head/basketball/gonzaga-vs-purdue-university",
"title": "Purdue University vs Gonzaga Basketball Head To Head, Score ...",
"snippet": "The Teams Purdue University and Gonzaga played 2 Games since 2022. Among them, Purdue University won 2 games (PPG 78.5, OPP PPG 64.5), Gonzaga won - (PPG ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 36
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida vs McNeese basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/mcneese-state-university/207",
"title": "Florida Gators Men's Basketball History vs McNeese State University",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs McNeese State University from December 22, 1997 - December 22, 1997. Last Matchup. 12/22/1997. 95. Team Logo. vs. Opponent Logo."
},
{
"url": "https://mcneesesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/florida-atlantic-university/90",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs Florida Atlantic University - McNeese State",
"snippet": "THE OFFICIAL HOME OF McNEESE ATHLETICS ; Wins. 2 ; Streak. W2. Longest Win Streak. 2 Games. 12/1/2007 - 11/28/2008 ; Home Record. 1-0. Away Record. 1-0 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://mcneesesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/florida-state-university/98",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs Florida State University from Nov 12, 2006",
"snippet": "The official McNeese State University Cowboys & Cowgirls Men's Basketball History vs Florida State University."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2377/mcneese-cowboys",
"title": "McNeese Cowboys Scores, Stats and Highlights - ESPN",
"snippet": "Visit ESPN for McNeese Cowboys live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E98JSpY_YRA",
"title": "Florida 49 McNeese 7 Game Review - YouTube",
"snippet": "LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! The Florida Gators dominated McNeese in the 2023 home opener, winning 49-7. The run game and defense both had ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 37
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Illinois vs Houston basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-houston/63",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Houston - Fighting Illini",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Houston from Dec 9, 1967 - Mar 20, 2022. Last Matchup. Mar. 20,2022. 53. University of Illinois."
},
{
"url": "https://uhcougars.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/eastern-illinois-espn3/230",
"title": "University of Houston Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Eastern ...",
"snippet": "Recent Results ; Feb. 28. Final, Win · Men's Basketball. 102 ; Feb. 23. Final, Loss · Men's Basketball. 56 ; Feb. 21. Final, Loss · Men's Basketball. 66 ; Feb. 16."
},
{
"url": "https://www.flashscore.com/match/basketball/houston-cougars-KlDxX83M/illinois-fighting-illini-UXswRQed/",
"title": "Illinois v Houston results, stats | Basketball - Flashscore.com",
"snippet": "Follow Illinois v Houston (basketball) results, h2h statistics, latest results, news and more information on Flashscore."
},
{
"url": "https://livescores.biz/basketball/h2h/houston-cougars-5-vs-illinois-fighting-illini-3",
"title": "Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston Cougars head to head - livescores.biz",
"snippet": "Illinois Fighting Illini. 53 - 68. 20.03.2022. Houston Cougars · Make a bet · View match >>>. Head to head record history."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osenf_enMZg",
"title": "Second Round NCAA tournament extended highlights - YouTube",
"snippet": "Houston pulled away late to defeat Illinois in the second round of the 2022 NCAA tournament ... Houston vs. Illinois - Second Round NCAA ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 38
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan vs Akron basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://gozips.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/western-michigan/36",
"title": "University of Akron Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Western ...",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; First Matchup. L 52-68. 1/25/2003 ; Last 10 Matchups. 8-2. 1/23/2021 - 2/17/2026 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 69-36. 1/27/2007."
},
{
"url": "https://mgoblue.com/sports/womens-basketball/opponent-history/akron/518",
"title": "University of Michigan Athletics Women's Basketball History vs ...",
"snippet": "Women's Basketball History vs University of Akron from November 10, 2007 - December 13, 2025. Last Matchup. 12/13/2025. 85. Team Logo. vs. Opponent Logo."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aiscore.com/head-to-head/basketball/akron-vs-central-michigan",
"title": "Central Michigan vs Akron Basketball Head To Head, Score, Record",
"snippet": "The Teams Central Michigan and Akron played 13 Games since 2017. Among them, Central Michigan won 1 games (PPG 66.9, OPP PPG 75.6), Akron won 12 (PPG 75.6, OPP ..."
},
{
"url": "https://emueagles.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/akron/4",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Akron from February 3, 1968",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; Saturday, January 4, 2019-20. Home. Convocation Center. L45-69. Links ; Tuesday, January 15, 2018-19. Away. Akron, Ohio. L49-51. Links."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401814552/akron-e-michigan",
"title": "Akron 66-64 Eastern Michigan (Feb 3, 2026) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Game summary of the Akron Zips vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles NCAAM game, final score 66-64, from February 3, 2026 on ESPN."
}
]
}assistantMessage 39
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU vs Iowa State basketball recent history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://cyclones.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/southern-methodist-university/89",
"title": "Iowa State Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Southern Methodist ...",
"snippet": "Recent Results ; Mar 2 · 57. #2 Arizona ; Feb 28 · 73. #16 Texas Tech ; Feb 24 · 75. Utah ; Feb 21 · 69. #23 BYU ; Feb 16 · 70. #2 Houston."
},
{
"url": "https://smumustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history",
"title": "Men's Basketball History - SMU Athletics",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History ; 2019 - 2019, 1, 1-0, 100% ; 2024 - 2024, 1, 1-0, 100% ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-methodist/men/head-to-head.html",
"title": "SMU Men's Basketball Head-to-Head Results - Sports-Reference.com",
"snippet": "SMU Men's Basketball Head-to-Head Results. Location: Dallas, Texas. Coverage: 110 seasons (1916-17 to 2025-26). Record (since 1916-17): 1474-1310 .529 W-L%."
},
{
"url": "https://cyclones.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history",
"title": "Men's Basketball History - Iowa State Athletics",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History · Abilene Christian University · Air Force · Alabama A&M University · Alabama State University · Alcorn State University · American-Puerto ..."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMU_Mustangs_men%27s_basketball",
"title": "SMU Mustangs men's basketball - Wikipedia",
"snippet": "SMU finished the 2016–17 season with a 30–5 record, and won their second conference title in three years. They set the school record for single season wins, and ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 40
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMLet me get more specific information about the current teams and their performance this season.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke basketball 2024-25 season stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/150/duke-blue-devils",
"title": "Duke Blue Devils 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "GP · MIN · PTS · REB · AST · STL · BLK · TO · FG% · FT% · 3P%. 34, 33.0, 22.5, 10.2, 4.2, 1.5, 0.5, 2.3, 56.5, 77.5, 40.9. 34, 27.9, 14.9, 3.1, 1.4, 0.8 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://goduke.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - Duke Athletics",
"snippet": "Duke University Athletics · Quick Links · Upcoming Events · Recent Results · 2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics · Duke information."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Duke_Blue_Devils_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2024–25 Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team - Wikipedia",
"snippet": "The Blue Devils won the closest rivalry game of the season 74–71. In the Final, they defeated second seed and thirteenth-ranked Louisville 73–62 to win their ..."
