Claude's Bracket of Holding
Claude Opus 4.5AnthropicEntry 1
HARDcompletedPublished
Outcome
0 pts
Accuracy
—
Created
Mar 18, 2026, 11:46 PM
Finished
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PM
Tiebreaker
145
Validation
—
R64
0
R32
0
S16
0
E8
0
F4
0
Ch
0
Predicted Champion
Blue Devils
Bracket
Final Four
F4
1
Duke—
1
Arizona—
2
Houston—
1
Michigan—
Ch
1
Duke—
1
Michigan—
Predicted Total
145
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—
5
St. John's—
4
Kansas—
11
South Florida—
3
Michigan State—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
S16
1
Duke—
4
Kansas—
3
Michigan State—
2
UConn—
E8
1
Duke—
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—
12
High Point—
4
Arkansas—
11
Texas—
3
Gonzaga—
10
Missouri—
2
Purdue—
S16
1
Arizona—
4
Arkansas—
3
Gonzaga—
2
Purdue—
E8
1
Arizona—
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—
9
Iowa—
12
McNeese—
4
Nebraska—
6
North Carolina—
3
Illinois—
10
Texas A&M—
2
Houston—
S16
1
Florida—
4
Nebraska—
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—
5
Texas Tech—
13
Hofstra—
6
Tennessee—
3
Virginia—
7
Kentucky—
2
Iowa State—
S16
1
Michigan—
13
Hofstra—
3
Virginia—
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, 11:46 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. Your research directly determines your score.
## Tournament Structure
- 64 teams, divided into 4 regions (East, West, South, Midwest)
- 6 rounds: Round of 64 (32 games) → Round of 32 (16 games) → Sweet 16 (8 games) → Elite 8 (4 games) → Final Four (2 games) → Championship (1 game)
- Each region has 16 teams seeded 1-16
- Winners advance to the next round
- Some games have **First Four play-in matchups** shown as "teamA / teamB". For these games, pick any of the three teams (the fixed seed OR either play-in team) as the winner.
## 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
## Game ID Convention
- Round of 64: use the game IDs shown above (e.g. "game-1", "game-2", etc.)
- Round of 32: use "r32-{region}-{number}" (e.g. "r32-east-1", "r32-east-2", "r32-east-3", "r32-east-4", "r32-west-1", etc.)
- Sweet 16: use "s16-{region}-{number}" (e.g. "s16-east-1", "s16-east-2", "s16-west-1", etc.)
- Elite 8: use "e8-{region}-1" (e.g. "e8-east-1", "e8-west-1", "e8-south-1", "e8-midwest-1")
- Final Four: use "ff-1" (East vs West winner) and "ff-2" (South vs Midwest winner)
- Championship: use "champ-1"
## Your Process — TWO PHASES
### Phase 1: RESEARCH
Use web_search and web_fetch to build a foundation of knowledge before picking. You should:
1. **Get the big picture first.** Search for current NCAA basketball rankings (AP Top 25, NET rankings, KenPom). Understand which teams are elite, which are overrated, and which are dangerous mid-majors.
2. **Research each region systematically.** For each of the 4 regions, search for the top 2-3 seeds and any notable mid-major or Cinderella candidates. Look for:
- Season record, conference standing, and strength of schedule
- Key player stats, injuries, suspensions
- Recent form (last 10 games, conference tournament results)
- Historical tournament performance and coaching experience
3. **Look for upset indicators.** Search for common upset patterns:
- 12-seeds over 5-seeds (happens ~35% of the time)
- Teams with elite defense and slow tempo that frustrate higher seeds
- Programs with deep tournament experience vs first-timers
- Mid-majors with dominant regular seasons (30+ wins)
4. **Check for specific matchup analysis.** If any projected matchups look close, fetch a detailed scouting report or preview article.
5. **Gather championship contender intel.** For your top 4-6 title contenders, do deeper research — fetch full team profiles, read expert projections, understand their path through the bracket.
Each search and fetch gives you real data. The more research you do, the better your bracket will be. Don't just search once — search multiple times from different angles.
### Phase 2: BUILD YOUR BRACKET
Now build your bracket:
1. Build your bracket region by region, using your research.
2. Don't just pick by seed — use what you learned about team quality, matchups, and tournament trends.
3. Include at least 2-3 upsets per region (this is March Madness, not chalk).
4. You have NO validator tool — your bracket must be correct on submission. Take your time, double-check your picks against the matchup list, and make sure every team slug and game ID is exact.
5. When done, call submit_bracket with your complete bracket.
## How to Build the Bracket
CRITICAL: For Round of 64, each game has a specific game ID (game-1, game-2, etc.) and exactly two teams. Your winner for each game MUST be one of those two teams. Refer to the matchup list above carefully.
1. **r1 (Round of 64)**: Go through each of the 32 games listed above. For each game, pick ONE of the two teams shown as the winner. Use the team ID slug. You MUST have exactly 32 picks.
2. **r2 (Round of 32)**: The 32 R64 winners pair up into 16 R32 games. Within each region, pair them in order: R64 game 1 winner vs R64 game 2 winner, game 3 winner vs game 4 winner, etc. You MUST have exactly 16 picks.
3. **r3 (Sweet 16)**: The 16 R32 winners pair into 8 S16 games. Same pairing logic. Exactly 8 picks.
4. **r4 (Elite 8)**: 8 S16 winners → 4 E8 games. Exactly 4 picks.
5. **r5 (Final Four)**: 4 E8 winners → 2 FF games. Exactly 2 picks.
6. **r6 (Championship)**: 2 FF winners → 1 championship game. Exactly 1 pick.
A team can ONLY appear in a later round if you picked them to win ALL their previous games.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**: Search the web for team stats, rankings, or matchup analysis.
- **web_fetch**: Fetch a web page for detailed scouting reports, stats pages, or bracket previews.
- **use_browser**: Browse a page using a real browser. Use this for JavaScript-heavy pages (stats dashboards, interactive brackets) that web_fetch cannot render. Slower — only use when web_fetch returns empty or broken content.
- **calculator**: Evaluate math expressions.
- **submit_bracket**: Validate and submit your final bracket in one step. Pass your COMPLETE bracket (r1-r6 + tiebreakerScore) as input. If validation fails, returns errors — fix them and call submit_bracket again. If valid, the run ends successfully.
## Submission Flow
1. Build your bracket (r1 through r6 + tiebreakerScore)
2. Call submit_bracket with your complete bracket — it validates and submits in one step
3. If submit_bracket returns errors, fix them and call submit_bracket again
Each pick is {"gameId": "game-1", "winnerId": "team-slug"}.
Use the team ID slugs shown in the matchups above (e.g. "duke-blue-devils", not "Duke").
Today's date: 2026-03-18
assistantMessage 2
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket predictions AP Top 25 rankings March"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
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}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "KenPom 2026 college basketball rankings NCAA tournament"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 March Madness championship favorites odds Duke Arizona Florida Houston"
}Provider Metadata
{
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}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2026-march-madness-men-field-predictions",
"title": "NCAA Bracketology: 2026 March Madness men's field predictions",
"snippet": "The selection show is almost here! Here's the latest look at what we're expecting when it starts."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-ncaa-tournament-picks-predictions-by-unbiased-college-basketball-model/",
"title": "March Madness 2026 bracket: NCAA Tournament picks, predictions ...",
"snippet": "SportsLine's model has nailed 25 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds and revealed its optimal NCAA Tournament bracket 2026."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-15/duke-takes-no-1-seed-andy-katzs-final-march-madness-bracket-predictions",
"title": "Duke takes the No. 1 seed in Andy Katz's final March Madness ...",
"snippet": "Check out Andy Katz's final bracket predictions before the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament selection show ... RANKINGS: AP Top 25 Poll | NET ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25407235-best-picks-every-matchup-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket",
"title": "Best Picks for Every Matchup in the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Best Picks for Every Matchup in the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament Bracket ; First Four. 1 of 7 · The Picks: UMBC over Howard, Texas over NC State, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket",
"title": "March Madness Bracket | 2026 NCAA Tournament - AP News",
"snippet": "Check out the March Madness Men's Bracket for real time scores and live updates of the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
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}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://kenpom.com/",
"title": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings",
"snippet": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings ; 3, Michigan 1, B10 ; 4, Florida 1, SEC ; 5, Houston 2, B12 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/2026-college-basketball-national-championship-odds-vs-kenpom-rankings-which-teams-have-value",
"title": "2026 College Basketball National Championship Odds vs. KenPom ...",
"snippet": "One spot below Virginia is Nebraska, with the 17th-best odds to win the National Championship, but it is No. 14 in the KenPom Net Ratings. The ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/kenpom-trends-march-madness-bracket",
"title": "KenPom Trends to Know Before Filling Out Your Men's March ...",
"snippet": "KenPom rankings, which measure adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, have historically revealed patterns among championship contenders ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ncaab/ncaa-tournament-bracket-based-using-kenpom-ratings-sgc/",
"title": "Updated KenPom Rankings for the 2026 NCAA Tournament - BetMGM",
"snippet": "Updated KenPom Rankings for the 2026 NCAA Tournament ; 55, Virginia Tech, 62 ; 56, Florida St. 56 ; 57, Stanford, 65 ; 58, Northwestern, 61 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/march-madness-predictions-2026-kenpom-bracket/945668cd2309e4f4a2cdecdb",
"title": "Using KenPom to pick NCAA bracket upsets, Final Four",
"snippet": "KenPom ratings for 2026 March Madness ; 1. Duke (No. 1 seed in East). 2. Arizona (No. 1 seed in West). 3. Michigan (No. 1 seed in Midwest). 4."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
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}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-204524913.html",
"title": "March Madness 2026: Region-by-region predictions, Cinderellas ...",
"snippet": "Duke is the No. 1 overall seed after a 32-2 campaign that featured a 17-1 record in ACC play and a win over fellow No."
