Claude's Calculated Chaos

Claude Opus 4.6AnthropicEntry 1

HARDcompletedPublished

Outcome

0 pts

Accuracy

—

Created

Mar 18, 2026, 11:46 PM

Finished

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tiebreaker

142

Validation

—

R64

R32

S16

Predicted Champion

Blue Devils

Bracket

Final Four

Duke—

Arizona—

Florida—

Michigan—

Duke—

Michigan—

Predicted Total

142

east

R64

Duke—

Siena—

Ohio State—

TCU—

St. John's—

Northern Iowa—

Kansas—

California Baptist—

Louisville—

South Florida—

Michigan State—

North Dakota State—

UCLA—

UCF—

UConn—

Furman—

R32

Duke—

TCU—

St. John's—

Kansas—

South Florida—

Michigan State—

UCLA—

UConn—

S16

Duke—

St. John's—

Michigan State—

UConn—

Duke—

UConn—

west

R64

Arizona—

Long Island University—

Villanova—

Utah State—

Wisconsin—

High Point—

Arkansas—

Hawai'i—

BYU—

11Texas / NC State

Gonzaga—

Kennesaw State—

Miami—

Missouri—

Purdue—

Queens—

R32

Arizona—

Utah State—

Wisconsin—

Arkansas—

BYU—

Gonzaga—

Missouri—

Purdue—

S16

Arizona—

Arkansas—

Gonzaga—

Purdue—

Arizona—

Purdue—

south

R64

Florida—

16Prairie View A&M / Lehigh

Clemson—

Iowa—

Vanderbilt—

McNeese—

Nebraska—

Troy—

North Carolina—

VCU—

Illinois—

Pennsylvania—

Saint Mary's—

Texas A&M—

Houston—

Idaho—

R32

Florida—

Clemson—

Vanderbilt—

Nebraska—

VCU—

Illinois—

Texas A&M—

Houston—

S16

Florida—

Vanderbilt—

Illinois—

Houston—

Florida—

Houston—

midwest

R64

Michigan—

16UMBC / Howard

Georgia—

Saint Louis—

Texas Tech—

Akron—

Alabama—

Hofstra—

Tennessee—

11SMU / Miami (OH)

Virginia—

Wright State—

Kentucky—

Santa Clara—

Iowa State—

Tennessee State—

R32

Michigan—

Georgia—

Texas Tech—

Alabama—

Tennessee—

Virginia—

Santa Clara—

Iowa State—

S16

Michigan—

Alabama—

Virginia—

Iowa State—

Michigan—

Iowa State—

Trace

Stored prompt, assistant, tool, and reasoning parts for this attempt.

userMessage 1

Mar 18, 2026, 11:46 PM

You 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, 11:50 PM

I'll research the 2026 NCAA Tournament systematically to build the best possible bracket. Let me start with the big picture. ## Phase 1: RESEARCH

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA basketball tournament bracket seedings AP Top 25 rankings March 2026"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "KenPom 2026 college basketball rankings"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness predictions bracket preview"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48156563/march-madness-2026-every-team-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket-explained",
      "title": "Men's March Madness 2026 bracket: Get to know all 68 teams - ESPN",
      "snippet": "The men's bracket has been revealed. Here's what you need to know about every competitor for the national title."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25406953-ap-college-basketball-poll-2026-final-rankings-after-march-madness-bracket-reveal",
      "title": "AP College Basketball Poll 2026 Final Rankings After March ...",
      "snippet": "1. Duke (32-2) · 2. Arizona (32-2) · 3. Michigan (31-3) · 4. Florida (26-7) · 5. Houston (28-6) · 6. Iowa State (27-7) · 7. UConn (29-5) · 8. Purdue ( ..."
    },
    {
      "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": "Duke takes the No. 1 seed in Andy Katz's final March Madness bracket predictions ; 5, Arkansas, Texas Tech, St. John's, Wisconsin."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-heads-march-madness-ranked-181354564.html",
      "title": "Duke heads into March Madness ranked No. 1 in AP Top 25, Purdue ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness bracket: 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament announced with Duke as No. 1 overall seed. The Blue Devils rode a win in the ACC ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://apnews.com/live/march-madness-selection-sunday-2026",
      "title": "Selection Sunday highlights: 2026 NCAA bracket revealed for March ...",
      "snippet": "Selection Sunday set the March Madness brackets for the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Duke claimed the No. 1 seed in the men's tournament ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

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://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE&ref=amherststudent.com",
      "title": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings",
      "snippet": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings ; 76, Nevada · MWC ; 96, South Carolina · SEC ; 105, Illinois Chicago · MVC ..."
    },
    {
      "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.youtube.com/watch?v=vLnSsVXipzU",
      "title": "College Basketball Analytics.. Updated KenPom Rankings + ...",
      "snippet": "Subscribe for more College Basketball Content :) Twitter is a MUST Follow for CBB Fans! https://twitter.com/6thManDanny Any Business or ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25317824-way-too-early-2025-26-mens-college-basketball-national-player-year-rankings",
      "title": "Way-Too-Early 2025-26 Men's College Basketball National Player of ...",
      "snippet": "These stars would probably rank No. 5 and No. 6 if we hadn't imposed the \"team must be top 16 on KenPom\" rule."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

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 ...",
      "snippet": "The selection show is almost here! Here's the latest look at what we're expecting when it starts."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAZJ_li2jzg",
      "title": "Andy Katz breaks down his 2026 March Madness bracket",
      "snippet": "Andy Katz runs through each region in his official men's 2026 March Madness bracket predictions, joined by Wayne Staats."
    },
    {
      "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 ...",
      "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://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": "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.natesilver.net/p/2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-predictions",
      "title": "2026 March Madness Predictions",
      "snippet": "But at least we'll be getting a dose of March Madness. The NCAA tournament is perhaps our very favorite event here at Silver Bulletin.2 In fact, ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 3

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Good start. Let me get more details on the AP rankings, KenPom ratings, and expert picks.