},
{
"url": "https://theacc.com/teamstats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2024&school=duke",
"title": "2024-2025 Duke Men's Basketball - Overall Team Stats",
"snippet": "The official 2024-2025 Duke Men's Basketball team stats for Atlantic Coast Conference."
},
{
"url": "https://ncsportsnetwork.com/duke-basketball-2024-25-season-overview-10-year-snapshot/",
"title": "Duke Basketball: 2024-25 Season Overview, 10-Year Snapshot",
"snippet": "2024-25 Duke Blue Devils (18-2, 10-0 ACC; through Jan. 31). STARTERS (stats = 2024-25 numbers). G Sion James, Gr. (6-6/220) — 2024 Tulane transfer (4-year ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 41
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kansas basketball 2024-25 season stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/kansas/men/2025.html",
"title": "2024-25 Kansas Jayhawks Men's Roster and Stats",
"snippet": "2024-25 Kansas Jayhawks Men's Roster and Stats ; Record: 21-13 (11-9, 6th in Big 12 MBB) ; Coach: Bill Self ; PS/G: 76.1 (113th of 364) ; PA/G: 69.6 (91st of 364)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/2305/kansas-jayhawks",
"title": "Kansas Jayhawks 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats",
"snippet": "GP · MIN · PTS · REB · AST · STL · BLK · TO · FG% · FT% · 3P%. 22, 28.4, 19.8, 4.4, 1.7, 1.5, 0.5, 1.5, 44.2, 82.5, 38.4. 33, 31.4, 13.8, 6.7, 1.8, 0.6, 0.4 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics",
"snippet": "University of Kansas Athletics ; Feb 2 · 64. at #13 Texas Tech ; Feb 7 · 71. vs Utah ; Feb 9 · 82. vs #1 Arizona ; Feb 14 · 56. at #5 Iowa State ; Feb 18 · 81. at ..."
},
{
"url": "https://big12sports.com/teamstats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2024&school=kansas",
"title": "2024-2025 Kansas Men's Basketball - Overall Team Stats",
"snippet": "The official 2024-2025 Kansas Men's Basketball team stats for Big 12 Conference."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Kansas_Jayhawks_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2024–25 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team",
"snippet": "Big 12 Conference · 21–13 (11–9 Big 12) · Bill Self (22nd season) · Jeremy Case (4th season); Norm Roberts (14th season); Kurtis Townsend (21st season) ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 42
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMLet me check a few more key matchups to make informed decisions.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn basketball 2024-25 season stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2025.html",
"title": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats",
"snippet": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats ; Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East MBB) ; Coach: Dan Hurley ; PS/G: 77.0 (91st of 364) ; PA/G: 68.0 (56th of 364)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/41/uconn-huskies",
"title": "UConn Huskies 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats",
"snippet": "GP · MIN · PTS · REB · AST · STL · BLK · TO · FG% · FT% · 3P%. 29, 26.2, 13.7, 8.1, 2.3, 0.9, 2.1, 1.9, 62.5, 56.1, 0.0. 33, 29.1, 13.5, 3.3, 1.6, 0.4, 0.2 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25?path=wbball",
"title": "2024-25 Women's Basketball Cumulative Statistics",
"snippet": "05, Bueckers, Paige, 38, 38, 1146, 30.2, 287, 537 .534, 70, 167 .419, 112, 126 .889, 756, 19.9, 30, 138, 168, 4.4, 42, 176, 50, 81, 29."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_UConn_Huskies_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2024–25 UConn Huskies men's basketball team",
"snippet": "2024–25 UConn Huskies men's basketball team ; Conference, Big East Conference ; Record, 24–11 (14–6 Big East) ; Head coach. Dan Hurley (7th season) ; Associate head ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2025-schedule.html",
"title": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Schedule and Results",
"snippet": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Schedule and Results ; Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East MBB) ; Coach: Dan Hurley ; PS/G: 77.0 (91st of 364) ; PA/G: 68.0 (56th of ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 43
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Purdue basketball 2024-25 season stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/2509/purdue-boilermakers",
"title": "Purdue Boilermakers 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "Visit ESPN for Purdue Boilermakers live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule."
},
{
"url": "https://purduesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/season/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Roster Cumulative Statistics",
"snippet": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Roster Cumulative Statistics ; FG: Per Game, 27.4, 25.4 ; 3PT: Made-Attempted, 297 - 778, 269 - 863 ; 3PT: Percentage, 0.382, 0.312 ; 3PT: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Purdue_Boilermakers_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2024–25 Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team - Wikipedia",
"snippet": "Purdue finished their regular season in a three-way tie for fourth place in the Big Ten conference. The team finished the season 24–12, 13–7 in Big Ten play."
},
{
"url": "https://herhoopstats.com/stats/ncaa/team/2025/natl/purdue-boilermakers-womens-basketball-stats-11e8e149-ca76-7818-af82-12df17ae4e1e/",
"title": "Purdue Boilermakers | 2024-25 National | Statistics, Ranks, Game ...",
"snippet": "Purdue Boilermakers - 2025 - Traditional and Advanced Statistics, Schedule, Rosters, Game Logs, Team Comparisons, and more from Her Hoop Stats ..."
},
{
"url": "https://gliac.org/teamstats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2024&school=pnw&conf=true",
"title": "2024-2025 Purdue Northwest Men's Basketball - Conference Team ...",
"snippet": "The official 2024-2025 Purdue Northwest Men's Basketball team stats for Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference."
}
]
}assistantMessage 44
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston basketball 2024-25 season stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://uhcougars.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - Texas Tech Athletics",
"snippet": "University of Houston Athletics. 2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics. 2024-25. 2025-26; 2024-25; 2023-24; 2022-23; 2021-22; 2020-21; 2019-20; 2018-19."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/248/houston-cougars",
"title": "Houston Cougars 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "GP · MIN · PTS · REB · AST · STL · BLK · TO · FG% · FT% · 3P%. 34, 31.7, 16.4, 3.9, 5.3, 1.6, 0.3, 1.9, 47.5, 83.9, 39.2. 34, 29.5, 15.3, 2.9, 1.8, 1.2, 0.1 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_Houston_Cougars_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2024–25 Houston Cougars men's basketball team - Wikipedia",
"snippet": "2024–25 Houston Cougars men's basketball team ; 35–5 (19–1 Big 12) · Kelvin Sampson (11th season) · Quannas White · K.C. Beard; Hollis Price · Kellen Sampson."
},
{
"url": "https://big12sports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=4958",
"title": "2024-25 Houston Men's Basketball - Schedule - Big 12 Conference",
"snippet": "Date, Opponent, *, Location, Time/Result. 11/4/2024, Jackson State, Houston, Texas, W 97-40. 11/9/2024, vs. Auburn, Houston, Texas / Toyota Center, L 69-74."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/houston-cougars-team-stats?category=advanced&sort=gp&season=2024&seasonType=reg&sortOrder=desc",
"title": "houston cougars 2024 advanced stats - games - FOX Sports",
"snippet": "2024-25 ; 1. Joseph Tugler · 34 ; 2. L.J. Cryer · 34 ; 3. Milos Uzan · 34 ; 4. Mylik Wilson · 34 ; 5. Terrance Arceneaux · 34."