},
{
"url": "https://abc11.com/post/mens-2026-march-madness-odds-duke-michigan-arizona-among-championship-favorites/18719593/",
"title": "Men's NCAA Tournament odds: Duke, Michigan, Arizona among the ...",
"snippet": "Dukeis the favorite to win the NCAA tournament with +350 odds (opened +330), followed closely by Michiganat +370. Arizona(+380) and Florida(+750) ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/2026-college-basketball-national-championship-odds-every-teams-odds-to-win-march-madness-01kksr09emyn",
"title": "Every Team's Odds to Win March Madness - Sports Illustrated",
"snippet": "Of the No. 2 seeds, Houston enters the NCAA Tournament with the best odds at +1000. Houston fell one game short of winning it all last season."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-odds-march-madness-2026-national-championship/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds: Duke, Michigan lead favorites to win ...",
"snippet": "Duke: 3/1 · Michigan: +360 · Arizona: 4/1 · Florida: +750 · Houston: 10/1 · Iowa State: 15/1 · Illinois: 19/1 · Purdue: 25/1 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48222819/oddsmakers-again-favor-duke-win-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Oddsmakers again favor Duke to win NCAA tournament - ESPN",
"snippet": "Duke is the favorite at +300 at DraftKings Sportsbook, followed by fellow No. 1 seeds Michigan (+360) and Arizona (+390). Defending national ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
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}assistantMessage 3
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood, I'm getting some useful information. Let me dig deeper into the KenPom rankings and get more specific team info.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://kenpom.com/"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 NCAA tournament 12 seed upsets predictions Northern Iowa High Point McNeese Akron"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke Blue Devils 2026 NCAA tournament roster injuries March Madness"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Remember me\n[Forgot password?](https://kenpom.com/password_request.php)\n\n[](https://kenpom.com/register-kenpom.php)[**SUBSCRIBE!**](https://kenpom.com/register-kenpom.php)\n\n[](https://doubletakeout.com/)[](https://bballanalytics.com/)\n\n### ADVANCED ANALYSIS OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL\n\n[](https://kenpom.substack.com/)[](https://dunksandthrees.com/)\n\n* * *\n\n* * *\n\n* * *\n\n* * *\n\n## 2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings\n\n[help](https://kenpom.com/blog/ratings-methodology-update)\n\n[02](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2002) · [03](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2003) · [04](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2004) · [05](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2005) · [06](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2006) · [07](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2007) · [08](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2008) · [09](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2009) · [10](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2010) · [11](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2011) · [12](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2012) · [13](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2013) · [14](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2014) · [15](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2015) · [16](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2016) · [17](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2017) · [18](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2018) · [19](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2019) · [20](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2020) · [21](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2021) · [22](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2022) · [23](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2023) · [24](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2024) · [25](https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2025) · 26\n\nData through games of [Tuesday, March 17](https://kenpom.com/fanmatch.php?d=2026-03-17) (6205 games)\n\n| | | | | | | Strength of Schedule | NCSOS |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| [Rk](https://kenpom.com/index.php) | [Team](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=TeamName) | Conf | [W](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=Wins)- [L](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=Losses) | [NetRtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php) | [ORtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjOE) | [DRtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE) | [AdjT](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjTempo) | [Luck](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankLuck) | [NetRtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankSOS) | [ORtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankSOSO) | [DRtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankSOSD) | [NetRtg](https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankNCSOS) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1 | [Duke](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Duke) 1 | [ACC](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=ACC) | 32-2 | +38.88 | 128.0 | 4 | 89.1 | 2 | 65.4 | 287 | +.049 | 62 | +14.29 | 15 | 117.0 | 23 | 102.7 | 10 | +10.10 | 18 |\n| 2 | [Arizona](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Arizona) 1 | [B12](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=B12) | 32-2 | +37.60 | 127.6 | 6 | 90.0 | 3 | 69.8 | 55 | +.023 | 126 | +14.93 | 9 | 117.6 | 15 | 102.7 | 9 | +3.21 | 101 |\n| 3 | [Michigan](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Michigan) 1 | [B10](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=B10) | 31-3 | +37.58 | 126.6 | 8 | 89.0 | 1 | 71.0 | 22 | +.045 | 67 | +16.66 | 3 | 119.2 | 3 | 102.5 | 5 | +12.49 | 11 |\n| 4 | [Florida](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Florida) 1 | [SEC](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=SEC) | 26-7 | +33.75 | 125.5 | 9 | 91.8 | 6 | 70.6 | 28 | -.036 | 288 | +15.99 | 4 | 119.4 | 2 | 103.4 | 26 | +7.93 | 31 |\n| 5 | [Houston](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Houston) 2 | [B12](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=B12) | 28-6 | +33.37 | 124.8 | 13 | 91.5 | 5 | 63.3 | 352 | -.006 | 204 | +13.55 | 24 | 116.9 | 25 | 103.3 | 25 | +0.88 | 157 |\n| 6 | [Iowa St.](https://kenpom.com/team.php?team=Iowa+St.) 2 | [B12](https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=B12) | 27-7 | +32.37 | 123.8 | 20 | 91.4 | 4 | 66.6 | 226 | -.012 | 219 | +12.40 | 31 | 115.5 | 48 | 1"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}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": "High Point is the only 12-seed with at least a 20% chance to win ... (12) Northern Iowa vs. (5) St. John's. Upset chance: 15% 7:10 p.m. ..."
},
{
"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 March ...",
"snippet": "12 Northern Iowa Panthers. Upset Chance: 24.5 percent. Northern Iowa is sneaky dangerous — literally. The Panthers play at the fourth-slowest ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-upset-predictions-2026-131717987.html",
"title": "March Madness upset predictions 2026: Which 12 seed is most ...",
"snippet": "March Madness upset predictions 2026 · No. 12 Northern Iowa vs. No. 5 St. John's · No. 12 McNeese vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt · No. 12 High Point vs. No."
},
{
"url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/the-12-vs-5-seed-upset-you-should-pick-in-your-march-madness-bracket-11680806",
"title": "The 12 vs 5 Seed Upset You Should Pick in Your March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The 12 vs 5 Seed Upset You Should Pick in Your March Madness Bracket · East Region: 5. St. John's vs. 12. Northern Iowa · South Region: 5."
},
{
"url": "https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaab/2026-ncaa-tournament-upset-picks-12-5-seeds-march-madness",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament Upset Picks: The 12/5 Matchups to Watch ...",
"snippet": "Check out 2026 NCAA Tournament upset picks for March Madness, including the 12/5 matchups to watch in the first round."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/duke/blue-devils-rotation-adjustment-that-could-define-march-madness",
"title": "The Duke Rotation Adjustment That Could Define March Madness",
"snippet": "The Duke Rotation Adjustment That Could Define March Madness. This Duke sophomore could completely change the Blue Devils' ceiling. Hugh Straine ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dukes-jon-scheyer-confirms-key-165110316.html",
"title": "Duke's Jon Scheyer Confirms Key Players May Return for NCAA ...",
"snippet": "March Madness bracket 2026: NCAA tournament announced with Duke as No. 1 overall seed. The Blue Devils rode a win in the ACC championship game ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7125224/2026/03/17/march-madness-2026-player-injuries-caleb-foster-mikel-brown/",
"title": "Key March Madness injuries to know while filling out your men's ...",
"snippet": "Key March Madness injuries to know while filling out your men's NCAA Tournament bracket ... The Blue Devils managed to win that event ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/duke-insider-ncaa-tournament-injury-update-caleb-foster-11693837",
"title": "Duke: Insider Drops Crushing NCAA Tournament Injury Update on ...",
"snippet": "Center Patrick Ngongba II is dealing with a foot injury. Following the Blue Devils' 70-74 win over Virginia in the ACC Tournament final, head ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article315059036.html",
"title": "Duke basketball injury update for March Madness tournament",
"snippet": "Duke coach Jon Scheyer provided updates on Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba following the Blue Devils' ACC Championship win Saturday night."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 4
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood intel! Let me get more details on Duke's injuries, and research other key teams and Cinderellas.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines 2026 NCAA tournament Final Four contender roster"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona Wildcats 2026 NCAA tournament March Madness preview strengths weaknesses"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}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/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NCAAM](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NCAAW](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NBA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NHL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [PGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [LPGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [TGL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [Top Soccer](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [MLB](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [World Baseball Classic](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [Tennis (M)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [Tennis (W)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NFL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NASCAR](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NCAAF](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [UFC](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [PLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [F1](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [Men's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [Women's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NCAA Softball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026#)\n- [NCAA Baseball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-kille"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Roster - University of Michigan Athletics",
"snippet": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Roster ; Ricky Liburd · 6' 4'' · 190 lbs ; Trey McKenney · 6' 4'' · 225 lbs ; L.J. Cason · 6' 2'' · 195 lbs ; Elliot Cadeau · 6' 1'' · 180 lbs."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/men/2026.html",
"title": "2025-26 Michigan Wolverines Men's Roster and Stats",
"snippet": "2025-26 Michigan Wolverines Men's Roster and Stats ; Record: 31-3 (19-1, 1st in Big Ten MBB) ; Rank: 3rd in the Mar 9th AP Poll ; Coach: Dusty May ; PS/G: 86.8 ( ..."