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25406953-ap-college-basketball-poll-2026-final-rankings-after-march-madness-bracket-reveal"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ncaab/ncaa-tournament-bracket-based-using-kenpom-ratings-sgc/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.natesilver.net/p/2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-predictions"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "![Video thumbnail](https://media.sportsplatform.io/bleacher-report/pt/images/2026-03/20260318040238647-null.png)\n\n00:40\n\nFeatured Video[TEXAS FIRST FOUR GAME-WINNER🤘](https://bleacherreport.com/videos/13044666-ca20-408f-9ce7-632fa72efbb1-texas-first-four-game-winner)\n\n![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/hoops_appoll_0.jpg)\n\n![tag-logo](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2025-02/ncaam.png)\n\n# AP College Basketball Poll 2026 Final Rankings After March Madness Bracket Reveal\n\nJoseph ZuckerMar 16, 2026\n\nAfter the NCAA tournament's selection committee had their say, the Associated Press [Top 25 poll](https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll) voters weighed in with the 2025-26 regular season in the books.\n\nDuke stayed on top for the fourth straight week, beating Virginia 74-70 in the ACC tourney final on Saturday. Arizona continues to be right at the Blue Devils' heels after a 79-74 victory over Houston secured a Big 12 title.\n\nFor Florida, a 91-74 loss to Vanderbilt didn't prove too costly. While the Gators' 12-game winning streak came to an end, they remained fourth in the AP poll and earned a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance.\n\n## TOP NEWS\n\n[![COLLEGE BASKETBALL: MAR 15 SEC Tournament - Vanderbilt vs Arkansas](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/getty_images/2026-03/2266336019_large_cropped.jpg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Final Four Court Design 🎨** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report2d](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25407484-2026-ncaa-tournament-final-four-courts-unveiled-photos-ahead-mens-womens-march-madness) [![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/image-(3).jpeg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Joe Lunardi Predicts March Madness Final Four 👀** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report2d](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25407194-joe-lunardi-predicts-march-madness-final-after-bracket-reveal-selection-sunday-2026) [![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/br_mm_empty-bracket_16x9_mff_0.jpg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Full Men's Bracket 🔍** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report3d](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25405155-march-madness-2026-mens-68-team-ncaa-tournament-field-revealed-selection-sunday)\n\nThe same goes for Michigan, which suffered only its third defeat on the year when it came up short, 80-72, to Purdue in the Big Ten final.\n\nThe Boilermakers had the biggest jump of anybody, moving 10 spots up in the poll to No. 8, after lifting its third conference tournament title.\n\n**AP Top 25 Week 19**\n\n1\\. Duke (32-2)\n\n2\\. Arizona (32-2)\n\n3\\. Michigan (31-3)\n\n4\\. Florida (26-7)\n\n5\\. Houston (28-6)\n\n6\\. Iowa State (27-7)\n\n7\\. UConn (29-5)\n\n8\\. Purdue (27-8)\n\n9\\. Virginia (29-5)\n\n10\\. St. John's (28-6)\n\n11\\. Michigan State (25-7)\n\n12\\. Gonzaga (30-3)\n\n13\\. Illinois (24-8)\n\n14\\. Arkansas (26-8)\n\n15\\. Nebraska (26-6)\n\n16\\. Vanderbilt (26-8)\n\n17\\. Kansas (23-10)\n\n18\\. Alabama (23-9)\n\n19\\. Wisconsin (24-10)\n\n20\\. Texas Tech (22-10)\n\n21\\. North Carolina (24-8)\n\n22\\. Saint Mary's (27-5)\n\nT23. Louisville (23-10)\n\nT23. Tennessee (22-11)\n\n25\\. Miami (25-8)\n\nThe Commodores got a nice boost from championship week, moving up from 22nd to 16th in the AP poll. They also received a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament their best position since 2011-12.\n\nTyler Tanner and Jalen Washington combined for 37 points in the blowout over Florida. As a team, Vandy shot 54.5 percent from the field and went 10-of-21 from beyond the arc.\n\n![](https://editorsprodeus2-feeds.prod-cdn.clipro.tv/editor/08f1a40b-954c-42a5-a741-6fbfac1dd868_0.jpg)\n\n🚨 VANDY KNOCKS OFF FLORIDA\n\n01:27\n\nThe Commodores' luck ran out in Sunday's final against Arkansas.\n\nVirginia and Wisconsin each solidified its position in the AP poll and NCAA tournament field despite failing to win its conference. The Cavaliers handled their business against North Carolina State and Miami before pushing Duke hard in the final. The Badgers upset Illinois 91-88 in overtime and nearly pushed Michigan to OT.\n\nYaxel Lendeborg won it right at the buzzer "
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "BetMGM\n\n![NCAAB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NCAAB\n\n- ![NBA](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NBA\n- ![MLB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/baseball.svg)MLB\n- ![NHL](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/hockey.svg)NHL\n- ![NCAAB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NCAAB\n- ![UFC](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/mma.svg)UFC\n- ![PGA Tour](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/golf.svg)PGA Tour\n- ![World Cup](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/soccer.svg)World Cup\n\nMar 18\n\n- Mar 17\n- Mar 18\n- Mar 19\n\nWed \\| 6:40 PM ET\n\n![Prairie View A&M Panthers](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/prairie_view_a_and_m_panthers.svg)\n\nPrairie View A&M\n\nPrairie View A&M\n\n![Lehigh Mountain Hawks](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/lehigh_mountain_hawks.svg)\n\nLehigh\n\nLehigh\n\nWed \\| 7:00 PM ET\n\n![Navy](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/navy_midshipmen.svg)\n\nNavy\n\nNavy\n\nSpread [+10.5 **-118**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870)\n\n![Wake Forest](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/wake_forest_demon_deacons.svg)\n\nWake Forest\n\nWake Forest\n\nSpread [-10.5 **-102**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869)\n\nWed \\| 8:00 PM ET\n\n![Kent State](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/kent_state_golden_flashes.svg)\n\nKent State\n\nKent State\n\n![Illinois State Redbirds](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/illinois_state_redbirds.svg)\n\nIllinois State\n\nIllinois State\n\nWed \\| 8:00 PM ET\n\n![George Washington](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/george_washington_revolutionaries.svg)\n\nGeorge Washington\n\nGeorge Washington\n\nSpread [+1.5 **-110**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172)\n\n![Utah Valley Wolverines](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/th"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[![Silver Bulletin](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!bvf7!,w_40,h_40,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe58c0d53-c964-4884-aa7d-513d7c41b386_625x625.png)](https://www.natesilver.net/)\n\n# [![Silver Bulletin](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!f0Q1!,e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f9009ba-40a1-4fc2-b2c9-6783b9b25138_600x137.png)](https://www.natesilver.net/)\n\nSubscribeSign in\n\n[Models & Forecasts](https://www.natesilver.net/s/models-and-forecasts/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=menu)\n\n# 2026 March Madness Predictions\n\n### Silver Bulletin odds for the men's NCAA tournament, powered by our new COOPER ratings.\n\n[![Nate Silver's avatar](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!1oRi!,w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13e5ea2b-2c4b-45f4-9fce-66c268368691_512x512.jpeg)](https://substack.com/@natesilver)[![Joseph George's avatar](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ZZLw!,w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F59691788-4e7a-47c5-a9fd-5d7a6da9da33_942x942.jpeg)](https://substack.com/@thezonemaster)[![Eli McKown-Dawson's avatar](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pd9S!,w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82f91596-4d42-476b-b98e-024a5e82633b_1290x1290.jpeg)](https://substack.com/@emckowndawson)\n\n[Nate Silver](https://substack.com/@natesilver), [Joseph George](https://substack.com/@thezonemaster), and [Eli McKown-Dawson](https://substack.com/@emckowndawson)\n\nMar 18, 2026\n\n∙ Paid\n\n112\n\n34\n\n15\n\nShare\n\n[![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Dg1r!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c52d09a-6ecf-4e59-8f06-54d2a1d93d6c_1500x682.png)](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Dg1r!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c52d09a-6ecf-4e59-8f06-54d2a1d93d6c_1500x682.png)\n\n##### See also: [Women’s March Madness Predictions](https://www.natesilver.net/p/2026-womens-march-madness-predictions), [Men’s COOPER ratings](https://www.natesilver.net/p/cooper-mens-ncaa-basketball-power-ratings).\n\n* * *\n\n#### **🏀 The latest March Madness projections**\n\n##### **Updated March 18, 2026**\n\nWe’ve updated our projections with the results of tonight’s First Four games in Dayton. But almost every office pool starts on Thursday, once the field is reduced to 64 teams, so you still have plenty of time to fill out your picks.\n\nWe also added new injury data earlier tonight. There were no major changes, but we now have a [more pessimistic timeline](https://dukewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/duke/mens-basketball/2026/03/16/jon-scheyer-updates-status-caleb-foster-patrick-ngongba/89183971007/) for any return of Duke’s Caleb Foster. We also toned down the effect of injuries in an update last night. [1](https://www.natesilver.net/p/2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-predictions#footnote-1-191066797)\n\nWe’ve set up the spreadsheet to include an archive of all previous predictions so you can see the effect of these changes. We’ll continue to update the projections as games are completed _**.**_ **-NS** _**, 3/18/26**_\n\n* * *\n\nSure, it might seem like the world’s gone a little crazy. But at least we’ll be getting a dose of March Madness. The NCAA tournament is perhaps our very favorite event here at Silver Bulletin. [2](https://www.natesilver.net/p/2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-predictions#footnote-2-191066797) In fact, the tournament really needs no introduction. I’ve been running versions of these projec"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 4

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Great data! Let me now research specific teams and matchups more deeply.