}
]
}assistantMessage 45
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PMBased on my research, I'll now make my Sweet 16 picks:
1. Duke vs Kansas: Kansas has historically dominated this matchup recently, winning 6 of the last 8 games including in 2024. However, Duke has been strong this season.
2. Michigan State vs UConn: UConn has been dominant defensively and has championship experience under Dan Hurley.
3. Arizona vs Arkansas: Arkansas leads the all-time series 6-2, giving them a psychological edge.
4. Gonzaga vs Purdue: Purdue has won all recent matchups against Gonzaga, including a victory in March 2024.
5. Florida vs McNeese: Florida is a traditional powerhouse facing a mid-major team they've dominated historically.
6. Illinois vs Houston: Houston has been exceptional this season (35-5 record) and defeated Illinois in their last meeting in 2022.
7. Michigan vs Akron: Michigan is the clear favorite as a major program against a mid-major opponent.
8. SMU vs Iowa State: Iowa State has more tournament experience and depth.
Let me submit my picks:
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "s16-east-1",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-east-2",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-west-1",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-west-2",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-south-1",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-south-2",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-midwest-2",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 46
Mar 18, 2026, 8:20 PM## Round 4 of 6: Elite 8
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → south-florida-bulls
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → troy-trojans
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → texas-am-aggies
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → akron-zips
Round of 64: game-28 → hofstra-pride
Round of 64: game-29 → smu-mustangs
Round of 64: game-30 → wright-state-raiders
Round of 64: game-31 → santa-clara-broncos
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → akron-zips
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → smu-mustangs
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → kansas-jayhawks
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arkansas-razorbacks
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → florida-gators
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
e8-east-1: kansas-jayhawks vs uconn-huskies
e8-west-1: arkansas-razorbacks vs purdue-boilermakers
e8-south-1: florida-gators vs houston-cougars
e8-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 4 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 47
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMI'll research the Elite 8 matchups to make informed picks. Let me start by gathering information about each matchup.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kansas Jayhawks vs UConn Huskies Elite 8 matchup analysis"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arkansas Razorbacks vs Purdue Boilermakers Elite 8 matchup analysis"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Houston Cougars Elite 8 matchup analysis"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa State Cyclones Elite 8 matchup analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://balldurham.com/potential-elite-eight-matchup-for-duke-and-jon-scheyer-is-already-terrifying-on-paper",
"title": "Potential Elite Eight matchup for Duke and Jon Scheyer is already ...",
"snippet": "The Blue Devils could have a rematch from the regular season in the Sweet 16 if the Kansas Jayhawks make their way through the tournament, and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/three-takeaways-from-kansas-basketball-ugly-loss-to-uconn",
"title": "Three Takeaways From Kansas Basketball's Ugly Loss to UConn",
"snippet": "The Jayhawks shot just 18-for-51 from the field (35.3%) and made only one 3-pointer after halftime while turning the ball over 10 times. Through ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkfK9XftNls",
"title": "REACTION to UConn's COMEBACK win at Kansas! | AFTER DARK",
"snippet": "... first 2025 Final Four matchup while UConn vs. Purdue is the second 2025 Final Four game. Can Purdue or UConn win a national title in 2025?"
},
{
"url": "https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article313332483.html",
"title": "KU basketball takeaways from loss vs. No. 5 UConn Huskies",
"snippet": "No. 5 UConn defeated No. 21 Kansas 61-56 on Tuesday. The Jayhawks had a chance to tie the score late, trailing 59-56 with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/full-guide-to-uconn-vs-kansas-where-when-tv-streaming-starting-lineups-basketball",
"title": "Full Guide to UConn vs. Kansas Where, When, TV, Streaming ...",
"snippet": "This matchup has the feel of an instant classic. Kansas briefly fell out of the Top 25, but this remains a dangerous and well-rounded team, ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.hammerandrails.com/mens-basketball/58933/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview",
"title": "How The West Will Be Won | Hammer and Rails",
"snippet": "Should the seeds hold and Purdue reaches the Elite Eight against them it will be a very difficult matchup. First Round Quick Picks: Arizona ..."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/longformarticle/arkansas-basketball-purdue-matchup-preview-tale-of-the-tape-218897425/",
"title": "Tale of the Tape: No. 14 Arkansas vs. No. 3 Purdue - 247 Sports",
"snippet": "Musselman wants to play fast. Look for the Razorbacks to push the pace at every opportunity. Purdue prefers a much more deliberate attack."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/popescats/posts/25451087034566876/",
"title": "Team's potential in tournament depends on matchups - Facebook",
"snippet": "We really beat 3 conference champions (Purdue, St. John's, Arkansas). This team can go far in the tourney. All depends on matchups. · Jeff Griggs ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/purdue/basketball/predicting-purdue-path-2026-final-four-indianapolis-college-basketball",
"title": "Predicting Purdue's Path to the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis",
"snippet": "Elite Eight. No. 2 Purdue def. No. 1 Arizona. Get top Boilermakers stories, expert analysis, and can't-miss moments ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.bestofarkansassports.com/arkansas-basketball-zach-edey-arkansas-vs-purdue-exhibition-preview/",
"title": "Arkansas vs Purdue: Musselman to Pull Out All Stops for ...",
"snippet": "Eric Musselman has his hands full game planning for Purdue All-American Zach Edey. Expect Arkansas to go with a couple unusual options."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0l5IeD4r0g",
"title": "Houston will exact revenge on Florida in Elite 8 - YouTube",
"snippet": "... and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long. ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW We're also the home for Inside ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espn-analyst-predicts-ncaa-tournament-183643196.html",
"title": "ESPN Analyst Predicts NCAA Tournament South Region",
"snippet": "ESPN's Jeff Borzello made his predictions for this region, and he did have Florida knocking off Houston in the Elite Eight by one point."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZm0MamVc1s",
"title": "Analysis of the NCAA championship matchup between Florida and ...",
"snippet": "On Monday, Florida and Houston will face off in San Antonio for the men's NCAA championship game, bringing March Madness to an end."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44564541/march-madness-2025-final-four-national-championship-game-preview-predictions-florida-houston",
"title": "Men's 2025 national championship game preview: Keys for Houston ...",
"snippet": "Florida and Houston were strong during the regular season. Both dominated their conference tournaments. Both are 1-seeds. And both defeated ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.onlygators.com/04/07/2025/florida-vs-houston-2025-national-championship-preview-prediction-pick-where-to-watch-odds-line/",
"title": "Florida vs. Houston, 2025 national championship preview",
"snippet": "Game notes » Florida is 0-2 all-time against Houston with the programs not meeting since the 1973-74 season. » The Gators are 50-20 all-time in ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/michigan/basketball/predicting-michigan-wolverines-ncaa-tournament-path",
"title": "Predicting Michigan's Full NCAA Tournament Path: How Each Game ...",
"snippet": "Elite 8. No. 2 Iowa State and No. 3 Virginia will be the favorites to get out of the bottom of the region. The Cyclones have a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504902.html",
"title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
"snippet": "Michigan opened as the early favorite after the selection show, but is now firmly the No. 2 favorite behind Duke. Iowa State's odds have ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hoopshq.com/bracketology/midwest-regional-analysis-2026",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Midwest Preview: Can Anyone Beat Michigan?",
"snippet": "Iowa State over Michigan in the Elite Eight. This is a bet on continuity, culture and experience. Two of Iowa State's key players (Lipsey and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/midwest-region-odds-picks-predictions",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region Odds, Picks and Predictions",
"snippet": "Michigan hasn't been the same without him, and will face a major challenge from No. 2 Iowa State if both reach the Elite Eight. Here's a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217204/march-madness-bracket-predictions-picks-ncaa-tournament-final-four-2026",
"title": "Instant men's March Madness bracket: Predicting every game - ESPN",
"snippet": "But taking a step back, this region sets up really well for Michigan and Iowa State to battle in the Elite Eight for a trip to Indianapolis."