},
{
"url": "https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster",
"title": "2026 Football Roster - University of Michigan Athletics",
"snippet": "2026 Spring Football Roster ; Kendrick Bell · 205 lbs · Kansas City, Mo. ; Jyaire Hill · 190 lbs · Kankakee, Ill. ; Rod Moore · 198 lbs · Dayton, Ohio ; Shamari Earls."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-basketball/team/michigan-wolverines-college-basketball/roster/",
"title": "Michigan Wolverines Roster - NCAAM Players & Starters - The Athletic",
"snippet": "Full Michigan Wolverines roster and player information for the 2025-26 season including position, height, and weight for each member of the team."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/team/michigan-wolverines-basketball-72/roster/?year=2026",
"title": "2026-2027 Michigan Wolverines Basketball Roster - 247 Sports",
"snippet": "Roddy Gayle Jr. Oscar Goodman · Winters Grady. Harrison Hochberg. Morez Johnson Jr. Malick Kordel · Yaxel Lendeborg · Ricky Liburd · Aday Mara."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/arizona/wildcats-looks-like-team-beat-entering-march-madness",
"title": "Arizona Looks Like the Team to Beat Entering March Madness",
"snippet": "Arizona Looks Like the Team to Beat Entering March Madness. The Arizona Wildcats are the best team going into the NCAA Tournament. Michael ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7090849/2026/03/15/mens-march-madness-team-preview-big-board/",
"title": "March Madness bracket prep 2026: Strengths, weaknesses ...",
"snippet": "March Madness bracket prep 2026: Strengths, weaknesses, previews for all 68 teams ; Duke · 32-2 · 32-2 (17-1 ACC) ; Arizona · 32-2 · 32-2 (16-2 Big 12)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-bracket-preview/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament West Region bracket preview - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "March Madness® is better with friends, especially when you beat them! Get your bracket pools ready now and invite your friends, family and co- ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37bzWt78A4Q",
"title": "Arizona NCAA Tournament Preview & Predictions with Fran Fraschilla",
"snippet": "The Arizona Wildcats are the favorites of many to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament ... March Madness Mega Bracket Breakdown. Evan Miyakawa. New. 4.7K ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/ua/2026/03/17/arizona-wildcats-basketball-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-tournament-final-four/88484652007/",
"title": "Arizona March Madness prediction, pick, potential road to Final Four",
"snippet": "We wrote about Arizona's \"potential\" opponents in the March Madness bracket, but how far will the Wildcats actually advance in the NCAA ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 5
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me get more details on key upsets and the teams in each region:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies 2026 NCAA tournament preview Dan Hurley"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston Cougars 2026 NCAA tournament March Madness preview defense"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Longhorns NC State play-in game 2026 NCAA tournament First Four"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji9BvAyGbgY",
"title": "'Here's why UConn can STILL win the East Region!!' - YouTube",
"snippet": "UConn Huskies face UTSA in First Round. Listen ... John Fanta picks the full 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket | College Basketball on NBC Sports."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/uconn-hurley-makes-ncaa-tournament-123325367.html",
"title": "UConn's Hurley makes NCAA Tournament case for Seton Hall",
"snippet": "UConn's Hurley makes NCAA Tournament case for Seton Hall: 'They'll win a game'"
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/uconn/basketball/uconn-huskies-mens-rotation-adjustment-could-define-march-madness-2026",
"title": "The UConn Rotation Adjustment That Could Define March Madness",
"snippet": "If the UConn Huskies want to win the March Madness tournament, coach Dan Hurley needs to make this adjustment in his player rotation."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLpELgmNU7o",
"title": "UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley Selection Sunday Media Availability",
"snippet": "Hear from UConn MBB Head Coach Dan Hurley following UConn's selection as the No. 2 seed in the East Region in the NCAA Tournament on 3.15.26 ..."
},
{
"url": "http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/uconn-s-dan-hurley-gives-unfortunate-update-for-big-east-tournament/ar-AA1XWjT0?cvid=69b1b60457b2489db91992e50dfd8b42&ocid=XMMO&apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "UConn's Dan Hurley gives unfortunate update for Big East ...",
"snippet": "UConn head coach Dan Hurley provided an unfortunate update regarding the Huskies as they head to the Big East Tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/sports/2026/03/16/546122/uh-basketball-ncaa-tournament-march-madness/",
"title": "University of Houston gets No. 2 seed in NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Welcome to March Madness with a twist. They are an 11 seed and have to play a First Four game against SMU on Wednesday. But after all the debate ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-vs-idaho-prediction-preview-032557701.html",
"title": "Houston vs Idaho Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament First ...",
"snippet": "Bracket betting guide: March Madness odds, best bets and predictions for NCAA tournament ... March Madness 2026: Who are Yahoo Sports users ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT6nt0YD25Y",
"title": "March Madness South Region Bracket Preview, Picks - YouTube",
"snippet": "March Madness South Region Bracket Preview, Picks: Florida, Houston, Illinois | 2026 NCAA Tournament · Comments."
},
{
"url": "https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/college/cougars/article/houston-march-madness-21336072.php",
"title": "Houston vs. Idaho in March Madness 2026. What to know",
"snippet": "Houston to face Idaho in first round of March Madness 2026. Everything you need to know. By Joseph Duarte, Staff Writer ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48237100/final-four-national-championship-picks-predictions-march-madness-2026",
"title": "Final Four, national champion predictions for the men's NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Joe Lunardi's ultimate guide to men's March Madness 2026. Joe Lunardi ... If you thought Duke was the dominant choice in the East, No. 1 Arizona ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/first-four-scores-updates-howard-vs-umbc-nc-state-vs-texas-march-madness-2026/89181709007/",
"title": "First Four scores, highlights: NC State vs Texas; Howard vs UMBC",
"snippet": "Texas edges NC State for First Four win ... Tramon Mark's last-second jumper proves to be the difference, with Texas holding on for a 68-66 win ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/longhorns/mens-basketball/article/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament-first-four-22078032.php",
"title": "March Madness: Longhorns to play North Carolina State in First Four",
"snippet": "Texas (18-14) will play North Carolina State Tuesday at the University of Dayton Arena. The winner of that game will advance to the West Region ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl61sRuUtI8",
"title": "Texas vs. NC State Postgame (2026 Men's First Four) - YouTube",
"snippet": "Watch every 2026 NCAA men's and women's basketball tournament press conference live from the media room, before and after each game, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-first-4-texas-longhorns-vs-nc-state-wolfpack-mar-17-2026-game-boxscore-264058",
"title": "Texas Longhorns vs. NC State Wolfpack - March 17, 2026",
"snippet": "FULL FINISH: Texas hits game-winner to hold off NC State in First Four battle. in 5 hours. Tap to unmute. Your browser can't play this video ..."
},
{
"url": "https://packinsider.com/2026/03/17/gameday-primer-vs-texas-ncaa-tournament-first-four-keys-to-the-game-team-trends-and-how-to-watch/",
"title": "GAMEDAY PRIMER vs. Texas (NCAA Tournament First Four)",
"snippet": "NC State Wolfpack vs. Texas Longhorns (NCAA Tournament First Four – West Region) Time: 9:15 PM ET Location: UD Arena, Dayton, OH TV: truTV."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 6
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMExcellent! Texas won the First Four game against NC State. Let me get the results of the other First Four games:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UMBC vs Howard First Four 2026 NCAA tournament result winner"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU vs Miami Ohio First Four 2026 NCAA tournament result winner"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Prairie View vs Lehigh First Four 2026 NCAA tournament result winner"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48235503/howard-holds-umbc-first-four-first-ncaa-tournament-win",
"title": "Howard holds off UMBC in First Four for first NCAA tournament win",
"snippet": "Howard held off a late surge from UMBC to earn the first NCAA tournament victory in program history, an 86-83 decision in the First Four on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVOro4AQFFQ",
"title": "Howard-UMBC kicks off 2026 March Madness with intense finish",
"snippet": "Watch the intense final two minutes from the 2026 First Four matchup between Howard and UMBC, to kick off the 2026 NCAA men's basketball ..."
},
{
"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": "Last night's games saw (16) Howard hold off (16) UMBC by three points before (11) Texas edged (11) NC State by two. Tonight's contests feature ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/first-four-scores-updates-howard-vs-umbc-nc-state-vs-texas-march-madness-2026/89181709007/",
"title": "First Four scores, highlights: NC State vs Texas; Howard vs UMBC",
"snippet": "FINAL: Howard 86, UMBC 83. Howard makes history by earning its first-ever NCAA tournament victory. Before the final buzzer sounded, it had to ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2026-03-17/howard-bison-vs-umbc-retrievers-condensed-game-202621578",
"title": "Howard vs. UMBC - First Four NCAA tournament extended highlights",
"snippet": "Watch the highlights from No. 16 Howard and No. 16 UMBC's matchup in the First Four of the 2026 men's NCAA tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856436/miami-oh-smu",
"title": "Miami (OH) vs. SMU (Mar 18, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"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://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://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2026/03/smu-mustangs-and-miami-oh-redhawks-square-off-in-the-first-4-2/",
"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://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": "The RedHawks, who went undefeated during the regular season and boast a 31-1 overall record, will open tournament play in the First Four against ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com.au/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856437/lehigh-prairie-view",
"title": "Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh (18 Mar, 2026) Live Score - ESPN (AU)",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Prairie View A&M Panthers vs. Lehigh Mountain Hawks NCAAM game on ESPN (AU), including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-first-4-prairie-view-am-panthers-vs-lehigh-mountain-hawks-mar-18-2026-game-boxscore-264059",
"title": "2025-26 NCAA Tournament - First Four: Mar 18, 2026 - FOX Sports",
"snippet": "A bet of $100 would win $235 total if Prairie View A&M wins and a bet of $167 would win $267 total if Lehigh wins."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856437/lehigh-prairie-view",
"title": "Lehigh vs. Prairie View A&M (Mar 18, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-first-4-prairie-view-am-panthers-vs-lehigh-mountain-hawks-mar-18-2026-game-boxscore-264059?tab=boxscore",
"title": "2025-26 NCAA Tournament - First Four - Boxscore: Mar 18, 2026",
"snippet": "A bet of $100 would win $237 total if Prairie View A&M wins and a bet of $169 would win $269 total if Lehigh wins."