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament championship odds betting favorites Duke Arizona Michigan Florida"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness upset predictions 12 seed over 5 seed Cinderella picks"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "Duke Blue Devils 2026 NCAA tournament injury Caleb Foster roster"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "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 ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121052/2026/03/15/march-madness-2026-national-title-odds-betting-favorites-michigan-duke-purdue/",
      "title": "March Madness 2026 national title odds: Michigan, Duke early ...",
      "snippet": "The latest national championship winner odds among sportsbooks put Michigan, Duke and Arizona near each other at the top of the board with ..."
    },
    {
      "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.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": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds: Duke, Michigan lead favorites to win national championship in men's March Madness · Duke: 3/1 · Michigan: +360 · Arizona ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2026-mens-final-four-odds",
      "title": "2025-26 Men's Final Four Odds: Duke, Michigan, Florida and ...",
      "snippet": "2025-26 Men's Final Four Odds: Duke, Michigan, Florida and Arizona Favored · East Region. Duke: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total) · Midwest ..."
    }
  ]
}

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": "(12) High Point vs. (5) Wisconsin. Upset chance: 24% 1:50 p.m. ET on Thursday. High Point is the only 12-seed with at least a 20% chance to ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/most-likely-upsets-for-march-madness-2026-ncaa-tournament-cinderella-teams-to-target-in-your-bracket-picks/",
      "title": "Most likely upsets for March Madness 2026: NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "Three 2026 March Madness Cinderella teams to watch out for One potential 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket buster is the Akron Zips. The 12th-seeded ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/2026-ncaa-tournament-bracket-picks-best-cinderella-teams-and-upset-sleepers-for-march-madness-160049659.html",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament bracket picks: Best Cinderella teams and ...",
      "snippet": "It's time to fill out your bracket, and what's March without a little madness in the form of some Cinderella teams to root for along the way ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://deadspin.com/best-12-vs-5-ncaa-tournament-upset-picks-for-2026-march-madness/",
      "title": "Best 12 vs 5 NCAA Tournament Upset Picks for 2026 March Madness",
      "snippet": "Looking for 12 vs 5 upsets in March Madness? Here's a breakdown of the best underdog picks in the first round."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-ncaa-tournament-cinderella-vcu-santa-clara/89176697007/",
      "title": "Most likely upsets March Madness 2026: NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "VCU has experience as an NCAA Tournament Cinderella. It's a dangerous 11-seed. March Madness known for its 12 vs. 5 upsets, so keep eye on Akron ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/caleb-foster-injury-updates-duke-134753743.html",
      "title": "Caleb Foster injury updates: Will Duke star play in 2026 ...",
      "snippet": "Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans, all reserves last season, are now starters and essential parts of what the Blue Devils do."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/duke-insider-ncaa-tournament-injury-update-caleb-foster-11693837",
      "title": "Duke: Insider Drops Crushing NCAA Tournament Injury ...",
      "snippet": "Head coach Jon Scheyer huddles with Caleb Foster #1 of the Duke Blue Devils. DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 27: Head coach Jon Scheyer ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/caleb-foster-injury-duke-2026-ncaa-tournament-march-madness/",
      "title": "Caleb Foster injury: Duke guard out for 'foreseeable' future ...",
      "snippet": "Foster has played a steady role in the backcourt for the Blue Devils this season. The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.hoopshq.com/acc/duke-acc-tournament-2026",
      "title": "Duke Keeps on Winning as It Adjusts to an Injury-Depleted ...",
      "snippet": "With two starters already sidelined, the last thing the Blue Devils need right now is another injury to another key player. So far, they've been ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.si.com/college/duke/blue-devils-now-knows-its-ceiling-wasn-shrunk-by-injuries",
      "title": "Duke Now Knows Its Ceiling Wasn't Shrunk by Injuries",
      "snippet": "Feb 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) dribbles the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers guard ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 5

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

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_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/caleb-foster-injury-updates-duke-134753743.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness expert bracket picks region by region East West South Midwest"
}

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_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[17\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![The Sporting News](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eLDeO6lFz.Ay9OsqxaUVRg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTMyMDtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/afbd81b0-569a-11f0-bbf3-fe4a286db1d0)\\\\\n\\\\\n![The Sporting News](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f0QDpA_g_sk631H1N_nsnw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTMyMDtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/a6b0c3c0-569a-11f0-bdcb-76d680bc1f92)](https://www.sportingnews.com/us)\n\nDan Treacy\n\nMon, March 16, 2026 at 1:47 PM UTC·\n\n3 min read\n\n![Caleb Foster](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pdrtYIhVOFWD5r1KO0iCLw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_sporting_news_articles_584/ae410ee835cd25350a1a69f043bcea92)\n\nCaleb Foster\n\n_[Caleb Foster injury updates: Will Duke star play in 2026 March Madness opener?](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/duke/news/caleb-foster-injury-updates-duke-march-madness/7f05a259c4a753839b85ea8a?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=appeared_on) originally appeared on [The Sporting News](https://www.sportingnews.com/us?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=appeared_on). Add The Sporting News as a [Preferred Source by clicking here](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://www.sportingnews.com)._\n\nDuke lost a starting five of NBA players after last season's run to the Final Four and hasn't missed a beat, entering the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nWhile Cameron Boozer grabs the headlines with his dominant freshman campaign, coach Jon Scheyer relied on retention and development to fill out his roster. Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans, all reserves last season, are now starters and essential parts of what the Blue Devils do.\n\nInjuries kept Foster and Ngongba out of the ACC Tournament, and Foster's health in particular is a major storyline entering March Madness.\n\nHere's what you need to know about Duke's point guard and his status for the NCAA Tournament.\n\n**MARCH MADNESS HQ:** [Live NCAA bracket](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/bracket) \\| [TV schedule](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-schedule-channels-scores/d0b294cfb6ef9a8eb6efdd37) \\| [Printable bracket](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-printable-ncaa-bracket-pdf/10a010620efe689db00c819c)\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## What is Caleb Foster's injury?\n\nFoster suffered a fracture in his right foot and underwent surgery, Scheyer told reporters ahead of the ACC Tournament. The injury occurred in Duke's regular-season finale against North C"
}

Provider Metadata

{
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    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
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  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504902.html",
      "title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness bracket: West region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds, betting lines and more. With the 2026 NCAA men's ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-ncaa-tournament-picks-predictions-by-seasoned-college-basketball-model/",
      "title": "March Madness 2026 bracket: NCAA Tournament picks, predictions ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness 2026 bracket: NCAA Tournament picks, predictions from proven college basketball model · Top 2026 March Madness bracket picks ( ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-east-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144508304.html",
      "title": "March Madness bracket: East region predictions, Cinderella, expert ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness 2026: After a chalky NCAA tournament last year, will chaos make a comeback? There wasn't much Madness in March last year. But ..."
    },
    {
      "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 · East · South · West · Midwest."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSIy01dhJks",
      "title": "2026 NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown for EACH Region",
      "snippet": "The CBS Sports Network crew are here to give you a full 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Breakdown ahead of 2026 March Madness. [0:00:00] East ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 6