}
]
}assistantMessage 48
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMLet me get more specific information about each matchup to make better decisions.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article313332483.html"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/ku-basketball-news/article313361887.html)[Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/ku-basketball-news/article313361887.html&text=Bill%20Self%20says%20late-game%20breakdowns%20cost%20Kansas%20in%20UConn%20loss)[Share by Email](mailto:?subject=Bill%20Self%20says%20late-game%20breakdowns%20cost%20Kansas%20in%20UConn%20loss&body=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/ku-basketball-news/article313361887.html)\n\nCOPY LINK\n\nKansas coach Bill Self said the Jayhawks’ loss to UConn came down to missed chances, poor possessions and an empty final minute in a tight game at Allen Fieldhouse. By Monty Davis\\| Video elephant\n\nKey Takeaways\n\nKey Takeaways\n\nAI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.\n\n[Read our AI Policy.](https://www.kansascity.com/article280707640.html)\n\n* * *\n\n- UConn beat No. 21 Kansas 61-56 at Allen Fieldhouse despite intense environment.\n- Bench guards McDowell and Jackson delivered instant offense and lifted KU.\n- KU offense stalled without Darryn Peterson; team must create half-court scoring.\n\nLAWRENCE\n\nThe decibel reader inside Allen Fieldhouse read 119.2.\n\nThe packed crowd inside Kansas basketball’s home venue gave the Jayhawks every advantage possible — from explicit chants toward UConn coach Dan Hurley to barking whenever KU guard Melvin Council had the ball.\n\nIt wasn’t enough. In a game that felt like a March Madness contest, Kansas fell just short.\n\nNo. 5 UConn defeated No. 21 Kansas 61-56 on Tuesday.\n\nThe Jayhawks had a chance to tie the score late, trailing 59-56 with 23.2 seconds left. But Jamari McDowell elected to go for a layup and was blocked by UConn forward Alex Karaban. After a quick KU foul, the Huskies sealed the game when Braylon Mullins hit both free throws.\n\nCoach Bill Self said postgame that the first look on the play was for a 3, but that if it wasn’t there McDowell should drive to the basket.\n\n“We didn’t have a lot of options, and we didn’t run it great,” Self said. “... He did what I asked him to do, it was just ... a really good defensive play.”\n\nTuesday night’s contest was a low-scoring defensive slugfest. Lead guard Melvin Council led KU in scoring with 12 points, adding three assists. Forward Flory Bidunga posted 11 points and 12 rebounds.\n\nThe Jayhawks (6-3) suffered their first ever loss to the Huskies — they’re 4-1 in the all-time series.\n\n UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley screams toward the referees in the first half of the game vs. the Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Allen Fieldhouse. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com\n\nKansas played Tuesday [without freshman phenom Darryn Peterson](https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article313346783.html) (hamstring strain), while UConn didn’t have leading scorer Tarris Reed Jr.\n\nFor the second straight game, redshirt-sophomore guard Jamari McDowell joined the starting lineup, replacing usual starter Kohl Rosario.\n\nThe first half was a back-and-forth affair. Kansas led 33-29 at the half, thanks to 10 points off the bench (eight from Elmarko Jackson). UConn finally regained the lead when Karaban hit a layup to put the Huskies up 45-44 with 10:47 left.\n\nThe Jayhawks never led again, but they did briefly roar back with a 5-0 run to cut the margin to 55-54 with 4:37 to play.\n\n**Up next for KU:** The Jayhawks travel to Kansas City to play rival Missouri on Sunday.\n\n_Until then, here are three takeaways from Tuesday’s game:_\n\n## Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell are trending "
}assistantMessage 49
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMLet me check more information about the other matchups.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/longformarticle/arkansas-basketball-purdue-matchup-preview-tale-of-the-tape-218897425/"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[JoinGet ready for the madness: Enter a bracket, win big!](https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket?ftag=CBS-16-10aed5d)\n\n- [](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/article/darius-acuff-ap-first-team-all-american-arkansas-razorbacks-basketball--278032069/)\n\n**Trending** [Darius Acuff becomes second Razorback ever to earn AP First Team All-American nod](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/article/darius-acuff-ap-first-team-all-american-arkansas-razorbacks-basketball--278032069/)\n\n- [](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/UserSubscription/New/?promo=RECIRCULATOR)\n\n**Join** [SALE! 50% Off HawgSports.com Annual VIP Membership today!](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/UserSubscription/New/?promo=RECIRCULATOR)\n\n\n247Sports Video Player\n\n247Sports Embed Resource\n\n247 LogoDot Loader\n\nArkansas basketball will host Purdue in one of the premier preseason matchups in the country Saturday at 3 p.m. (CT) in Fayetteville (Ark.) for a charity exhibition with proceeds going towards tornado relief efforts in the Natural State. The game can be streamed on SEC Network Plus.\n\nThe top-15 tilt between the Razorbacks and Boilermakers is far from the typical dress rehearsal, and that will be made abundantly clear when the two highly-regarded squads hit the hardwood in front of what is expected to be a sellout at Bud Walton Arena.\n\nIt will also be a heavyweight bout on the sidelines as Arkansas' **[Eric Musselman](https://247sports.com/Coach/eric-musselman-2635)** and Purdue's **[Matt Painter](https://247sports.com/Coach/matt-painter-1722)** are two of just eight coaches in the country who have averaged over 25 wins per season over the last eight years.\n\n\"Coach **[Todd Lee](https://247sports.com/Player/todd-lee-56297)** had been talking to the Purdue staff, and then Coach Painter and I have a relationship just through the Nike coaches’ things that we’ve done,\" said Musselman. \"From afar, I’ve always had great respect for how hard his teams play and how well coached they are from an execution standpoint.\n\n\"To be able to play a team that has a chance to win a national championship certainly makes this game way more meaningful and way more special than just a normal exhibition game when you look at lessons that can be learned once this game is over.\"\n\nHere's a full preview of Saturday's exhibition, including lineup projections, matchup musings, game notes, five things to watch and more:\n\nTo read this full article and more, [subscribe now —](https://secure.247sports.com/college/arkansas/join/?promo=vipgateHLBARRIER)\n\n## SALE:50% off first year\n\nGet access to this article and all of the in-depth coverage from the 247Sports Network with this special offer.\n\n[Join Today](https://secure.247sports.com/college/arkansas/join/?promo=vipgateVIPBARRIER)\n\nAlready a subscriber? [Login](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/login/)\n\n[247Sports Logo](https://247sports.com/)\n\nPORTLAND — **[Arkansas](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/)** basketball is gearing up for its second NCAA Tournament under head coach **[John Calipari](https://247sports.com/Coach/john-calipari-189/)**. The Hogs [earned the No. 4 seed in the West Region](https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/article/arkansas-razorbacks-basketball-ncaa-tournament-selection-sunday-277799748/) and will face the 13th-seeded **[Hawaii](https://247sports.com/college/hawaii/)** in the Round of 64 in **[Portland](https://247sports.com/college/portland/)** (Ore.) on Thursday. Tip-off time is set for 3:25 p.m. (CDT), and TBS will have television coverage of the game.\n\nThe Razorbacks enter this year's Round of 64 after claiming the program's first SEC Championship s"