},
{
"url": "https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/ncaab/summary/2973360",
"title": "Prairie View A&M Panthers at Lehigh Mountain Hawks - Mar 18, 2026",
"snippet": "NCAA Tournament - First Four. Wed, 3/18 TBA. Prairie View A&M Panthers Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Panthers · 16Prairie View A&M Panthers. 16PV. 18-16, 8th in SWAC."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 7
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMThe Prairie View vs Lehigh and SMU vs Miami (OH) games haven't been played yet (March 18). Today is March 18, 2026, so these games are happening tonight. Let me search for more recent results or check the current status:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "\"First Four\" 2026 NCAA tournament results Tuesday March 17"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 NCAA tournament March Madness preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Gonzaga Bulldogs 2026 NCAA tournament preview Mark Few"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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": "The men's NCAA Tournament continues tonight with the conclusion of the First Four. Last night's games saw (16) Howard hold off (16) UMBC by ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48236667/mark-sends-texas-nc-state-ncaa-tournament-first-four",
"title": "Mark sends Texas by NC State in NCAA tournament's First ...",
"snippet": "Mark sends Texas by NC State in NCAA tournament's First Four · Howard checks last box with first tourney win. Adam Rittenberg · Jay Bilas predicts ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.olympics.com/en/news/basketball-ncaa-march-madness-2026-full-schedule-results-scores-complete-list",
"title": "Basketball: NCAA March Madness 2026 full schedule, results ...",
"snippet": "Tuesday 17 March – First Four. (16) UMBC 83-86 (16) Howard (11) Texas 68-66 (11) NC State. Wednesday 18 March – First Four. (16) Prairie View ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-first-four-live-updates-scores-bracket-tuesday/live/",
"title": "Texas, Howard advance in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "First Four schedule, scores. Tuesday, March 17. (16) Howard 86, (16) UMBC 83 -- Highlights; (11) Texas 68, (11) NC State 66 -- Highlights. CBS ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/live/march-madness-bracket-live-updates-byus-aj-dybantsa-dukes-cam-boozer-named-ap-all-american-first-team-144616173.html",
"title": "March Madness bracket updates: Texas tops NC State on ...",
"snippet": "The start of the First Four on Tuesday did not disappoint as Howard delivered its first NCAA tournament win and then Texas held off NC State on ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/3/17/mens-basketball-ncaa-tournament-first-round-preview-3-illinois-vs-14-penn.aspx",
"title": "NCAA Tournament First Round Preview | 3 Illinois vs. 14 ...",
"snippet": "Tournament Central, NCAA March Madness Live | Illinois NCAA Tournament Central ; First Round, vs. 14 Penn ; Date | Time ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-illinois-pieces-march-madness-211129078.html",
"title": "Why Illinois Has the Pieces to Make a March Madness Run",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA tournament game. Our college basketball handicappers give a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thechampaignroom.com/illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-news/52602/illinois-to-take-on-in-ncaa-tournament-first-round-brad-underwood-big-ten-single-elimination-fighting-illini",
"title": "Illinois earns No. 3 seed in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "March Madness' 50 best players, ranked for 2026 men's NCAA tournament. Mar 16. What's Illinois' tournament fate? Here's TCR's bracket breakdown."
},
{
"url": "https://writingillini.com/illinois-march-madness-base-seed-potential-opponents-schedules-and-path-to-final-four",
"title": "Illinois March Madness base: Seed, potential opponents ...",
"snippet": "... battle ahead of them, but nothing is impossible in March Madness. ... Illinois could benefit from final NCAA tournament bracket prediction chaos ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/illinois-basketball-2026-ncaa-title-odds-futures-22078553.php",
"title": "March Madness: Illinois basketball title odds in 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Illinois basketball landed a No. 3 seed in March Madness, but DraftKings gives the Illini the seventh-best odds to win the 2026 NCAA ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gonzagas-most-favorable-potential-matchups-014816898.html",
"title": "Gonzaga's most favorable potential matchups in the NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs wrapped up the regular season with a win over Santa Clara in the WCC Tournament championship on Tuesday ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhQrVys_ISk",
"title": "Few Breaks Down Gonzaga vs Kennesaw St | Reaction to 3-seed",
"snippet": "This week on The Mark Few Show, Gonzaga Head Coach Mark Few reacts to the Zags earning the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/gonzaga-s-mark-few-on-the-team-s-experience-and-freshmen-heading-into-the-ncaa-tournament/vi-AA1YHcJH",
"title": "Gonzaga's Mark Few on the team's experience and freshmen ... - MSN",
"snippet": "Mark Few speaks on the Gonzaga team heading to its 28th straight NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/college-basketball/selection-sunday-preview-one-decision-looms-large-for-gonzaga-men/",
"title": "Selection Sunday preview: One decision looms large for Gonzaga ...",
"snippet": "Selection Sunday preview: One decision looms large for Gonzaga men. March 14, 2026 at 6:54 pm. Listen to article. Gonzaga head coach Mark Few ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/a-few-good-men-gonzaga-is-a-favorite-to-make-the-second-weekend-again-basketball",
"title": "A Few Good Men, Gonzaga is a favorite to make the second ...",
"snippet": "Head coach Mark Few is a living legend and has built the Gonzaga Bulldogs into one of the premier programs in the entire country. Gonzaga has ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 8
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood information so far. Let me check for more details on key teams and upset candidates:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Purdue Boilermakers 2026 NCAA tournament preview Zach Edey Matt Painter"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "St Johns Red Storm 2026 NCAA tournament preview Rick Pitino"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Virginia Cavaliers 2026 NCAA tournament Tony Bennett defense"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2026/02/21/march-madness-bracket-predictions-purdue-basketball-seed-projection-2026-mission-analysis/88786853007/",
"title": "March Madness bracket predictions: Purdue basketball seed ...",
"snippet": "The NCAA tournament selection committee's in-season preview Saturday listed the Boilermakers as a 2 seed. They may straddle the 2-3 line from ..."
},
{
"url": "https://x.com/ESPNLunardi/status/1917221488853241937",
"title": "And so it begins! Men's Bracketology: 2026 NCAA Tournament https ...",
"snippet": "And Matt Painter's best player in recent history, Zach Edey, wasn't good enough to start as a freshman. But Painter has done a remarkable ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/purdue/basketball/purdue-basketball-coach-matt-painter-previews-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Purdue Coach Matt Painter Previews NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Before Purdue embarks on its NCAA Tournament run on Friday coach Matt Painter addressed how the team will prepare for its first-round matchup."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-mens-basketball-preview-can-zach-edey-purdue-pull-off-redemption-tour-after-tournament-upset-160019721.html",
"title": "Big Ten men's basketball preview: Can Zach Edey, Purdue pull off ...",
"snippet": "... Purdue head coach Matt Painter said last month. Thankfully for Painter, nearly his entire team is back this fall. Edey opted to return again ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.on3.com/teams/purdue-boilermakers/news/purdue-basketball-indiana-hoosiers-basketball-big-ten-conference-basketball/",
"title": "Purdue coach Matt Painter, Zach Edey preview Indiana and more",
"snippet": "WEST LAFAYETTE – The second regular-season meeting between Purdue and Indiana is set for Saturday (7:30 p.m., FOX) at Mackey Arena."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/st-johns-announces-rick-pitino-news-ahead-of-ncaa-tournament-11692450",
"title": "St. John's Announces Rick Pitino News Ahead of NCAA ...",
"snippet": "St. John's Red Storm make big announcement regarding head coach Rick Pitino just days before the NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/48222983",
"title": "'St. John's got absolutely, royally screwed' with 5-seed",
"snippet": "Rick Pitino: Our game vs. UConn was an epic battle · Joe Lunardi breaks down the St. John's Red Storm NCAA tournament prospects. 0:36. St."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-st-john-basketball-win-204616183.html",
"title": "Why St. John's basketball will win 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "St. John's basketball holds a 119-season history in Queens, N.Y. Rick Pitino has the Red Storm hitting new accolades with consecutive Big ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.basketunderreview.com/ticket-punched-previewing-the-st-johns-red-storm-for-the-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Ticket Punched: Previewing the St. John's Red Storm for ...",
"snippet": "The 20-point win was a tremendous response for head coach Rick Pitino's team after losing by 32 at UConn in the last meeting to enter the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0UReMRQmXA",
"title": "Rick Pitino on 2026 NCAA Tournament prospects ...",
"snippet": "St. John's Red Storm men's basketball head coach Rick Pitino discusses this year's team going into the NCAA Tournament, as compared to last ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/first-year-coach-ryan-odom-and-virginia-seek-22081072.php",
"title": "First-year coach Ryan Odom and Virginia seek first NCAA ...",
"snippet": "The last time Virginia won an NCAA Tournament game, Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers celebrated by cutting down the nets after defeating Texas ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/first-year-coach-ryan-odom-and-virginia-seek-22081072.php",
"title": "First-year coach Ryan Odom and Virginia seek first NCAA ... - SFGATE",
"snippet": "The last time Virginia won an NCAA Tournament game, Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers celebrated by cutting down the nets after defeating Texas ..."
},
{
"url": "https://virginiasports.com/staff/tony-bennett",
"title": "Tony Bennett - Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site",
"snippet": "Bennett was named U.S. Basketball Writers Association District 3 Coach of the Year as Virginia led the nation in scoring defense (52.4 points per game) for the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://augustafreepress.com/news/uva-basketball-the-defense-with-this-group-is-starting-to-feel-familiar/",
"title": "UVA Basketball: The defense with this group is starting to feel familiar",
"snippet": "The Bennett title team was better at defensive rebounding (74.6%, vs. Odom's 70.2%). That's the difference between the 2018-2019 team ranking ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5309278/2024/03/01/virginia-basketball-tony-bennett-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Virginia basketball has taken Tony Bennett on a roller coaster ride ...",
"snippet": "Blowout losses early, a long winning streak followed by another skid. A worse-than-usual offense. Why these Hoos haven't found consistency."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 9
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMInteresting - Virginia has a new coach, Ryan Odom, not Tony Bennett! Let me get more info on key mid-major Cinderellas and upset picks:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "McNeese Cowboys 2026 NCAA tournament Cinderella upset Vanderbilt"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Missouri Tigers 2026 NCAA tournament Miami Hurricanes matchup preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Iowa State Cyclones 2026 NCAA tournament TJ Otzelberger Final Four"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-vanderbilt-basketball-upset-alert-033119077.html",
"title": "Why Vanderbilt basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Vandy is tangling with one of more highly aggressive defenses among the 68-team field. McNeese forces an astonishing 19 turnovers a game. And ..."