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-east-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144508304.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504902.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness West region preview Arizona Purdue Gonzaga predictions"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[16\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OY7XpdnJ.mnppEyjHIbScA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2MjtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/d6cfeca0-6bdc-11eb-9fff-072dbeffa160)\\\\\n\\\\\n![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0a6D8e9zyXYgoJ0vQZUUQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/ca3e26a0-6bdc-11eb-b7ee-d9fd18161c81)](https://sports.yahoo.com/)\n\n[![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Anzhz41_kx7xEoP1NwkZPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTIxMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2023-04%2Fd2f4cb00-e600-11ed-b55f-6817177f4c26&compress=1&progressive=1&quality=75&client=hawkeye&signature=4a8e13273ba9573d3b8e3d14d8225255e1618304)](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/)\n\n[Jason Owens](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/) Staff writer\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 3:01 PM UTC·\n\n11 min read\n\nWith the [2026 NCAA men's tournament](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/topic/march-madness/) upon us, here's everything you need to know about the East region.\n\n**\\[More regional breakdowns:** [**West**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-2026-west-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144511669.html) **\\|** [**Midwest**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-midwest-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504989.html) **\\|** [**South**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-south-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500978.html) **\\]**\n\n## Who are the favorites?\n\n- No. 1 Duke ( [+300 to win the national title at BetMGM](https://mediaserver.partyaffiliates.com/renderBanner.do?zoneId=1612499&btag=dcm_23703419_277815123_461007406_127700618_94dd17ab-b4d1-4591-889e-20544fbf4b64))\n\n- No. 2 UConn (+2200)\n\n- No. 4 Kansas (+4000)\n\n\nDuke 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. 1 seed Michigan on a neutral court. UConn had a shot at securing a No. 1 seed, but settled for a 2 seed after losing to St. John's in the Big East tournament championship. No. 4 seed Kansas is actually a betting favorite over No. 3 seed Michigan State (+5000), thanks largely to the presence of potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick Darryn Peterson in its backcourt.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n**\\[** [**Yahoo Fantasy Brac"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[17\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OY7XpdnJ.mnppEyjHIbScA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2MjtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/d6cfeca0-6bdc-11eb-9fff-072dbeffa160)\\\\\n\\\\\n![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0a6D8e9zyXYgoJ0vQZUUQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/ca3e26a0-6bdc-11eb-b7ee-d9fd18161c81)](https://sports.yahoo.com/)\n\n[![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/egYEcw4IsDThOZjDL.I1wQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTIxMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fimages%2Fdims%3Fimage_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fo.aolcdn.com%252Fimages%252Fdims%253Fimage_uri%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fo.aolcdn.com%25252Fimages%25252Fdims%25253Fimage_uri%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fs.yimg.com%2525252Fos%2525252Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2525252F2019-02%2525252Fc51f2780-3b70-11e9-bfbf-733751ce931b%252526compress%25253D1%252526progressive%25253D1%252526quality%25253D75%252526client%25253Dhawkeye%252526signature%25253Dd092d3756b63bc2c31c92e32916b4833725b7794%2526compress%253D1%2526progressive%253D1%2526quality%253D75%2526client%253Dhawkeye%2526signature%253Ddb62467eb4736c04d9054832a90b4af8a6e2d4fa%26compress%3D1%26progressive%3D1%26quality%3D75%26client%3Dhawkeye%26signature%3D21a69444967b6d022b98885e60b65557c113c0b8&compress=1&progressive=1&quality=75&client=hawkeye&signature=e94f82e643d4d29282d58410007504a387c13134)](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/)\n\n[Nick Bromberg](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/) Senior writer\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC·\n\n10 min read\n\nWith the [2026 NCAA men's tournament](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/topic/march-madness/) upon us, here's everything you need to know about the Midwest region.\n\n**\\[More regional breakdowns:** [**East**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-east-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144508183.html) **\\|** [**West**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-2026-west-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144511669.html) **\\|** [**South**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-south-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500978.html) **\\]**\n\n## Who are the favorites?\n\n- Michigan ( [+350 to win the national title at BetMGM](https://mediaserver.betmgmpartners.com/renderBanner.do?zoneId=1734022))\n\n- Iowa State (16-1)\n\n-"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "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": "... NCAA tournament. Yahoo Sports · 2026 March Madness bracket odds: Best, worst tournament teams against the spread. The Penn Quakers are the best ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsz9er6oAno",
      "title": "2026 March Madness West Region Preview & Picks - YouTube",
      "snippet": "... MarchMadness #CBBPicks #UpsetPicks #WestRegion #Arizona #Purdue #BYU #Arkansas March Madness® brackets are back! Fill out your bracket and ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/west-region-odds-picks-predictions",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament West Region Odds, Picks and Predictions",
      "snippet": "Here's a breakdown of the March Madness West Region: Odds to win the West Region. Team, bet365, Covers' Take. Arizona (1) Arizona Wildcats, -135 ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/15/march-madness-bracket-ncaa-tournament-west-region-predictions/89117533007/",
      "title": "NCAA tournament 2026 West Region predictions for March Madness",
      "snippet": "They have the firepower to advance. March Madness expert picks: Predictions for 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket March Madness Cinderella ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.thedailygopher.com/ncaa-bracket-predictions/39944/ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview",
      "title": "NCAA Tournament West Region Preview - The Daily Gopher",
      "snippet": "Looking way ahead, I anticipate we will see Purdue and Arizona in the regional final. ... Midwest Region: NCAA Tournament preview and predictions."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 7

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "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"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-south-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500978.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament South region preview Florida Houston Vanderbilt Illinois predictions"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[17\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OY7XpdnJ.mnppEyjHIbScA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2MjtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/d6cfeca0-6bdc-11eb-9fff-072dbeffa160)\\\\\n\\\\\n![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0a6D8e9zyXYgoJ0vQZUUQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/ca3e26a0-6bdc-11eb-b7ee-d9fd18161c81)](https://sports.yahoo.com/)\n\n[![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/egYEcw4IsDThOZjDL.I1wQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTIxMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fimages%2Fdims%3Fimage_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fo.aolcdn.com%252Fimages%252Fdims%253Fimage_uri%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fo.aolcdn.com%25252Fimages%25252Fdims%25253Fimage_uri%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fs.yimg.com%2525252Fos%2525252Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2525252F2019-02%2525252Fc51f2780-3b70-11e9-bfbf-733751ce931b%252526compress%25253D1%252526progressive%25253D1%252526quality%25253D75%252526client%25253Dhawkeye%252526signature%25253Dd092d3756b63bc2c31c92e32916b4833725b7794%2526compress%253D1%2526progressive%253D1%2526quality%253D75%2526client%253Dhawkeye%2526signature%253Ddb62467eb4736c04d9054832a90b4af8a6e2d4fa%26compress%3D1%26progressive%3D1%26quality%3D75%26client%3Dhawkeye%26signature%3D21a69444967b6d022b98885e60b65557c113c0b8&compress=1&progressive=1&quality=75&client=hawkeye&signature=e94f82e643d4d29282d58410007504a387c13134)](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/)\n\n[Nick Bromberg](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/nick-bromberg/) Senior writer\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC·\n\n9 min read\n\nWith the [2026 NCAA men's tournament](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/topic/march-madness/) upon us, here's everything you need to know about the West region.\n\n**\\[More regional breakdowns:** [**East**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-east-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144508183.html) **\\|** [**Midwest**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-midwest-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504989.html) **\\|** [**South**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-south-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500978.html) **\\]**\n\n## Who are the favorites?\n\n- Arizona ( [+400 to win the national title at BetMGM](https://mediaserver.betmgmpartners.com/renderBanner.do?zoneId=1734022))\n\n- Purdue (30-1)\n\n- Gonzaga (55-1)\n\n"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[16\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OY7XpdnJ.mnppEyjHIbScA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2MjtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/d6cfeca0-6bdc-11eb-9fff-072dbeffa160)\\\\\n\\\\\n![Yahoo Sports](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0a6D8e9zyXYgoJ0vQZUUQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2021-02/ca3e26a0-6bdc-11eb-b7ee-d9fd18161c81)](https://sports.yahoo.com/)\n\n[![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Anzhz41_kx7xEoP1NwkZPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTIxMDtjZj13ZWJw/https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2023-04%2Fd2f4cb00-e600-11ed-b55f-6817177f4c26&compress=1&progressive=1&quality=75&client=hawkeye&signature=4a8e13273ba9573d3b8e3d14d8225255e1618304)](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/)\n\n[Jason Owens](https://sports.yahoo.com/author/jason-owens-20131010/) Staff writer\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 3:01 PM UTC·\n\n9 min read\n\nWith the [2026 NCAA men's tournament](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/topic/march-madness/) upon us, here's everything you need to know about the South region.\n\n**\\[More regional breakdowns:** [**East**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-east-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144508183.html) **\\|** [**West**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-2026-west-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144511669.html) **\\|** [**Midwest**](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-midwest-region-bracket-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-watch-times-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504989.html) **\\]**\n\n## Who are the favorites?\n\n- No. 1 Florida ( [+650 to win the national title at BetMGM](https://mediaserver.betmgmpartners.com/renderBanner.do?zoneId=1734022))\n\n- No. 2 Houston (+900)\n\n- No. 3 Illinois (+2000)\n\n\nFlorida enters the the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed with its frontcourt intact from his 2025 NCAA championship roster. Houston has added one of the nation's best guards to a tournament-tested roster that lost to Florida in last year's championship game. Illinois is a young but explosive team that finished in a second-place tie in the loaded Big Ten and can score with any team in the country.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n**\\[** [**Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K**](https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/signup?ncid=100002309) **\\]**\n\n## When will the No. 1 seed go "
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-south-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500974.html",
      "title": "March Madness bracket: South region predictions, ...",
      "snippet": "Florida enters the the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed with its frontcourt intact from his 2025 NCAA championship roster. Houston has added ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT6nt0YD25Y",
      "title": "March Madness South Region Bracket Preview, Picks: Florida ...",
      "snippet": "Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander make their game-by-game picks and predictions for the South Region in the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/2026-ncaa-tournament-schedule-predictions-picks",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule, Predictions and Picks",
      "snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament full schedule, game previews, predictions, and betting lines for every game from the First Four through the national ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket",
      "title": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament",
      "snippet": "Seth Greenberg and Jay Bilas break down top-seed Florida's path in the South Region, with a potential rematch against Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16 ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50FAnBZSiM",
      "title": "SOUTH REGION PREVIEW! This is Illinios' region to lose ...",
      "snippet": "Illinois will make it to the sweet 16 atleast. They don't lose to bad teams."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
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  }
}

assistantMessage 8

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament first round upset picks VCU Santa Clara Akron McNeese Texas AM"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness UCF Knights UCLA Bruins first round preview"
}