}assistantMessage 50
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMLet me search for more recent information about these Elite 8 matchups.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Houston Cougars 2025 Elite 8 preview stats"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401746082",
"title": "Florida 65-63 Houston (Apr 7, 2025) Box Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Box score for the Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars NCAAM game from April 7, 2025 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2025-ncaa-basketball-championship-game-florida-vs-houston-matchup-set-as-march-madness-concludes/",
"title": "2025 NCAA basketball championship game: Florida vs. Houston ...",
"snippet": "The Cougars have opened as a 1-point favorite in the game against the Gators, which will take place Monday night at 8:50 p.m. ET on CBS (stream ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/matchup?gameId=401746082",
"title": "Florida 65-63 Houston (Apr 7, 2025) Game Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "FG, 21-53, 24-69. Field Goal %, 40, 35. 3PT, 6-24, 6-25. Three Point %, 25, 24. FT, 17-21, 9-14. Free Throw %, 81, 64."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGQonYgocj4",
"title": "Who has the edge between Florida and Houston?? | AFTER DARK",
"snippet": "North Carolina is the first 2025 Final Four matchup while UConn vs. ... CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEW: Who has the edge between Florida and Houston??"
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2025-04-07/houston-cougars-vs-florida-gators-game-highlights-202521574",
"title": "Houston Cougars vs. Florida Gators: Game Highlights - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "Full Video Recaps.. (893 Videos) ; 3:12 · Houston Cougars vs. Florida Gators: Game Highlights. April 7, 2025 ; 2:57 · Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 51
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMLet me check the Michigan vs Iowa State matchup as well.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa State Cyclones 2025 Elite 8 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/michigan/basketball/predicting-michigan-wolverines-ncaa-tournament-path",
"title": "Predicting Michigan's Full NCAA Tournament Path: How Each Game ...",
"snippet": "Elite 8. No. 2 Iowa State and No. 3 Virginia will be the favorites to get out of the bottom of the region. The Cyclones have a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504385.html",
"title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
"snippet": "Michigan opened as the early favorite after the selection show, but is now firmly the No. 2 favorite behind Duke. Iowa State's odds have ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/latest-news/breaking-down-if-iowa-state-basketball-can-win-midwest-region",
"title": "Breaking Down if Iowa State Basketball Can Win Midwest Region",
"snippet": "... Cyclones have to like what they see. In terms of their road to a potential Elite 8 for a spot in the Final Four, the path seems favorable."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svOBiaC7yoI",
"title": "Iowa State can upset Michigan and make a Final Four run - YouTube",
"snippet": "That could be a classic Elite 8 game. 17:50 · Go to channel CBS ... Iowa State vs. Tennessee State NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ..."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/iowa-state-2025-football-schedule-season-prediction",
"title": "Iowa State 2025 Football Schedule: Best & Worst Scenarios, Season ...",
"snippet": "Iowa State football schedule 2025: Season prediction, the good and the bad, best and worst scenarios. Author: Pete Fiutak. Publish date: Aug 8, 2025."
}
]
}assistantMessage 52
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMLet me look up the specific team information to confirm the correct team IDs.
Tool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "kansas"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "kansas-jayhawks",
"name": "kansas jayhawks",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
},
{
"id": "arkansas-razorbacks",
"name": "arkansas razorbacks",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 53
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "uconn"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "uconn-huskies",
"name": "uconn huskies",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 54
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "arkansas"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "arkansas-razorbacks",
"name": "arkansas razorbacks",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 55
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "purdue"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "purdue-boilermakers",
"name": "purdue boilermakers",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 56
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "florida"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "florida-gators",
"name": "florida gators",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 57
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "houston"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "houston-cougars",
"name": "houston cougars",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 58
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "michigan"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "michigan-wolverines",
"name": "michigan wolverines",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 59
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMTool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "iowa state"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "iowa-state-cyclones",
"name": "iowa state cyclones",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 60
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PMBased on my research, I'll now make my Elite 8 picks:
1. For Kansas vs UConn: The search results show UConn recently defeated Kansas 61-56, with Kansas struggling offensively (making only one 3-pointer after halftime). UConn appears to have the edge.
2. For Arkansas vs Purdue: This is a tough matchup, but Purdue has Zach Edey who presents matchup problems for most teams. However, Arkansas plays at a faster pace which could be challenging for Purdue's more deliberate style. Given the information available, I'll go with Purdue's experience and size advantage.
3. For Florida vs Houston: The search results indicate this was actually the championship game with Florida winning 65-63. Since Florida won that matchup, I'll pick Florida.
4. For Michigan vs Iowa State: The search results suggest Iowa State has good odds and continuity/experience on their side. I'll go with Iowa State based on the analysis that favors their experience.