},
{
"url": "https://mcneesesports.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-sooner-state-bound-mcneese-draws-vanderbilt-in-ncaa-tourney-at-oklahoma-city.aspx",
"title": "Sooner State bound; McNeese draws Vanderbilt in NCAA Tourney ...",
"snippet": "The 12th-seeded McNeese Cowboys will go up against No. 5 Vanderbilt on Thursday in Oklahoma City in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The ..."
},
{
"url": "https://vanderbilthustler.com/2026/03/18/mens-basketball-previewing-vanderbilt-vs-mcneese-in-the-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Men's Basketball: Previewing Vanderbilt vs. McNeese in the NCAA ...",
"snippet": "No. 5-seeded Vanderbilt will square up against the No. 12 McNeese Cowboys in the Round of 64. Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-bracket-projections-comparing-march-madness-ai-picks-from-chatgpt-copilot-gemini/amp/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament bracket projections: Comparing March ...",
"snippet": "The Cowboys will tangle with No. 5 Vanderbilt in the first round, and 12-seeds are 4-4 versus 5-seeds over the last two NCAA Tournaments."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856488/mcneese-vanderbilt",
"title": "McNeese vs. Vanderbilt (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the McNeese Cowboys vs. Vanderbilt Commodores NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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": "A 7 seed in the West Region, Miami has a favorable matchup in the 1st round, then a probable game against 2 seed Purdue, the Big 10 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": "Missouri landed a No. 10 seed and a first-round date with the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes in St. Louis. ByPatrick Previty| ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/miami-hurricanes-open-favorites-over-231522584.html",
"title": "Miami Hurricanes open as favorites over Missouri Tigers in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "A 7 seed in the West Region, Miami has a favorable matchup in the 1st round, then a probable game against 2 seed Purdue, the Big 10 tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/missouri/basketball/the-challenges-miami-presents-to-mizzou-in-round-1-of-march-madness",
"title": "The Challenges Miami Presents to Mizzou in Round 1 of March ...",
"snippet": "The Tigers face No. 7 seed Miami, a team that finished third in the ACC in 2026 with a 25-8 overall record and a 13-5 conference record. The ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO9WeVcuwwE",
"title": "Miami vs. Missouri PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Miami vs. Missouri in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round game in the West Region and share predictions ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/basketball-mens/2026/03/17/iowa-state-basketball-cyclones-growth-big-12-ncaa-tournament-march/89176698007/",
"title": "Iowa State basketball shows its growth entering the NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "March 17, 2026, 5:16 a.m. CT. Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger has long preached the mantras of consistency and having a growth mindset rather than having ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.trumbulltimes.com/sports/article/otzelberger-believes-cyclones-got-their-groove-22078971.php",
"title": "Otzelberger believes Cyclones got their groove back just in time for ...",
"snippet": "All five of T.J. Otzelberger's Iowa State teams have reached the NCAA Tournament and this one could be his best so far."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/iowa-state-basketball-going-to-2025-26-ncaa-tournament-as-a-no-2-seed-277803072/",
"title": "Iowa State going to fifth consecutive March Madness Tournament",
"snippet": "Iowa State has earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season under head coach T.J. Otzelberger."
},
{
"url": "https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/2026/03/16/march-madness-iowa-state-cyclones/1181ede4-2118-11f1-954a-6300919c9854_story.html",
"title": "Otzelberger believes Cyclones got their groove back just in time for ...",
"snippet": "All five of T.J. Otzelberger's Iowa State teams have reached the NCAA Tournament and this one could be his best so far."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aol.com/articles/otzelberger-believes-cyclones-got-groove-034952450.html",
"title": "Otzelberger believes Cyclones got their groove back just in time for ...",
"snippet": "All five of T.J. Otzelberger's Iowa State teams have reached the NCAA Tournament and this one could be his best so far."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 10
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me get more details on some key matchups and teams:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kansas Jayhawks 2026 NCAA tournament Bill Self preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama Crimson Tide 2026 NCAA tournament Nate Oats preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kentucky Wildcats 2026 NCAA tournament Mark Pope preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://throughthephog.com/kansas-bill-self-looking-at-potential-second-round-nightmare-in-ncaa-tournament-01kkstfyv7j5",
"title": "Kansas, Bill Self looking at potential second-round ...",
"snippet": "The Kansas Jayhawks will be tested early in a potential second-round clash against one of the game's best coaches."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/bill-self-ncaa-tournament-resume-entering-22nd-march-madness-with-kansas",
"title": "Bill Self's NCAA Tournament Resume Entering 22nd March ...",
"snippet": "Here's a year-by-year look at Self's March Madness resume entering the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bill-self-takes-positive-outlook-145320556.html",
"title": "Bill Self takes positive outlook into NCAAs despite 4-5 ...",
"snippet": "Kansas basketball's 4-5 record in the last nine games had some college basketball analysts thinking the Jayhawks would fall from a No."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wibw.com/2026/03/16/heres-what-bill-self-thinks-about-kus-ncaa-tournament-seeding-matchup-site-more/",
"title": "Here's what Bill Self thinks about KU's NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "The Jayhawks getting a 4 seed is about what Self expected, though he said he had his eyes on the SEC and Big Ten tournaments over the weekend to ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/kansas-will-play-a-new-role-in-the-ncaa-tournament-after-final-four-predictions/ar-AA1YLonU",
"title": "Kansas will play a new role in the NCAA tournament after ...",
"snippet": "For head coach Bill Self, this 2025/26 iteration will be his 22nd consecutive NCAA Tournament with Kansas, and the Jayhawks' 36th consecutive ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1dRFCSEChs",
"title": "Nate Oats compares 2026 Alabama to the 2024 Final Four team",
"snippet": "Alabama head coach Nate Oats joins CBS Sports Network for an interview ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. [0:00:00] Coach Oats talks ..."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college/alabama-crimson-tide/basketball-1/nate-oats-alabama-dealt-unfortunate-news-ahead-of-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Nate Oats, Alabama Dealt Unfortunate News Ahead of NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide dealing with arrest of guard Aden Holloway before the start of the 2026 NCAA tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-nate-oats-views-alabamas-012738398.html",
"title": "Why Nate Oats Views Alabama's Season as a 'Disappointment ...",
"snippet": "The Crimson Tide was named the 4-seed in the Midwest Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, but the Alabama head coach is nowhere near ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-basketball/nate-oats-share-early-thoughts-on-alabamas-round-1-game-against-hofstra/",
"title": "Nate Oats share early thoughts on Alabama's Round 1 game ...",
"snippet": "Nate Oats share early thoughts on Alabama's Round 1 game against Hofstra. David Wasson. By David Wasson. Published: Mar 15, 2026 · 8:33 PM EDT."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk_Dqiaw7Ew",
"title": "Nate Oats previews 2026 SEC Tournament | Alabama Basketball",
"snippet": "Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats speaks to reporters before the Crimson Tide travels to Nashville for the 2026 SEC Tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article315065459.html",
"title": "'Anything is possible' for Kentucky in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats now have their NCAA Tournament path. They watched the Selection Sunday show at the coach's house."
},
{
"url": "https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2026/03/15/kentucky-ncaa-tournament-predictions-march-madness-picks-college-basketball-uk-santa-clara-game/88780030007/",
"title": "How far will Kentucky basketball go in March Madness bracket 2026?",
"snippet": "Mark Pope's Wildcats will need to string together their longest win streak of the season in order to capture the program's ninth national title."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/mark-pope-kentucky-basketball-can-make-a-great-run-in-ncaa-tournament/vi-AA1YA3Eg",
"title": "Kentucky basketball can make a 'great run' in NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope talks about his takeaways from three games this season against defending national champion Florida, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iku90mYgbFY",
"title": "Kentucky Wildcats READY to STUN SEC Tournament, Mark Pope ...",
"snippet": "Can Mark Pope's squad find focus and upset top contenders like Florida and Tennessee to secure a better NCAA Tournament seed? Lance Dawe ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/far-kentucky-basketball-ncaa-tournament-011516608.html",
"title": "How far will Kentucky Basketball go in the NCAA Tournament?",
"snippet": "SEC fines Kentucky coach Mark Pope $25,000 for comments about officiating following Auburn loss. The Tigers won on a tip-in with 1.1 seconds ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 11
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood info! Now let me search for some more potential upsets and key matchup analysis:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 NCAA tournament first round upsets predictions 9 seed 10 seed"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas AM Aggies 2026 NCAA tournament Saint Marys Gaels matchup"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arkansas Razorbacks 2026 NCAA tournament John Calipari preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket-picks-upsets-plus-cinderella-teams-model-simulates-march-madness-10k-times/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket picks, upsets, plus Cinderella teams",
"snippet": "SportsLine's college basketball model has called 25 first-round NCAA Tournament upsets by double-digit seeds. ... 9 seed Utah State in the West ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sports/college/tiger-extra/2026/03/18/ncaa-tournament-upset-predictions-tribunes-bracket-buster-march-madness-picks/89185410007/",
"title": "Tribune's March Madness upset predictions, bracket-buster picks for ...",
"snippet": "Give us three of the four 9-seeds to make it to the Round of 32. · Our biggest first-round upset pick is 13-seed Hofstra over 4-seed Alabama."
},
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/18/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-ncaa-tournament-bracket-men/89214602007/",
"title": "March Madness upset picks: NCAA Tournament first-round surprises",
"snippet": "Five double-digit seeds pulled off upsets in the first round, including four from non-power conferences. Only one (No. 10 seed Arkansas) ..."
},
{
"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 March ...",
"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.si.com/college-basketball/march-madness-brackets-expert-predictions-first-round-upsets-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "March Madness Brackets: Expert Predictions for First-Round Upsets ...",
"snippet": "Case in point, nine-seeds actually hold a slight historical edge over their eight-seed opponents in the first round of the tournament, winning ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Texas A&M Aggies vs. Saint Mary's Gaels NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/mens-basketball/2026/03/16/texas-aggies-basketball-st-marys-ncaa-tournament-size-mismatch-march-madness/89173002007/",
"title": "Texas A&M faces size challenge against St. Mary's in NCAA ...",
"snippet": "On Sunday, Texas A&M was named the 10-seed and scheduled to face seventh-seeded St. Mary's on Thursday. On paper, the Gaels are the 13th largest ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.statesman.com/sports/college/aggies/article/march-madness-prediction-tamu-st-marys-22079585.php",
"title": "Texas A&M vs Saint Mary's prediction: 3 things to know ...",
"snippet": "The 10th-seeded Aggies will play the seventh-seeded Saint Mary's Gaels at 6:35 p.m. Thursday in Oklahoma City, in the first round of the NCAA ..."