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/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NCAAM](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NCAAW](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NBA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NHL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [PGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [LPGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [TGL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Top Soccer](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [MLB](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [World Baseball Classic](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Tennis (M)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Tennis (W)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NFL](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NASCAR](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NCAAF](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [UFC](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [PLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [F1](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Men's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Women's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NCAA Softball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [NCAA Baseball](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Men's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket#)\n- [Women's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-brac"
}

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": "VCU's NCAA tournament preview (0:36). Joe Lunardi breaks down the VCU Rams' NCAA tournament prospects. (0:36). Keith LipscombMar 18, 2026, 03 ..."
    },
    {
      "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://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-2026-ranking-every-mens-ncaa-tournament-first-round-game-from-best-to-worst-142739915.html",
      "title": "March Madness 2026: Ranking every men's NCAA tournament first ...",
      "snippet": "A Santa Clara vs. Kentucky first-round matchup epitomizes everything that we love about the NCAA tournament. This is an evenly matched game ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.aol.com/articles/march-madness-upset-picks-ncaa-221710944.html",
      "title": "March Madness upset picks: NCAA Tournament first-round surprises",
      "snippet": "March Madness bracket busters eye the next big upset. VCU Rams (27-7) VCU closed the season with a 21-3 record over the final 24 games and won ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/18/march-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026/88487995007/",
      "title": "6 March Madness upset predictions for NCAA Tournament 1st-round ...",
      "snippet": "Which March Madness teams could pull off upsets in the first round? Here's six bracket-buster predictions for Round of 64 NCAA Tournament ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_fWuECqP4M",
      "title": "UCLA vs. UCF NCAA Tournament Game Preview And Predictions!",
      "snippet": "The Sleepers preview the UCLA vs. UCF NCAA Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew!"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/15/ucf-ucla-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket/89142675007/",
      "title": "UCF vs UCLA prediction, pick, odds March Madness first round",
      "snippet": "Tenth-seeded UCF (21-11) will square off with the Bruins (23-11) in an opening-round NCAA Tournament matchup at 3:10 p.m. on March 20 at Xfinity ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ucla-ucf-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420799007/",
      "title": "UCLA vs UCF picks, odds for March Madness NCAA Tournament",
      "snippet": "ESPN: UCLA has a 72.2% chance to beat UCF. The site gives the Knights a 27.8% shot at defeating the Bruins in the NCAA Tournament March Madness ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://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.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": "Who is the favorite in the game between Bruins vs Knights? UCLA is currently a 5.5 to 6.5-point favorite. Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

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assistantMessage 9

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "\"2026 NCAA tournament\" \"first round picks\" predictions every game Missouri Miami Texas AM Saint Marys"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: 2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# 2026 March Madness picks: Predictions for every first-round game in the bracket\n\n## From matchup advantages to player-level edges, Isaac Trotter's scouting-driven breakdown projects how every first-round game could unfold.\n\n[![            Isaac Trotter     ](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2025/03/17/c3888e39-122f-43a1-bfd0-4a6dd7be7e8c/thumbnail/80x80/74a64173968db162c7df545f893445fc/trotter.png)](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/isaac-trotter/)\n\nBy\n[Isaac Trotter](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/isaac-trotter/)\n\n8 hrs ago\n•\n21 min read\n\n\n![firstroundpick-trotter.jpg](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2026/03/17/93341877-ffb5-4b6d-8340-894ec22ff277/thumbnail/770x433/7dfbf4b1c63e67215c2b652b89ee2b1a/firstroundpick-trotter.jpg)Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports\n\nTrends flood the lead-up to the [NCAA Tournament](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket/), but numbers without context rarely tell you what's actually about to happen in March. The real edges live in the matchups -- in how styles clash, where defenses crack and which players can tilt a game.\n\nThat's the approach here.\n\nThese aren't blind picks for every first-round game in the [bracket](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-bracket-2026-printable-mens-ncaa-tournament/). They're scouting reports -- built on data, personnel and the eye test -- to project how each matchup could unfold.\n\nThe [First Four continues Wednesday after a thrilling Tuesday](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-first-four-live-updates-scores-bracket-tuesday/live/). Here's a quick look at how we expect these last two games to play out.\n\n> **No. 16** Lehigh **vs. No. 16** Prairie View: One team has Nasir Whitlock. The other does not. **The pick:** Lehigh\n>\n> **No. 11** SMU **vs. No. 11** Miami (Ohio): RedHawks star wing Eian Elmer has to play his best defensive game of the season against SMU's Jaron Pierre if Miami (Ohio) wants to advance to the field of 68. SMU probably won't have BJ Edwards, but it has unleashed stud freshman forward Jaden Toombs, who could be a game-wrecker in this one. SMU controls the paint and hangs on for dear life. **The pick:** SMU\n\nOK. Now, let's get into the X's and O's and players who will shape these first-round contests. You can [find my full bracket here](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/).\n\n## [EAST REGION](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-east-region-bracket-preview/)\n\n[![team logo](https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/21130.svg)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/DUKE/duke-blue-devils/)\n\n[![team logo](https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/21262.svg)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SIENA/siena-saints/)\n\n**No. 1** [Duke](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/DUKE/duke-blue-devils/) **vs. No. 16** [Siena](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SIENA/siena-saints/)\n\nDuke is the second-biggest team in the sport. Its size is simply overwhelming for mid-major foes. Even without [Caleb Foster](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/players/29233677/caleb-foster/) and Patrick Ngongba, Duke still trots out a seven-man rota"
}

Provider Metadata

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      "type": "direct"
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Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.nbcsports.com/sitemap-202603.xml",
      "title": "[XML] https://www.nbcsports.com/sitemap-202603.xml",
      "snippet": "... first-round-picks</loc> <lastmod>2026-03-07T14:27:06-05:00</lastmod> ... 2026-ncaa-tournament-east-regional-breakdown-top-storylines ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/tcu-basketball",
      "title": "TCU Basketball News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, Standings, and ...",
      "snippet": "... First Round Picks & Predictions: Ohio State vs. TCU. www.frogsowar.com0s · tag ... 2026 NCAA Tournament, will play Ohio State in First Round. Horned Frogs ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/sgpn/id6442702215?l=zh-Hans-CN",
      "title": "SGPN - 频道- Apple 播客",
      "snippet": "March Madness 2026 First Round Picks Part One (Ep. 2520). Ryan Kramer ... 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket. On the show the crew gives out their instant ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

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assistantMessage 10

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: use_browser

{
  "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
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    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament first round betting odds lines spreads every game"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: use_browser