Now I'll submit my picks:
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "e8-east-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-west-1",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-south-1",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 61
Mar 18, 2026, 8:21 PM## Round 5 of 6: Final Four
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → south-florida-bulls
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → troy-trojans
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → texas-am-aggies
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → akron-zips
Round of 64: game-28 → hofstra-pride
Round of 64: game-29 → smu-mustangs
Round of 64: game-30 → wright-state-raiders
Round of 64: game-31 → santa-clara-broncos
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → akron-zips
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → smu-mustangs
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → kansas-jayhawks
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arkansas-razorbacks
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → florida-gators
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → iowa-state-cyclones
Elite 8: e8-east-1 → uconn-huskies
Elite 8: e8-west-1 → purdue-boilermakers
Elite 8: e8-south-1 → florida-gators
Elite 8: e8-midwest-1 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
ff-1: uconn-huskies vs purdue-boilermakers
ff-2: florida-gators vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 2 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 62
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Purdue Boilermakers Final Four matchup analysis"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Iowa State Cyclones Final Four matchup analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-04-07/redemption-or-domination-different-paths-purdue-and-uconn-took-meet-title",
"title": "Redemption or domination — the different paths Purdue and UConn ...",
"snippet": "Purdue went first, grinding its way past NC State 63-50 even when the shots didn't fall and the turnover total edged into the red zone and the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/uconn-vs-purdue-national-championship-game-gives-us-incredibly-rare-finale-guaranteed-to-be-legendary/",
"title": "UConn vs. Purdue national championship game gives us incredibly ...",
"snippet": "Of note: UConn is undefeated in Final Four/title games. It enters Monday night's heavyweight fight 11-0 on the sport's biggest stage ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/uconn-vs-purdue-live-score-game-news-odds-highlights-for-2024-ncaa-mens-basketball-national-championship",
"title": "UCONN 75 vs. Purdue 60 Final: Recap, Highlights, Stats ...",
"snippet": "1. UConn to win by 6-10 points (+320) · 2. Purdue first to score 5 points (+105) · 3. Purdue first to score 10 points (+115) · 4. Will the game go ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6F9Kp7jxCs",
"title": "2024 Final Four Recap: Purdue, UConn move on to set up an EPIC ...",
"snippet": "Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish recap the Final Four games. 00:00 - Start 01:17 - Purdue wasn't great but still won. 13:29 - UConn STILL ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/uconn-purdue-ncaa-championship-clingan-edey-19389202.php",
"title": "NCAA title game pits UConn vs. Purdue, college basketball's best.",
"snippet": "The Huskies are 36-3, the Boilermakers 34-4. There's no upstart San Diego State standing in the way as the final obstacle this time around ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.outkick.com/sports/outkicks-2026-ncaa-tournament-breakdown-south-midwest-regions",
"title": "OutKick's 2026 NCAA Tournament Breakdown: South And Midwest ...",
"snippet": "1 Seed – Florida Gators (26-7). Why they can make a run to the Final Four: The Florida Gators have the best frontcourt in the nation and, with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/CycloneFanatic/videos/cf-after-dark-bracketology-iowa-states-matchup-breakdown/2022286585094716/",
"title": "CF After Dark Bracketology: Iowa State's Matchup Breakdown",
"snippet": "... Dark Bracketology: Iowa State's Matchup Breakdown. Sarah Hanson and 48 others · . 49 · 8 · 1. Last viewed on: Mar 16, 2026."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPqd3f3WpZc",
"title": "The Florida Gators have the toughest road to the Final Four out of ...",
"snippet": "... and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long. ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW We're also the home for Inside ..."
},
{
"url": "https://lawlessrepublic.com/march-madness-bracket-bolster-thoughts-and-picks-for-every-round-of-64-matchup",
"title": "March Madness Bracket Bolster: Thoughts and picks for every ...",
"snippet": "Iowa State could very well reach the Final Four practically on accident in their section of the bracket, and TJ Otzelberger's team is as good as ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaGatorNation/posts/25638338515843586/",
"title": "Top seeds face challenges in games - Facebook",
"snippet": "And the upsets rained its last drop with #3 Michigan going down to Iowa.. As well did #4 Washington and of course #2 Clemson.."
}
]
}assistantMessage 63
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMTool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-04-07/redemption-or-domination-different-paths-purdue-and-uconn-took-meet-title"
}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/uconn-vs-purdue-national-championship-game-gives-us-incredibly-rare-finale-guaranteed-to-be-legendary/"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-04-07/redemption-or-domination-different-paths-purdue-and-uconn-took-meet-title#main-content)\n\nPRESENTED BY\n\n00:00/00:00\n\n\n\nDI Men's Basketball\n\nDonovan Clingan dominates in UConn's Final Four win\n\nDonovan Clingan dominates in UConn's Final Four win\n\nShare\n\n- [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-04-07/redemption-or-domination-different-paths-purdue-and-uconn-took-meet-title \"Share on Facebook\")\n- [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-04-07/redemption-or-domination-different-paths-purdue-and-uconn-took-meet-title \"Share on X\")\n\n**GLENDALE, Ariz.**— The two biggest bullies in this Final Four city, the two juggernauts with glittering numbers and renowned giants and promises to keep, clawed their way through Saturday night and on to the final showdown. The one everyone wanted to see, except for maybe Alabama and North Carolina State.\n\nPurdue went first, grinding its way past NC State 63-50 even when the shots didn’t fall and the turnover total edged into the red zone and the normally steady point guard had a night from Final Four hell. The Boilermakers leaned on one another and found a way.\n\n“That,” Mason Gillis said afterward in the locker room, “was the epitome of us.”\n\nConnecticut came next and while Alabama did not go gently, it ended 86-72, meaning you could throw an 11th consecutive NCAA tournament victory by double digits on the pile. The Huskies are but 40 minutes away from possibly becoming the first repeat champions in 17 years and second in three decades.\n\n“This is why everyone, including me, came to UConn,” said Donovan Clingan, who tormented the Tide with 18 points and four block shots. “To try to be a part of history.”\n\nDonovan Clingan dominates in UConn's Final Four win - YouTube\n\n[Photo image of March Madness](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKjEtnnXEHsXE9IvCb92V7g?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncaa.com%2F)\n\nMarch Madness\n\n666K subscribers\n\n[Donovan Clingan dominates in UConn's Final Four win](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73G4hMFwh14)\n\nMarch Madness\n\nSearch\n\nWatch later\n\nShare\n\nCopy link\n\nInfo\n\nShopping\n\nTap to unmute\n\nIf playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.\n\nMore videos\n\n## More videos\n\nYou're signed out\n\nVideos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.\n\nCancelConfirm\n\nShare\n\nInclude playlist\n\nAn error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later.\n\n[Watch on](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73G4hMFwh14&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncaa.com%2F)\n\n0:00\n\n0:00 / 2:36\n\n•Live\n\n•\n\nSo after five months of winding roads in college basketball, it has come to this in the desert. A classic duel anchored around two towers. On one side, what many consider to be the best team. On the other, who many consider to be the best player. On one side, a defending champion eager to, as its coach has said many times lately, “make history in a place where it’s hard to make history.” On the other side, a program that has waited through 85 years of the NCAA tournament to be the last team standing at the end. Waiting most especially the past 12 months.