},
{
"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 ...",
"snippet": "The Gaels begin pursuit of a breakthrough experience when they face No. 10 seed Texas A&M on Thursday night in South Region first-round play at ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/ncaab/matchup/376841",
"title": "Texas A&M @ Saint Mary's Matchups, Results & Stats",
"snippet": "Get key insights for Texas A&M Aggies vs Saint Mary's Gaels on March 19, 2026, including season records, injuries, and essential stats to ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://hogville.net/pig-trail-nation/watch-john-calipari-previews-2026-sec-mens-basketball-tournament/",
"title": "John Calipari previews 2026 SEC men's basketball tournament",
"snippet": "The Razorback head coach discussed Darius Acuff Jr., winning SEC freshman and player of the year, other postseason awards, gave an update on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-basketball/sleep-on-john-caliparis-arkansas-razorbacks-at-your-own-peril/",
"title": "Sleep on John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks at your own peril",
"snippet": "For starters, the fine folks in the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee somehow saw clear to put the Razorbacks into the bracket as a No. 4 seed ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41CIxlLBctE",
"title": "John Calipari previews 2026 SEC men's basketball tournament",
"snippet": "SEC Threatening To Break Away From The NCAA - Josh Pate Reaction ... Ryan Silverfield previews Arkansas football spring practice. Pig ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n13O7r_GjXw",
"title": "Our predictions on how far the Razorbacks will go in NCAA ...",
"snippet": "These Teams Could DESTROY Your March Madness Bracket | 2026 NCAA Tournament ... Calipari & The Chicken Man | How John Calipari is Rebuilding a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://nationaltoday.com/us/ar/fayetteville/news/2026/03/10/calipari-previews-2026-sec-mens-basketball-tournament/",
"title": "Calipari Previews 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament",
"snippet": "Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari spoke to the media to preview the 2026 SEC men's basketball tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 12
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood insights! Let me check on more upset picks and potential Final Four teams:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UCF Knights 2026 NCAA tournament UCLA Bruins matchup 7 vs 10"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "North Carolina Tar Heels 2026 NCAA tournament Hubert Davis preview"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 March Madness Final Four predictions experts picks"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ucla-ucf-pick-7-vs-191500092.html",
"title": "UCLA or UCF? How to pick 7 vs. 10 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 7 UCLA and No. 10 UCF in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and our expert ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2026-03-15/ucla-mens-basketball-no-7-seed-central-florida",
"title": "UCLA men's basketball earns No. 7 seed, to face No. 10 UCF in ...",
"snippet": "No. 7-seed UCLA's push for another deep NCAA tournament run begins Friday against No. 10-seed Central Florida (21-11) in Philadelphia in the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856496/ucf-ucla",
"title": "UCF vs. UCLA (Mar 20, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the UCF Knights vs. UCLA Bruins NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-ucla-ucf-march-madness",
"title": "#7 UCLA vs. #10 UCF Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March ...",
"snippet": "7 UCLA and #10 UCF collide at Xfinity Mobile Arena for a pivotal South Region matchup. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/17/ucf-knights-ncaa-tournament-scouting-opponent-ucla/",
"title": "Scouting UCF's opponent in the NCAA Tournament: UCLA",
"snippet": "Here is what you need to know about the Bruins and the game as they take on the Knights: Record: UCLA is 23-11 (UCF is 21-11). Latest Line: UCLA ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.tarheeltimes.com/article165249.aspx",
"title": "Hubert Davis Previews North Carolina's Matchup with VCU",
"snippet": "Hubert Davis Previews North Carolina's Matchup with VCU ... After a loss to Clemson exposed issues with toughness and consistency, North Carolina ..."
},
{
"url": "https://goheels.com/news/2026/3/16/general-carolina-insider-ncaa-tournament-preview",
"title": "Carolina Insider: NCAA Tournament Preview",
"snippet": "Recap the men's basketball ACC Tournament and preview the upcoming NCAA Tournament on Monday's Carolina Insider podcast hosted by Jones ..."
},
{
"url": "https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/tarheels/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/unc-basketball-hubert-davis-faces-scrutiny-ahead-of-ncaa-tournament/89200051007/",
"title": "Hubert Davis faces scrutiny as UNC enters NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "UNC's coach has to deal with mounting pressure, as injuries, roster construction and rebounding woes raise doubts about whether he deserves the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tarheeltimes.com/article165237.aspx",
"title": "UNC Basketball's NCAA Tournament Approach: 'Two Games in ...",
"snippet": "Hubert Davis said he has liked his team's response to two straight losses and added the Tar Heels' competitive spirit has been up to par... Tue ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDQaMdd3lEQ",
"title": "Hubert Davis Pre-NCAA Tournament Press Conference - YouTube",
"snippet": "Comments. 26. Two words: Tar Heels. 17:39 · Go to channel Inside Carolina · Scouting UNC Portal Signee QB Taron Dickens | Inside Carolina | ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAZJ_li2jzg",
"title": "Andy Katz breaks down his 2026 March Madness bracket - YouTube",
"snippet": "Andy Katz runs through each region in his official men's 2026 March Madness bracket predictions ... - NCAA March Madness Tournament 2026."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-bracket-predictions-model-says-surprising-march-madness-2026-tournament-picks/",
"title": "NCAA bracket predictions: Model reveals surprising March Madness ...",
"snippet": "Before making any 2026 March Madness bracket predictions, be sure to check out the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket picks from the proven computer ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-bracket-west-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144511208.html",
"title": "March Madness bracket: West region predictions, Cinderella, expert ...",
"snippet": "... March Madness odds, best bets and predictions for NCAA tournament ... March Madness 2026: Everything you need to know for NCAA men's tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.natesilver.net/p/2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-predictions",
"title": "2026 March Madness Predictions - Silver Bulletin",
"snippet": "2026 March Madness Predictions. Silver Bulletin odds for the men's NCAA tournament, powered by our new COOPER ratings. Nate Silver's avatar."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 13
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me get more details on Final Four predictions:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7123628/2026/03/17/march-madness-expert-bracket-picks-duke-champion/"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Tennessee Volunteers 2026 NCAA tournament March Madness preview first round"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"error": "We apologize for the inconvenience but we do not support this site. If you are part of an enterprise and want to have a further conversation about this, please fill out our intake form here: https://fk4bvu0n5qp.typeform.com/to/Ej6oydlg",
"content": ""
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/tennessee/longformarticle/march-madness-upset-picks-2026-ncaa-tournament-first-round-bracket-busters-277979844/",
"title": "March Madness Upset Picks: 2026 NCAA Tournament's five first ...",
"snippet": "6 seed Tennessee falling in the first round, while Rothstein is eyeing two double-digit seeds from that side of the bracket to advance to ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/mens-basketball/2026/03/15/tennessee-ncaa-bracket-predictions-march-madness/89092207007/",
"title": "Tennessee March Madness bracket predictions for NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "6 seeds face a significant statistical chance of being upset in the first round. Tennessee basketball is guaranteed a spot in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://volswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/volunteers/mens-basketball/2026/03/15/march-madness-tennessee-vols-basketball-seed-opponent-first-round/89170207007/",
"title": "March Madness: Tennessee basketball's seed, opponent announced",
"snippet": "Tennessee is a six seed and will open tournament play Friday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Vols will face No. 11 seed Miami University or ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WPQbbrEe_M",
"title": "#VOLS TOURNAMENT HOPES RISE WITH GREAT BRACKET DRAW",
"snippet": "... Tennessee's path through the NCAA Tournament. The Vols enter March Madness as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region, opening in Philadelphia ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/men-s-basketball/tennessee-basketball-s-march-madness-path-revealed-01kksqxpe41d",
"title": "Tennessee Basketball's March Madness Path Revealed",
"snippet": "The Vols will play against either Miami Ohio or SMU in their first game of the tournament. Today's best reads ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 14
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me fetch more expert bracket predictions:
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-204524913.html"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wisconsin Badgers 2026 NCAA tournament High Point Panthers upset pick"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[20\\\\\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://sports.yahoo.com/)\n\n[](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/)\n\n[](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/)\n\n[Jason Owens](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/)· [Nick Bromberg](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/)\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 6:49 PM UTC·\n\n25 min read\n\nWith the [2026 NCAA tournament](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/topic/march-madness/) upon us, here's everything you need to know about all four regions.\n\n**Jump to each region:** [**West**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-204524756.html#west-region) **\\|** [**Midwest**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-2045247"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/will-wisconsin-get-upset-in-march-madness/89194779007/",
"title": "Is Wisconsin a trendy March Madness upset pick vs High ...",
"snippet": "\"The most logical upset potential in this region comes from High Point, although if it becomes a battle of offenses, the Panthers aren't going ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-basketball/89263/wisconsin-badgers-basketball-news-likeliest-12-seed-upset-high-point-panthers-ncaa-tournament-odds",
"title": "ESPN: Badgers are the likeliest 12 seed to get upset",
"snippet": "The High Point Panthers, whom ESPN's Giant Killers model gives a 24 percent chance to upset Wisconsin, which is easily the highest of any No. 12 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wisconsin-trendy-march-madness-upset-171644255.html",
"title": "Is Wisconsin a trendy March Madness upset pick vs High ...",
"snippet": "Wisconsin heads into the NCAA Tournament on March 19 facing a high-scoring High Point team that's looking like a trendy upset pick."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/wisconsin/basketball/wisconsin-vs-high-point-breakdown-3-ways-the-badgers-can-beat-the-panthers",
"title": "Wisconsin vs. High Point Breakdown: 3 Ways the Badgers ...",
"snippet": "The No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers (24-10) will head West for the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, facing the High Point Panthers, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/wisconsin-high-point-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419749007/",
"title": "Wisconsin vs High Point picks, predictions, odds for March ...",
"snippet": "ESPN: Wisconsin has a 76.3% chance to beat High Point. The site gives the Panthers a 23.7% shot at defeating the Badgers in the NCAA Tournament ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 15
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me get more info on the 8/9 matchups and some sleeper teams:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Ohio State TCU 8 9 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament prediction"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Villanova Utah State 8 9 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament prediction"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Clemson Iowa 8 9 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament prediction"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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": "Expert NCAA Tournament picks for every 2026 first-round game, with matchup analysis, player insights and predictions for March Madness."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ohio-state-tcu-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419219007/",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU picks, predictions, odds for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "It writes: \"After extensive simulations, our model predicts TCU a win probability of 46%, while Ohio State has a win probability of 54%.\" How to ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ohio-state-vs-tcu-prediction-031409604.html",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament First ...",
"snippet": "Ohio State and TCU fought their way into the NCAA Tournament. They're tough, battle-tested, and should wage a strong 8-9 battle."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/ohio-state-tcu-march-madness-bracket-pick/95a372aebc164d7178f5c241",
"title": "Ohio State or TCU? How to pick 8 vs. 9 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Ultimately, the pick here is Ohio State. The Buckeyes offense is more explosive than TCU's defense is stifling, and while the Horned Frogs can ..."