{
  "content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: 2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# 2026 March Madness picks: Predictions for every first-round game in the bracket\n\n## From matchup advantages to player-level edges, Isaac Trotter's scouting-driven breakdown projects how every first-round game could unfold.\n\n[![            Isaac Trotter     ](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2025/03/17/c3888e39-122f-43a1-bfd0-4a6dd7be7e8c/thumbnail/80x80/74a64173968db162c7df545f893445fc/trotter.png)](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/isaac-trotter/)\n\nBy\n[Isaac Trotter](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/isaac-trotter/)\n\n8 hrs ago\n•\n21 min read\n\n\n![firstroundpick-trotter.jpg](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2026/03/17/93341877-ffb5-4b6d-8340-894ec22ff277/thumbnail/770x433/7dfbf4b1c63e67215c2b652b89ee2b1a/firstroundpick-trotter.jpg)Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports\n\nTrends flood the lead-up to the [NCAA Tournament](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket/), but numbers without context rarely tell you what's actually about to happen in March. The real edges live in the matchups -- in how styles clash, where defenses crack and which players can tilt a game.\n\nThat's the approach here.\n\nThese aren't blind picks for every first-round game in the [bracket](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-bracket-2026-printable-mens-ncaa-tournament/). They're scouting reports -- built on data, personnel and the eye test -- to project how each matchup could unfold.\n\nThe [First Four continues Wednesday after a thrilling Tuesday](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-first-four-live-updates-scores-bracket-tuesday/live/). Here's a quick look at how we expect these last two games to play out.\n\n> **No. 16** Lehigh **vs. No. 16** Prairie View: One team has Nasir Whitlock. The other does not. **The pick:** Lehigh\n>\n> **No. 11** SMU **vs. No. 11** Miami (Ohio): RedHawks star wing Eian Elmer has to play his best defensive game of the season against SMU's Jaron Pierre if Miami (Ohio) wants to advance to the field of 68. SMU probably won't have BJ Edwards, but it has unleashed stud freshman forward Jaden Toombs, who could be a game-wrecker in this one. SMU controls the paint and hangs on for dear life. **The pick:** SMU\n\nOK. Now, let's get into the X's and O's and players who will shape these first-round contests. You can [find my full bracket here](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-march-madness-picks-predictions-first-round-games-bracket/).\n\n## [EAST REGION](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-east-region-bracket-preview/)\n\n[![team logo](https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/21130.svg)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/DUKE/duke-blue-devils/)\n\n[![team logo](https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/21262.svg)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SIENA/siena-saints/)\n\n**No. 1** [Duke](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/DUKE/duke-blue-devils/) **vs. No. 16** [Siena](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SIENA/siena-saints/)\n\nDuke is the second-biggest team in the sport. Its size is simply overwhelming for mid-major foes. Even without [Caleb Foster](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/players/29233677/caleb-foster/) and Patrick Ngongba, Duke still trots out a seven-man rota"
}

Provider Metadata

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Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI ... - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Moneylines, spreads, totals and BPI predictions for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness/",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds, lines: Game spreads for every First ...",
      "snippet": "Here are the opening odds for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, per FanDuel Sportsbook. First Four. No. 16 UMBC (-1.5) vs. No. 16 Howard No. 11 Texas (- ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/betting/article/march-madness-bracket-odds-picks-opening-betting-lines-expert-predictions-for-first-round-ncaa-tournament-games-232235042.html",
      "title": "March Madness bracket, odds, picks: Opening betting lines, expert ...",
      "snippet": "Here are the odds on every March Madness first-round game at BetMGM ... Our college basketball handicappers give a best bet on all 32 first-round ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.fanduel.com/research/ncaa-tournament-march-madness-odds-spreads-and-totals-for-every-first-round-game",
      "title": "March Madness Odds, Spreads and Totals for Every First Round ...",
      "snippet": "Using FanDuel Sportsbook's college basketball odds, let's take a look at the March Madness odds for every first-round game. All March Madness ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/march-madness/24481256/march-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total",
      "title": "Opening odds for first round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball ...",
      "snippet": "The NCAA men's basketball tourney field is set. We're posting odds as they go live. by David Fucillo. Updated Mar 18, 2026, 9:23 AM PDT."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

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assistantMessage 11

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
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  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Joe Lunardi Final Four predictions brackets"
}

Provider Metadata

{
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    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# 2026 NCAA Tournament odds, lines: Game spreads for every First Four, first-round matchup in March Madness\n\n## The opening odds and game spreads with the NCAA Tournament action set to get underway this week\n\n[![            Chip Patterson     ](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2016/05/04/824c27de-4885-4392-934d-c369caebcd22/thumbnail/80x80/e5619041e24dcf80e4ca3934b3db3990/chippatterson.png)](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/chip-patterson/)\n\nBy\n[Chip Patterson](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/chip-patterson/)\n\n\nMar 15, 2026\n\nat\n\n8:11 pm ET\n•\n2 min read\n\n\n![uconn-huskies.png](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2026/03/16/2239a1db-f2af-4ed8-a9c7-897f7b92a6ff/thumbnail/770x433/ab7a118de10016a03b7f33b87818f6e5/hurley.png)Imagn Images\n\nThe [2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was announced on Sunday](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-bracket-2026-printable-mens-ncaa-tournament/), kickstarting the annual tradition of filling out your entries for the [Bracket Games](https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket/) and predicting exactly how the opening rounds will unfold. Official action will get started quickly, with the First Four headlining on Tuesday and Wednesday before the wall-to-wall basketball fills up on Thursday and Friday.\n\nSelection Sunday brought to a conclusion the question of where [Miami (Ohio)](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/MIAOH/miami-ohio-redhawks/) would be seeded after an undefeated regular season hit a speed bump with an upset loss in its MAC Tournament opener. The Redhawks made the field as an at-large team on the merit of their resume, but when the seeding process took over, the team took a tumble down in the committee's rankings. That has Miami (Ohio) making the short trip to [Dayton](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/DAYTON/dayton-flyers/) for its NCAA Tournament opener, where they will be an underdog to [SMU](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/SMU/smu-mustangs/) in the second of two games on Wednesday.\n\n**_Brackets are here! Get your pools ready and enter our Bracket Challenge for your chance to [win a dream trip](https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket?ftag=CBS-03-10aed4f) to the 2027 Final FourⓇ._**\n\nHighlights from Thursday and Friday's schedule include a collection of Hall of Fame coaches in the East Region, the handful of conference champions in the West Region and high-octane first-round matchups across the bracket.\n\nHere are the opening odds for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, per [FanDuel](https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/fanduel-promo-code/) Sportsbook.\n\n## First Four\n\nNo. 16 [UMBC](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/UMBC/umbc-retrievers/) (-1.5) vs. No. 16 [Howard](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/HOW/howard-bison/)\n\nNo. 11 [Texas](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/TEXAS/texas-longhorns/) (-1.5) vs. No. 11 [NC State](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/NCST/nc-state-wolfpack/)\n\nNo. 16 [Prairie View A&M](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/PVAM/prairie-view-am-panthers/) (+1.5) vs. No. 16 [Lehigh](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/LEHIGH/lehigh-mountain-hawks/)\n\nNo. "
}

Provider Metadata

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Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219697/joe-lunardi-mens-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-guide-2026",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi's ultimate guide to men's March Madness 2026 - ESPN",
      "snippet": "ESPN's bracketologist shares what he really thinks about every team's chances in the NCAA tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX3A5joVoHo",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi is rolling with the Big 12 in his NCAA tourney predictions",
      "snippet": "Watch as he goes through his picks for the entire 2026 NCAA tournament bracket. 00:16 First round 4:17 Second round 6:12 Sweet 16 7:29 Elite ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25407194-joe-lunardi-predicts-march-madness-final-four-after-bracket-reveal-selection-sunday-2026",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi Predicts March Madness Final Four After Bracket ...",
      "snippet": "... Joe Lunardi Predicts March Madness Final Four After Bracket Reveal on Selection Sunday 2026. Timothy RappMar 15, 2026. Joe Lunardi's picks are in. Well, his ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/joe-lunardi-reveals-his-2026-ncaa-tournament-final-four-picks-11685628",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi Reveals His 2026 NCAA Tournament Final Four Picks",
      "snippet": "In the East Region, Lunardi's bracket picks showed No. 1 seed Duke playing No. 3 seed Michigan State. In the South Region, he had No. 1 seed ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-news-joe-lunardi-010325940.html",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi's Final Four picks lean heavily on Big 12 - Yahoo Sports",
      "snippet": "With Lunardi predicting an Arizona vs. Iowa State Final Four matchup, this would be a rematch of the Big 12 semi-final. The Wildcats met the ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

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assistantMessage 12

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25407194-joe-lunardi-predicts-march-madness-final-four-after-bracket-reveal-selection-sunday-2026"
}

Provider Metadata

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}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness first round odds spreads Duke Siena Ohio State TCU St Johns Northern Iowa Kansas Louisville Michigan State UCLA UCF UConn"
}