\n\nMonday night could be a rather remarkable display of déjà vu. Is it really possible that Virginia would be the first No. 1 seed to suffer the indignity of a loss to a No. 16 seed in the first round, then turn it int"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: uconn-vs-purdue-national-championship-game-gives-us-incredibly-rare-finale-guaranteed-to-be-legendary \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/uconn-vs-purdue-national-championship-game-gives-us-incredibly-rare-finale-guaranteed-to-be-legendary/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# UConn vs. Purdue national championship game gives us incredibly rare finale guaranteed to be legendary\n\n## The unstoppable team meets the immovable man, and on Monday night, no matter the champion, college basketball will win big\n\n[](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/matt-norlander/)\n\nBy\n[Matt Norlander](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/matt-norlander/)\n\n\nApr 8, 2024\n\nat\n\n6:08 pm ET\n•\n6 min read\n\n\n\n\nGLENDALE, Ariz. — Not even John Calipari's imminent [sport-quaking move from Kentucky to Arkansas](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/john-calipari-closing-in-on-deal-with-arkansas-ex-kentucky-coach-taking-over-razorbacks-is-imminent/) can truly overtake what an epic night awaits us Monday in the NCAA Tournament championship game. Sure, the buildup to tip-off is going to be overshadowed by one of the more shocking coaching escapes in the history of the sport. I don't deny that at all.\n\nBut Calipari hasn't coached in a Final Four in nine years; Kentucky, of course, hasn't been there in just as long. Arkansas hasn't been to this stage since the 1990s. We've got all week — we've got the whole offseason — to react to that volcano of a story.\n\nThis night is about UConn and Purdue and the biggest item on the sport's menu: a national championship.\n\nWhat a stage that's been set for college basketball. Let's dig into that. Let's live in this space, because who knows how long it will be before we get another title game matchup as terrific as this one. Look at it this way: No matter how we work to an ending Monday, we are guaranteed a legendary finish to this tournament.\n\nThat's not always the case with a national championship game. Each one provides a different flavor, a different reason to watch. But they aren't manifested equally. Here we have something genuinely special, undeniably appealing and a throwback battle between two teams with two behemoths in the middle.\n\nNo. 1 seed UConn vs. No. 1 seed Purdue features a school 55 years removed from its most recent national title game appearance going up against another that is in this game for a second straight season. (And for the sixth time in its history — all since 1999.)\n\nOf note: UConn is undefeated in Final Four/title games. It enters Monday night's heavyweight fight 11-0 on the sport's biggest stage.\n\nConnecticut-Purdue marks the [10th championship affair in history between two top seeds](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-championship-game-uconn-vs-purdue-is-10th-time-no-1-seeds-meet-with-title-on-the-line/). It's only the second one to feature a team looking to repeat as national champion (2007 Florida). It's the first one to feature a back-to-back national player of the year since UCLA's Bill Walton in 1973.\n\nIt's the second ever title game to pit two 7-footers vs. each other. Zach Edey vs. Donovan Clingan. The Big Maple vs. Cling Kong. Come on. How great is this"
}assistantMessage 64
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMTool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview"
}Tool Call: lookup_team
{
"query": "uconn huskies"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Skip to main content\n\nSkip to navigation\n\n\nTop Events\n\nNCAAM\n\nNCAAW\n\nNBA\n\nNHL\n\nPGA Tour\n\nLPGA Tour\n\nTGL\n\nTop Soccer\n\nMLB\n\nWorld Baseball Classic\n\nTennis (M)\n\nTennis (W)\n\nNFL\n\nNASCAR\n\nNCAAF\n\nUFC\n\nNLL (Lacrosse)\n\nPLL (Lacrosse)\n\nF1\n\nMen's NCAA Ice Hockey\n\nWomen's NCAA Ice Hockey\n\nNCAA Softball\n\nNCAA Baseball\n\nMen's NCAA Lacrosse\n\nWomen's NCAA Lacrosse\n\ncustom\n\nUEFA Champions League\n\nWomen's Super League\n\nConcacaf Champions Cup\n\nLiga MX\n\nNCAAM\n\n- [Top Events](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NCAAM](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NCAAW](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NBA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NHL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [PGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [LPGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [TGL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Top Soccer](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [MLB](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [World Baseball Classic](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Tennis (M)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Tennis (W)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NFL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NASCAR](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NCAAF](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [UFC](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [PLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [F1](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Men's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Women's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NCAA Softball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [NCAA Baseball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Men's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [Women's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39782145/florida-gators-iowa-state-cyclones-final-four-preview#)\n- [custom](https://w"
}Tool Result: lookup_team
{
"matches": [
{
"id": "uconn-huskies",
"name": "uconn huskies",
"seed": 0,
"region": ""
}
]
}assistantMessage 65
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Iowa State Cyclones Final Four prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks/89187322007/",
"title": "Final Four picks; 2026 March Madness predictions for NCAA bracket",
"snippet": "The team that plays the best defense in this region will. That's second-seeded Iowa State, which is 12th in points allowed. TJ Otzelberger's ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/latest-news/iowa-state-basketball-predicted-to-make-final-four-in-march-madness",
"title": "Iowa State Basketball Predicted to Make Final Four in March Madness",
"snippet": "Coming off an impressive Big 12 tournament, the Cyclones are certainly a team to keep an eye on in the NCAA tournament and the Midwest region."
},
{
"url": "https://www.gainesville.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2026/03/15/florida-basketball-ncaa-bracket-predictions-gators-can-reach-final-four/88894520007/",
"title": "Can Florida basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket ...",
"snippet": "Can Florida basketball reach NCAA bracket's Final Four? Our 2026 March Madness predictions show how Gators can make run in tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2026/03/15/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-picks-march-madness/88894580007/",
"title": "Final Four picks: March Madness predictions for NCAA bracket",
"snippet": "Who will win 2026 NCAA bracket? Our best men's March Madness, Final Four predictions and picks are in."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-predictions-florida-back-162305540.html",
"title": "March Madness predictions: Can Florida get back to the Final Four?",
"snippet": "Can the Florida Gators get back to the Final Four in this year's edition of March Madness? USA TODAY Sports weighs in."
}
]
}assistantMessage 66
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMTool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "ff-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "ff-2",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 67
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PM## Round 6 of 6: Championship
You have reached the Championship. There is exactly ONE game left.
### Championship Matchup
champ-1: uconn-huskies vs florida-gators
CRITICAL:
- The championship game ID is exactly `champ-1`
- Pick exactly 1 winner from the two team IDs shown above
- Include an integer `tiebreakerScore`
- Do not ask follow-up questions
- If you want research, use `web_search` or `web_fetch`
- There is no `search` tool; use `web_search`
Call `submit_round` now with this shape:
`{"picks":[{"gameId":"champ-1","winnerId":"one-of-the-two-team-ids"}],"tiebreakerScore":148}`
Do not end with prose after the tool call. Your response should end with a `submit_round` tool call.