},
{
"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."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-analyzing-villanova-path-210359751.html",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: Analyzing Villanova's path to a No. 8 seed",
"snippet": "Villanova will now take on Utah State in the West Region. ... March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA ..."
},
{
"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 Madness ...",
"snippet": "ESPN: Utah State has a 51.6% chance to beat Villanova. The site gives the Wildcats a 48.4% shot at defeating the Aggies in the NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.oregonlive.com/betting/2026/03/utah-state-vs-villanova-odds-update-experts-adjust-predictions-ahead-of-8-seed-vs-9-seed-round-of-64-matchup.html",
"title": "Utah State vs. Villanova odds update: Experts adjust predictions ...",
"snippet": "Villanova matchup is Utah State moneyline (-135). This aligns with Kalshi's pricing, where Utah State holds a 55% implied win probability (Yes ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u55bl4mBB5c",
"title": "Villanova vs. Utah State NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "24:31. Go to channel Depressed Ginger · *PERFECT* FULL March Madness 2026 Tournament Bracket Predictions! Depressed Ginger. New. 92K views · 8: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.bettingpros.com/articles/villanova-vs-utah-state-ncaa-tournament-picks-odds/",
"title": "Villanova vs. Utah State: NCAA Tournament Picks & Odds",
"snippet": "Utah State 2026 NCAA Tournament Preview ... Villanova might be the better seed in this 8-9 matchup, but Utah State is rated higher in the NET."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/03/16/national-outlets-predict-clemson-vs-iowa-matchup/",
"title": "National Outlets Predict Clemson vs. Iowa Matchup",
"snippet": "ESPN's Jeff Borzello predicted Clemson to beat Iowa, 64-62, and then fall to No. 1 seed Florida, 76-63, in the second round. ESPN's Myron ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-jay-bilas-predicts-ncaa-180056153.html",
"title": "ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts NCAA Tournament, Iowa ...",
"snippet": "ESPN's Jay Bilas predicted every NCAA Tournament game and offered a pick for what he sees the Iowa Hawkeyes doing in March Madness."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-clemson-iowa-march-madness",
"title": "#8 Clemson vs. #9 Iowa Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: ...",
"snippet": "Final Prediction & Betting Pick. The Verdict: Iowa Hawkeyes. Final Score Prediction: Iowa 68, Clemson 64. Best Bet: Iowa -2.5."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/clemson-iowa-march-madness-bracket-pick/4112f8b02b22645442491e69",
"title": "Clemson or Iowa? How to pick 8 vs. 9 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Iowa opened as a slight -1.5 point betting favorite against Clemson, according to DraftKings. Here are the full odds, TV info and location for ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/early-national-predictions-for-clemson-basketball-s-matchup-vs-iowa/ar-AA1YLYjM?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "Early national predictions for Clemson basketball's ...",
"snippet": "Not every outlet sees Clemson advancing. The Sporting News picked Iowa to win the matchup, pointing to the Hawkeyes' offensive advantage. “This ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 16
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMLet me get more picks and predictions:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Georgia Bulldogs Saint Louis Billikens 8 9 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Louisville Cardinals South Florida Bulls 6 11 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament upset"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "BYU Cougars Texas Longhorns 6 11 seed matchup 2026 NCAA tournament"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856487/saint-louis-georgia",
"title": "Saint Louis vs. Georgia (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Saint Louis Billikens vs. Georgia Bulldogs NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/georgia/article/georgia-earns-8-seed-will-face-9-seed-saint-louis-in-ncaa-tournament-1st-round-277816940/",
"title": "Georgia earns 8-seed, will face 9-seed Saint Louis in NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Georgia earned an 8-seed in this year's tournament and will face 9-seed Saint Louis in the first round. The matchup between the Bulldogs and the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://slubillikens.com/news/2026/3/17/mens-basketball-mbb-preview-billikens-face-georgia-in-ncaa-tournament.aspx",
"title": "MBB PREVIEW: Billikens Face Georgia in NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Saint Louis claimed a No. 9 seed in the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and will face No. 8 Georgia on Thursday, March 19 ..."
},
{
"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": "No. 8 seed Georgia and No. 9 seed Saint Louis play Thursday, March 19, in a March Madness NCAA Tournament first-round game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P4rqRSSPas",
"title": "Georgia vs. Saint Louis PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "... 8:45 PM CT. Southeastern 16 Merch: https ... Saint Louis PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament Predictions. 469 views ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2026/03/18/usf-basketball-march-madness-louisville-upset-ncaa-tournament/89199162007/",
"title": "Why South Florida basketball a popular upset pick in NCAA brackets",
"snippet": "The Bulls, the 11th seed in the East, will get their chance to against No. 6 seed Louisville in Buffalo, New York, on Thursday."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/usf-isnt-backing-down-bulls-200506723.html",
"title": "USF Isn't backing down as Bulls exude confidence ahead of NCAA ...",
"snippet": "The Bulls are chic pick to upset Louisville, except they don't believe it would be an upset."
},
{
"url": "https://bigredlouie.com/5-concerning-stats-that-have-louisville-basketball-on-upset-watch",
"title": "5 concerning stats that have Louisville basketball on upset watch",
"snippet": "In the East Region's 6 vs. 11 seed matchup, Louisville is currently a 5.5-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook."
},
{
"url": "https://nationaltoday.com/us/ky/louisville/news/2026/03/16/louisville-faces-upset-alert-against-south-florida-in-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Louisville Faces Upset Alert Against South Florida in NCAA ...",
"snippet": "11th-seeded USF Bulls are a trendy pick to knock off No. 6 Louisville Cardinals in March Madness opener. Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:24pm. Got story ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/35KYSports/posts/-breakinglouisville-earns-the-no-6-seed-in-the-east-region-of-the-ncaa-tournamen/1529169892551833/",
"title": "BREAKING Louisville earns the No. 6 seed in the East Region of the ...",
"snippet": "11 South Florida.  The Cardinals have historically controlled this matchup, holding a 29 to 4 all time series lead over the Bulls."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/byu-draws-6-seed-face-221804755.html",
"title": "BYU draws 6 seed, will face Texas or NC State in the ...",
"snippet": "The Cougars have earned a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament's West Region. They will face the winner of a First Four matchup between Texas and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/03/15/byu-basketball-2026-ncaa-tournament-seed-facing-/",
"title": "BYU draws 6 seed in NCAA Tournament, will play Texas or ...",
"snippet": "The Cougars have earned a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament's West Region. They will face the winner of a First Four matchup between Texas and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sltrib.com/sports/byu-cougars/2026/03/15/byu-basketball-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "BYU basketball in NCAA Tournament: Texas or NC State ...",
"snippet": "6 seed, headed for the West region, slated to open in Portland, facing the 11-seed winner between First Four teams Texas and North Carolina ..."
},
{
"url": "https://universe.byu.edu/sports/byu-headed-back-to-ncaa-tournament-as-no-6-seed-opening-against-texas-or-nc-state",
"title": "BYU headed back to NCAA Tournament as No. 6 seed ...",
"snippet": "BYU headed back to NCAA Tournament as No. 6 seed, opening against Texas or NC State. By Owen Chapman,. March 15, 2026. Email · Link to X ..."
},
{
"url": "https://kutv.com/sports/byu/byu-earns-6-seed-in-ncaa-tournament-awaits-play-in-winner-between-texas-nc-state",
"title": "BYU earns 6-seed in NCAA Tournament, awaits play-in ...",
"snippet": "BYU will open the NCAA Tournament as a No. 6 seed in the West Region and will face the winner of the First Four matchup between No. 11 seeds ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 17
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMGood research so far! Let me do a few more key searches to round out my knowledge:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Nebraska Cornhuskers 2026 NCAA tournament Troy Trojans first round"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan State Spartans 2026 NCAA tournament Tom Izzo March Madness"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "\"13 seed\" \"14 seed\" upset predictions 2026 NCAA tournament Hofstra"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://cornhuskerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/cornhuskers/football/2026/03/15/nebraska-basketball-ncaa-tournament-selection-sunday-march-madnes-bracket-release/89171466007/",
"title": "Nebraska to play this Sun Belt team in first round of NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "The Huskers will play the No. 13 Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Nebraska (26-6, 15-5 Big Ten) lost to Purdue ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.on3.com/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers/news/nebraska-basketball-will-face-troy-to-open-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Nebraska basketball will face Troy to open 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "The 26-6 Huskers earned a No. 4 seed in the tournament and will face No. 13 Troy in the Round of 64 on Thursday in Oklahoma City."