Provider Metadata

{
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}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "![Video thumbnail](https://vod-media-aka.warnermediacdn.com/br/clips/2026-03/2196553-c64699fe153b488f936962695ed5d753/images/video-portal-thumbnails-682f871d-48d9-48d8-a7c1-82a5a1f6b154-2196553-3.png)\n\n01:25\n\nFeatured Video[Best March Madness EVER for NBA Draft 🤯](https://bleacherreport.com/videos/3e93a475-f672-4e91-82d3-ac6649e08c9d-best-march-madness-ever-for-nba-draft)\n\n![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/image-(3).jpeg)\n\n![tag-logo](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2025-02/ncaam.png)\n\n# Joe Lunardi Predicts March Madness Final After Bracket Reveal on Selection Sunday 2026\n\nTimothy RappMar 16, 2026\n\nJoe Lunardi's picks are in.\n\nThe ESPN bracketologist believes Duke, Florida, Arizona and Iowa State will reach the Final Four during this year's NCAA men's tournament, going mostly chalk (9:37 mark).\n\n## TOP NEWS\n\n[![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/br_mm_empty-bracket_16x9_mff_0.jpg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Full Men's Bracket 🔍** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report3d](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25405155-march-madness-2026-mens-68-team-ncaa-tournament-field-revealed-selection-sunday) [![](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/2026-03/hoops_appoll_0.jpg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Final MCBB AP Poll Rankings 🔢** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report2d](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25406953-ap-college-basketball-poll-2026-final-rankings-after-march-madness-bracket-reveal) [![Duke v Notre Dame](https://gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io/cms/prod/bleacher-report/getty_images/2026-03/2263524422_large_cropped.jpg)\\\\\n\\\\\n**Ngongba Unlikely to Play** \\\\\n\\\\\nBleacher Report5h](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25408305-patrick-ngongba-very-unlikely-play-dukes-march-madness-opener-vs-siena-jon-scheyer-says)\n\n_Click [here](https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncaa.com%2Fmarch-madness-live%2Fbracket%3F%2524web_only%3Dtrue%26_branch_match_id%3D1504501372855324651%26utm_source%3DPROG%26utm_campaign%3DMarchMadnessBracket%26utm_medium%3DAPP%26_branch_referrer%3DH4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTyrSSywo0MvJzMvWD%252FJO9slI9E0rNkyyrytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAh7M2TTkAAAA%253D&data=05%7C02%7Ctimothy.rapp%40wbd.com%7C56655db81ee0491b402008de82d79bc3%7C0eb48825e8714459bc72d0ecd68f1f39%7C0%7C0%7C639092059567977015%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=exvhP74wz4Ym3yiArlWvrJlKzzciZWOYCXps6s9GvEI%3D&reserved=0) to play the NCAA March Madness Men's Bracket Challenge._\n\nHe revealed [his full bracket](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX3A5joVoHo) on Monday, picking Arizona to beat Duke in the championship game.\n\nUnder his bracket, the only No. 1 seed that wouldn't advance to the Final Four (or the Elite 8, for that matter) is Michigan.\n\nNone of these predictions should come as a major surprise.\n\nOn paper (and on the court thus far), Duke—when healthy—is the best and most talented team in the country. The Blue Devils [rank second](https://kenpom.com/) in defensive efficiency and fourth in offensive efficiency. They are led by Naismith College Player of the Year candidate Cam Boozer, a projected top-three pick in June's NBA draft. The Blue Devils have wins over Kansas, Florida, Michigan, Arkansas, Michigan State, Louisville (twice), North Carolina, Clemson (twice) and Virginia, among others.\n\nThey are the top overall seed for a reason, though other contenders loom.\n\nFlorida surged after a modest 14-6 start, winning 12 games in a row before a surprising upset loss against Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament. The Gators rank sixth in defensive efficiency and ninth in offensive efficiency. Florida struggled against elite competition to start the year, losing to Arizona, Duke and UConn, but was a buzzsaw in SEC play. The defending champs aren't to be taken lightly.\n\nArizona was fantastic to start the season, opening with 23 straight wins before Kansas and Texas Tech handed them "
}

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.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI ... - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Duke, Arizona, Michigan, and defending champion Florida are the four No. 1 seeds, and are heavy favorites to win their first round matchups."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/march-madness/24481256/march-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total",
      "title": "Opening odds for first round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball ...",
      "snippet": "#5 St. John's vs. #12 Northern Iowa. Point spread: St. John's -10.5. Total: 132.5. Moneyline: St. John's -410, NIU +315. #4 Kansas vs. #13 Cal ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-march-madness-odds-predictions-203211873.html",
      "title": "2026 March Madness odds and predictions - Yahoo Sports",
      "snippet": "16 Siena Saints (+5000). Spread: Blue Devils -28.5. Total: 136.5. The game opened Duke -25.5 with the Total set at 136.5. Duke is banged ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness/",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds, lines: Game spreads for every First ...",
      "snippet": "11 Miami Ohio (+7.5) vs. No. 11 SMU. East Region. No. 1 Duke (-27.5) vs. No. 16 Siena No. 8 Ohio State (-2.5) vs. No. 9 TCU No. 5 St. John's (- ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
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    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
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  }
}

assistantMessage 13

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/march-madness/24481256/march-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness Arizona Wildcats roster key players season review"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.sbnation.com/march-madness/24481256/march-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total#content)\n\n[Sign Up](https://www.sbnation.com/auth/login?returnPath=%2Fmarch-madness%2F24481256%2Fmarch-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total) [Login](https://www.sbnation.com/auth/login?returnPath=%2Fmarch-madness%2F24481256%2Fmarch-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total)\n\n[Come Fan with Us](https://www.sbnation.com/) Wednesday, March 18, 2026\n\n[SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo](https://www.sbnation.com/)\n\nNotifications\n\nNotifications\n\nNavigation Drawer\n\n- [Login](https://www.sbnation.com/auth/login?returnPath=%2Fmarch-madness%2F24481256%2Fmarch-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total)\n/\n[Sign Up](https://www.sbnation.com/auth/login?returnPath=%2Fmarch-madness%2F24481256%2Fmarch-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total)\n\ncloseClose\n\nSearch\n\n- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sbnation/)\n- [Twitter](https://x.com/SBNation)\n- [Threads](https://www.threads.com/@sbnation)\n- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sbnation/)\n- [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRmGMSgrtZkOsh_NQl4_xw)\n- [RSS](https://www.sbnation.com/rss/index.xml)\n- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@sbnation)\n\n- [Men's College Basketball](https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball)\n\n# Opening odds for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament\n\nThe NCAA men’s basketball tourney field is set. We’re posting odds as they go live.\n\nby[David Fucillo](https://www.sbnation.com/authors/david-fucillo)\n\nUpdated Mar 18, 2026, 12:23 PM EDT\n\n- Facebook\n- Link\n\n\n[Comments\\\\\n00\\\\\nComments](https://www.sbnation.com/march-madness/24481256/march-madness-odds-2026-first-round-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-spread-total#comments)\n\n![NCAA BASKETBALL: MAR 29 Div I Men’s Championship - Elite Eight - Duke vs Alabama](https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/gettyimages-2207109134.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0062492188476426%2C100%2C99.987501562305&w=2400)\n\n![NCAA BASKETBALL: MAR 29 Div I Men’s Championship - Elite Eight - Duke vs Alabama](https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/gettyimages-2207109134.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0062492188476426%2C100%2C99.987501562305&w=2400)\n\nNEWARK, NJ - MARCH 29: A general view of the March Madness logo during the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game the Duke Blue Devils and the Alabama Crimson Tide on March 29, 2025 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images\n\nMarch Madness is upon us for the 2025-26 college basketball season! The NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee has finalized the bracket and CBS is unveiling every matchup in the First Four and the first round. We’ve provided the full list of matchups below and added in opening odds as [FanDuel Sportsbook](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaab) made them available.\n\nWe’ll see considerable early movement, so we’re getting the lines in as quickly as possible. Many of the lines you’ll see listed below will change by the time you read this article, but this will help you get a handle on the line movement.\n\n## Add SB Nation on Google\n\nAdd SB Nation as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.\n\n[Add us on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=sbnation.com)\n\nThe tournament opens with the First Four on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18. The first round then kicks off on Thursday, March 19. The national champion will be crowned on April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.\n\n## First Four matchups\n\n#### \\#11 Texas 68, \\#11 NC State 66\n\n**Point spread**: Texas -1.5\n\n**Total**: 163.5\n\n**Moneyline**: Texas -114, NC State -105\n\n#### \\#16 "
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-players-decide-arizonas-march-110005674.html",
      "title": "3 Players Who Will Decide Arizona's March Madness ...",
      "snippet": "3 Players Who Will Decide Arizona's March Madness Tournament Run. arizona basketball ... March Madness 2026 odds, picks: Bracket picks ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/76873/arizona-wildcats-regular-season-grades-starting-five-bench-rotation-coaching-big12",
      "title": "2025-26 regular season grades for Arizona men's basketball",
      "snippet": "— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 9, 2026. At 141 career ... March Madness' 50 best players, ranked for 2026 men's NCAA tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.basketunderreview.com/ticket-punched-previewing-the-arizona-wildcats-for-the-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
      "title": "Ticket Punched: Previewing the Arizona Wildcats for ...",
      "snippet": "Arizona earned a No. 1 seed at the NCAA Tournament. In terms of seed strength, the Tournament Index grades the Wildcats as the fourth-strongest ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://nationaltoday.com/us/nj/princeton-nj/news/2026/03/18/arizona-built-for-march-madness-says-expert-highlighting-big-12-surge/",
      "title": "Arizona 'Built for' March Madness, Says Expert, ...",
      "snippet": "Princeton Sports. Arizona's Lloyd Aims for NCAA Tournament Breakthrough · How to Win Your 2026 March Madness Survivor Pool · Princeton Women's ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/why-arizona-basketball-will-win-2026-ncaa-tournament",
      "title": "Why Arizona basketball will win 2026 NCAA Tournament",
      "snippet": "NCAA Basketball. March Madness: 25 Players Who Will Define the 2026 NCAA TournamentBailey Bassett · 35 minutes ago · Duke Blue Devils forward ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