assistantMessage 68
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMI'll help you submit your Championship pick. Let me first gather some information about the matchup between UConn Huskies and Florida Gators to make an informed decision.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Florida Gators championship matchup analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.hoopshq.com/big-east/uconn-gets-revenge-on-florida-with-thrilling-win-in-jimmy-v-classic",
"title": "UConn Gets Revenge on Florida with Win in Jimmy V Classic",
"snippet": "Behind a balanced attack, the UConn Huskies grabbed a 77-73 victory at Madison Square Garden to improve to 9-1."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401812793",
"title": "UConn 77-73 Florida (Dec 9, 2025) Game Recap",
"snippet": "The Gators held a 55-54 lead after a difficult layup by Haugh with 8:02 left, but Connecticut took the lead for good on the next possession on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/news/2025/12/10/mens-basketball-another-close-but-for-gators-in-loss-to-uconn-dec-9-2025",
"title": "Another \"Close, but ...\" for Gators in loss to UConn",
"snippet": "The Gators beat up the Huskies on the glass, 40-28, including 16-7 on the offensive end, but failed to take advantage with only six second- ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.onlygators.com/12/10/2025/florida-vs-uconn-score-takeaways-no-18-gators-doomed-by-cold-shooting-as-no-5-huskies-prevail/",
"title": "Florida vs. UConn score, takeaways: No. 18 Gators ...",
"snippet": "First half focus: Florida committed three turnovers in the first 5 minutes but overcame its miscues with a 12-0 run to take an 18-11 lead as ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/MarchMadnessMBB/posts/no-5-uconn-outlasts-no-18-florida-the-huskies-dig-deep-for-a-big-win-over-the-de/1249929107170146/",
"title": "NO. 5 UCONN OUTLASTS NO. 18 FLORIDA 😅 The ...",
"snippet": "NO. 5 UCONN OUTLASTS NO. 18 FLORIDA The Huskies dig deep for a big win over the defending champs."
}
]
}assistantMessage 69
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMLet me get more recent information about both teams' performance in the tournament to make a better prediction.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies 2025 NCAA tournament performance"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCVSlzgun0o",
"title": "UConn vs. South Carolina - 2025 NCAA women's national ...",
"snippet": "UConn women's basketball won its first national championship in nine years, defeating South Carolina for the 2025 title."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2026-schedule.html",
"title": "2025-26 UConn Huskies Men's Schedule and Results",
"snippet": "2025-26 UConn Huskies Men's Schedule and Results ; Record: 29-5 (17-3, 2nd in Big East MBB) ; Rank: 6th in the Mar 9th AP Poll ; Coach: Dan Hurley."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_UConn_Huskies_men%27s_basketball_team",
"title": "2025–26 UConn Huskies men's basketball team",
"snippet": "The 2025–26 UConn Huskies men's basketball team represents the University of Connecticut in the 2025–26 NCAA Division I men's basketball season."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the University of Connecticut Huskies. ... Record Book (updated for 2025-26) · 2025-26 Media Supplement ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/womens-college-basketball/2025-ncaa-womens-tournament-highlights-uconn-south-carolina-national-championship-game",
"title": "UConn, Paige Bueckers are national champions",
"snippet": "UConn is back on top of women's basketball, winning its 12th national championship by routing defending champion South Carolina, 82-59, on Sunday."
}
]
}assistantMessage 70
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMLet me search for Florida Gators' tournament performance as well.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators 2025 NCAA tournament performance"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/news/2025/4/7/mens-basketball-national-championship-florida-xx-houston-xx",
"title": "NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Florida 65, Houston 63",
"snippet": "Florida overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half to knock off Houston, 65-63, in front of a sold-out, star-studded and Houston-heavy crowd ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-04-08/floridas-comeback-title-win-encapsulates-2024-25-season-and-journey-nutshell",
"title": "Florida's comeback title win encapsulates 2024-25 season ...",
"snippet": "Florida, who led only 63 seconds all night, came back to beat Houston in the 2025 national championship. And to them, they intended to be in ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401746082",
"title": "Florida 65-63 Houston (Apr 7, 2025) Box Score",
"snippet": "Box score for the Florida Gators vs. Houston Cougars NCAAM game from April 7, 2025 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats."
},
{
"url": "https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/gators/mens-basketball/2025/04/07/mens-march-madness-florida-gators-basketball-2025-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-championship/82984457007/",
"title": "Florida Gators win 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament ...",
"snippet": "The Orange and Blue overcame a 12-point deficit against the Houston Cougars to win the national championship, 65-63, Monday night. Nothing about ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/article/march-madness-florida-gators-walter-162912948.html",
"title": "Florida Gators, Walter Clayton Jr., SEC winners in 2025 ...",
"snippet": "The Florida Gators are the 2025 men's basketball national champions after rallying back to beat the Houston Cougars in the national championship game on Monday."
}
]
}assistantMessage 71
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMI notice there's some conflicting information in the search results. Some results suggest Florida already won the 2025 championship against Houston, but our current matchup is UConn vs Florida in the championship. Let me check for more recent or accurate information about this specific championship game.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Florida Gators 2025 NCAA championship game prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/florida-vs-uconn-prediction-picks-182600930.html",
"title": "Florida vs UConn Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's College ...",
"snippet": "Our Florida vs. UConn picks, odds & expert predictions think points may be hard to come by at Madison Square Garden."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyTtgUxSMU4",
"title": "UConn vs. Florida PREDICTION | 2025-26 SEC Basketball Predictions",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview UConn vs. Florida in the 2025-26 college basketball season and share predictions for this highly ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/florida-vs-uconn-prediction-odds-and-key-players-to-watch-for-tuesday-dec-9",
"title": "Florida vs. UConn Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for ...",
"snippet": "UConn is favored against the Florida Gators, who are off to a 5-3 start a season after they won the national championship. Florida lost a ton of ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-vs-florida-prediction-how-to-watch-odds-channel-dec-9",
"title": "UConn vs. Florida Prediction, How to Watch Jimmy V Classic, Odds ...",
"snippet": "Per the spread and over/under, the implied score for the encounter is Huskies 74, Gators 71. · The Huskies have a 63.9% chance to win this ..."
},
{
"url": "https://pickdawgz.com/college-basketball-picks/florida-vs-uconn-prediction-12-9-2025-todays-college-basketball-picks-2025-12-09/",
"title": "Florida vs UConn Prediction 12/9/2025 Today's College Basketball ...",
"snippet": "The Florida Gators come into this game looking to bounce back from a 67-66 loss at the hands of Duke last time out to sit at 5-3 this season."
}
]
}assistantMessage 72
Mar 18, 2026, 8:22 PMI see that there's some confusion in the search results about whether this is a 2025 or 2026 championship game. However, based on the matchup information provided in the prompt, I need to make a decision between UConn Huskies and Florida Gators for the championship game.
From the earlier search results, I found that UConn previously defeated Florida 77-73 in the Jimmy V Classic. The search results also indicate that UConn is generally favored against Florida, with one source giving them a 63.9% chance to win.
Looking at both teams' profiles:
- UConn has a strong basketball tradition with multiple championships
- Florida appears to be a strong team as well, but lost to UConn in their previous matchup
For the tiebreaker score, I'll calculate a reasonable total score based on their previous game (77-73 = 150 total points) and typical championship game scoring, which might be slightly lower due to defensive intensity.
Let me submit my pick now:
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "champ-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
}
],
"tiebreakerScore": 148
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}Tokens
- Input
- 532948
- Output
- 5910
- Reasoning
- 0