},
{
"url": "https://huskercorner.com/nebraska-basketball-ncaa-tournament-oklahoma-city-troy-first-round",
"title": "Troy's last Big Ten showdown shows Nebraska has tough road to ...",
"snippet": "The bad news is that NU was dropped to a 4-seed after limping to the finish line, going 6-6 in their final 12 games, including losing their ..."
},
{
"url": "https://troytrojans.com/news/2026/3/15/basketball-m-troy-slotted-as-no-13-seed-in-south-region-set-for-no-4-nebraska-in-ncaa-first-round-in-oklahoma-city",
"title": "Troy Slotted as No. 13 Seed in South Region, Set for No. 4 ...",
"snippet": "Troy Slotted as No. 13 Seed in South Region, Set for No. 4 Nebraska in NCAA First Round in Oklahoma City. 3/15/2026 5:47:00 PM | Basketball (M)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.southernsportstoday.com/2026/03/17/nebraska-chasing-history-in-challenge-from-no-13-seed-troy/",
"title": "Nebraska chasing history in challenge from No. 13 seed Troy",
"snippet": "The Trojans won more than 20 games for the fifth season in a row and nearly took down Kentucky in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tom-izzo-reacts-michigan-state-044659837.html",
"title": "Tom Izzo reacts to Michigan State Spartans earning No. 3 seed in ...",
"snippet": "Tom Izzo is proud to be back in March Madness once again ... 2026 NCAA tournament picks, odds: 4 March Madness bets we like right now."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/basketball/msu-spartans-tom-izzo-right-march-madness-ingredients-north-dakota-state",
"title": "MSU's Izzo on Right March Madness Ingredients, North Dakota State",
"snippet": "MSU's Izzo on Right March Madness Ingredients, North Dakota State ... Here's what the Spartans' head coach had to say about his team's upcoming ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.mlive.com/spartans/basketball/2026/03/michigan-state-determined-to-earn-it-while-facing-harsh-reality-of-ncaa-tournament.html",
"title": "Michigan State determined to earn it while facing 'harsh reality' of ...",
"snippet": "Michigan State basketball falls in national rankings heading into March Madness · Why Tom Izzo is 'cool' with Purdue leaping Michigan State ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_uYJ9FM0-Q",
"title": "Is This Tom Izzo's MOST Questionable Michigan State Team Ever?",
"snippet": "... State team Izzo has taken into March Madness in years. After a frustrating Big Ten Tournament loss to UCLA, concerns are growing about the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/video/how-tom-izzo-can-cement-himself-on-college-basketballs-mount-rushmore-144047242.html",
"title": "How Tom Izzo can cement himself on college basketball's 'Mount ...",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 · College basketball · Men's college basketball ... Tom Izzo, Michigan State watch on as NCAA Tournament path is revealed ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/1rv8diu/making_sense_of_the_madness_2026_part_1/",
"title": "Making Sense of the Madness 2026: Part 1 : r/CollegeBasketball",
"snippet": "The numbers back that up. Best and worst teams at each seed line according to these metrics: 13 seed: Best: Hofstra Worst: Hawaii. 14 seed:"
},
{
"url": "https://vsin.com/college-basketball/college-basketball-ncaa-tournament-first-round-betting-trends/",
"title": "College Basketball NCAA Tournament First Round Betting Trends",
"snippet": "– Mid-American Conference teams are 14-8 ATS (63.6%) in their last 22 NCAA tourney games as a #13 seed or worse, but 9-11 ATS (45%) in other ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college-basketball/the-best-mens-ncaa-tournament-teams-each-seed-line",
"title": "Picking the Best Men's NCAA Tournament Teams at Each Seed Line",
"snippet": "13 seed. Hofstra Pride. Like former Hofstra player and current coach ... 14 seed. North Dakota State Bison. David Richman's North Dakota ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/822580692623516/posts/1261822465366001/",
"title": "Alabama vs Hofstra NCAA tournament game - Facebook",
"snippet": "... 13-seed Hofstra in the first round in Tampa on Friday. ... 14 seed, Penn, in the first round this coming Thursday in Greenville, South ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/march-madness-2026-mens-first-four-live-updates-scores-results-bracket/FaqP8tALRmPJ/iEhgtrsASeQm/",
"title": "Midwest region odds - The Athletic - The New York Times",
"snippet": "13 seed this season after it was a No. 14 seed with a better NET last season, and in the inclusion of Miami (Ohio) in this year's tournament."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 18
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMExcellent! Let me search for a few more key matchups and championship picks:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke vs UConn 2026 NCAA tournament East Region Final projection"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators 2026 NCAA tournament South Region championship contender Todd Golden"
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-204524913.html",
"title": "Region-by-region predictions, Cinderellas, expert picks, ...",
"snippet": "Duke is the No. 1 overall seed after a 32-2 campaign that featured a 17-1 record in ACC play and a win over fellow No."
},
{
"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",
"snippet": "East. Final Four pick: Duke ... Without Brown, the Cards could chuck themselves right out of the Big Dance. Matchup I hope we see: Duke vs. UConn."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-east-region-bracket-preview/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament East Region bracket preview",
"snippet": "(1) Duke vs. (2) UConn: There is no shortage of incredible potential matchups with all of the blue blood programs and Hall of Fame coaches, but ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji9BvAyGbgY",
"title": "'Here's why UConn can STILL win the East Region!!'",
"snippet": "Expert Matt Norlander fills out his bracket | 2026 NCAA TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS & ADVICE. CBS Sports · 88K views ; Complete March Madness Bracket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/betting-the-east-region-in-2026-ncaa-tournament-predictions-odds-upsets-for-march-madness",
"title": "Betting the East Region in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Duke is favored to win this region, but there are cases to be made for UConn, Michigan State, St. John's and Kansas. Here's a look at all of the ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gators-secure-south-no-1-233438955.html",
"title": "Gators secure South No. 1 seed after conference championship losses",
"snippet": "After losing to Vanderbilt in the SEC semifinals on Saturday, Florida coach Todd Golden went through the typical media charade until the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/03/15/florida-gators-mens-basketball-todd-golden-sec-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Gators secure No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament's South Region",
"snippet": "On Sunday, Todd Golden's team earned the No. 1 seed in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. “Florida basketball is really ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.alligator.org/article/2026/03/florida-ncaa-tournament-seed-revealed?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured",
"title": "Florida gets No. 1 seed in South Region of NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Florida head coach Todd Golden claps out his team after winning an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game against Kentucky, Friday, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/03/17/florida-gators-basketball-todd-golden-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Gators' Todd Golden rejects wake-up call talk as UF resets for NCAAs",
"snippet": "Florida coach Todd Golden isn't buying the wake-up call talk after UF's SEC tourney loss, insisting the confident Gators will be ready for ..."
},
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-charting-the-gators-sunshine-state-ncaa-fate-march-16-2026",
"title": "Charting the Gators: Sunshine State NCAA Fate",
"snippet": "\"I think it's fantastic,\" UF coach Todd Golden said Monday. The ... Florida will play its 14th (and hopes for a 15th) NCAA Tournament ..."
}
]
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}assistantMessage 19
Mar 18, 2026, 11:48 PMNow I have a good foundation of knowledge. Let me compile my bracket based on all this research. Here's what I've learned:
**Key Findings:**
1. **KenPom Rankings:** Duke #1, Arizona #2, Michigan #3, Florida #4, Houston #5, Iowa State #6
2. **Championship Favorites:** Duke (+300), Michigan (+360), Arizona (+390), Florida (+750), Houston (+1000)
3. **First Four Results:**
- Howard beat UMBC 86-83
- Texas beat NC State 68-66
- SMU vs Miami (OH) and Prairie View vs Lehigh still pending (today March 18)
4. **Key Upsets to Watch:**
- 12 High Point over 5 Wisconsin (highest upset probability ~24%)
- 12 Northern Iowa over 5 St. John's (trending upset pick)
- 12 McNeese over 5 Vanderbilt (forces turnovers, defensive team)
- 13 Hofstra over 4 Alabama (best #13 seed by metrics)
- 9 seeds over 8 seeds (historically slightly favored)
- 10 Missouri over 7 Miami (playing in St. Louis, home crowd)
- 11 South Florida over 6 Louisville (trendy upset pick)
- 11 Texas over 6 BYU (just won First Four)
5. **Injury concerns:** Duke has some injury questions with Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba
6. **Expert picks favor:** Duke to win it all, with Michigan and Arizona close behind
7. **Virginia has new coach Ryan Odom** (not Tony Bennett)
Now let me build my bracket with strategic upsets:
Tool Call: submit_bracket
{
"r1": [
{
"gameId": "game-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "game-2",
"winnerId": "tcu-horned-frogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-3",
"winnerId": "st-johns-red-storm"
},
{
"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": "high-point-panthers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-12",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-13",
"winnerId": "texas-longhorns"
},
{
"gameId": "game-14",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-15",
"winnerId": "missouri-tigers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-16",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-17",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "game-18",
"winnerId": "iowa-hawkeyes"
},
{
"gameId": "game-19",
"winnerId": "mcneese-cowboys"
},
{
"gameId": "game-20",
"winnerId": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-21",
"winnerId": "north-carolina-tar-heels"
},
{
"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": "texas-tech-red-raiders"
},
{
"gameId": "game-28",
"winnerId": "hofstra-pride"
},
{
"gameId": "game-29",
"winnerId": "tennessee-volunteers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-30",
"winnerId": "virginia-cavaliers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-31",
"winnerId": "kentucky-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "game-32",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
],
"r2": [
{
"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": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
},
{
"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": "hofstra-pride"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-3",
"winnerId": "virginia-cavaliers"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-4",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
],
"r3": [
{
"gameId": "s16-east-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-east-2",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-west-1",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"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"
}
],
"r4": [
{
"gameId": "e8-east-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-west-1",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-south-1",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
}
],
"r5": [
{
"gameId": "ff-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "ff-2",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
}
],
"r6": [
{
"gameId": "champ-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
}
],
"tiebreakerScore": 145
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tool Result: submit_bracket
{
"submitted": true
}Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"caller": {
"type": "direct"
}
}
}Tokens
- Input
- 452705
- Output
- 5307
- Reasoning
- —