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      "type": "direct"
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  }
}

assistantMessage 14

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Michigan Wolverines Iowa State Cyclones Final Four preview"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness full first round spreads all 32 games lines odds"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504385.html",
      "title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
      "snippet": "Michigan opened as the early favorite after the selection show, but is now firmly the No. 2 favorite behind Duke. Iowa State's odds have ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/basketball/iowa-state-cyclones-receive-bold-ncaa-tournament-prediction-from-jay-bilas",
      "title": "Iowa State Cyclones Receive Bold NCAA Tournament Prediction ...",
      "snippet": "College basketball analyst Jay Bilas has shared a bold prediction for the Iowa State Cyclones and how they will fare in the NCAA tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports/columnists/graham-couch/2026/03/17/ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-region-and-final-four-picks-for-2026/89189828007/",
      "title": "NCAA men's basketball tournament region and Final Four picks for ...",
      "snippet": "Columnist Graham Couch makes his predictions for each of the NCAA tournament's four regions and the Final Four."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-midwest-region-bracket-preview/",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region bracket preview",
      "snippet": "(1) Michigan vs. (2) Iowa State: The United Center would be on fire if Michigan and Iowa State meet with a Final Four trip on the line. Chicago ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svOBiaC7yoI",
      "title": "Iowa State can upset Michigan and make a Final Four run - YouTube",
      "snippet": "Expert Matt Norlander fills out his bracket | 2026 NCAA TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS & ADVICE. CBS Sports · 85K views ; THE MOST ACCURATE MARCH MADNESS ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
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    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-odds-speads-lines-first-four-first-round-games-march-madness/",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds, lines: Game spreads for every First ...",
      "snippet": "2026 NCAA Tournament odds, lines: Game spreads for every First Four, first-round matchup in March Madness · First Four · East Region · South Region."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/opening-odds-first-round-2026-221359866.html",
      "title": "Opening odds for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness bracket predictions: Which teams are Yahoo Sports users picking to win NCAA tournament? The men's and women's NCAA tournaments ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/march-madness-odds-2026/",
      "title": "2026 March Madness Odds: Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends for First ...",
      "snippet": "For more, check out VegasInsider's 2026 NCAA Tournament futures odds. Featured News. FEATURED MAR 17, 2026. March Madness: How Would AI ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.fanduel.com/research/ncaa-tournament-march-madness-odds-spreads-and-totals-for-every-first-round-game",
      "title": "March Madness Odds, Spreads and Totals for Every First Round ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness odds for every NCAA Tournament game in the first round."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/15/march-madness-odds-point-spreads-moneylines-ncaa-tournament-2026-betting/88418536007/",
      "title": "March Madness odds, point spreads, moneylines for NCAA ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness game odds, point spreads, moneylines, totals for betting ... The 2026 NCAA Tournament gets rolling with the first round on Thursday, ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
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    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 15

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.fanduel.com/research/ncaa-tournament-march-madness-odds-spreads-and-totals-for-every-first-round-game"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness 6 upset predictions Arizona Central best first round upsets bracket busters"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[FanDuel Research](https://www.fanduel.com/research) [Sportsbook](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/) [Fantasy](https://www.fanduel.com/contests) [Casino](https://casino.fanduel.com/) [Racing](https://racing.fanduel.com/) [FanDuel TV](https://www.fanduel.com/watch) [Free2Play](https://www.fanduel.com/free/hub)\n\n[![menu item](https://www.fanduel.com/research/_next/image?url=%2Fresearch%2Fimages%2FfallbackImage.png&w=256&q=100)](https://www.fanduel.com/research)\n\n[![NFL icon](https://www.fanduel.com/research/_next/image?url=%2Fresearch%2Fimages%2FfallbackImage.png&w=100&q=100)NFL](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl)\n\nExplore NFL\n\n- [Home](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl)\n- [News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/news)\n- [Teams](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/teams/nfl/teams)\n- [Scores/Schedule](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/scores)\n- [Odds](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl)\n- [Daily Fantasy](https://www.fanduel.com/contests/nfl)\n- [Projections](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/fantasy/dfs-projections)\n- [Rankings](https://www.fanduel.com/fantasy/nfl/rankings)\n- [Player News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/player-news)\n- [Game Updates](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/player-news/game-updates)\n- [Injuries](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/player-news/injuries)\n- [Transactons](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/player-news/transactions)\n- [Lineups](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/player-news/lineups)\n- [Picks](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/picks)\n- [Player Prop Bets](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/best-prop-bets-today)\n- [Fantasy Football](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/fantasy-football)\n- [Fantasy Football Predictions](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/fantasy-football-projections)\n- [DFS Picks](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/dfs-picks)\n- [FanDuel Picks](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/fanduel-picks)\n- [NFL Predictions](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/predictions)\n- [NFL Draft](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nfl/nfl-draft)\n\n[![NBA icon](https://www.fanduel.com/research/_next/image?url=%2Fresearch%2Fimages%2FfallbackImage.png&w=100&q=100)NBA](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba)\n\nExplore NBA\n\n- [Home](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba)\n- [News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/news)\n- [Teams](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/teams/nba/teams)\n- [Odds](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba)\n- [Fantasy](https://www.fanduel.com/contests/nba)\n- [![Projections icon](https://www.fanduel.com/research/_next/image?url=%2Fresearch%2Fimages%2FfallbackImage.png&w=100&q=100)Projections](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/fantasy/dfs-projections)\n- [Player News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/player-news)\n- [Game Updates](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/player-news/game-updates)\n- [Injuries](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/player-news/injuries)\n- [Lineups](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/player-news/lineups)\n- [Transactions](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/player-news/transactions)\n- [Picks](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/picks)\n- [NBA Predictions](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/predictions)\n- [Player Prop Bets](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/best-prop-bets-today)\n- [Playoff Predictions](https://www.fanduel.com/research/nba/playoff-predictions)\n\n[![MLB icon](https://www.fanduel.com/research/_next/image?url=%2Fresearch%2Fimages%2FfallbackImage.png&w=100&q=100)MLB](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb)\n\nExplore MLB\n\n- [Home](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb)\n- [News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb/news)\n- [Teams](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/teams/mlb/teams)\n- [Odds](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/mlb)\n- [Fantasy](https://www.fanduel.com/contests/mlb)\n- [Projections](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb/fantasy/dfs-projections/batters)\n- [Player News](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb/player-news)\n- [Game Updates](https://www.fanduel.com/research/mlb/player-news/game-upda"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/18/march-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026/88487995007/",
      "title": "6 March Madness upset predictions for NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "Which March Madness teams could pull off upsets in the first round? Here's six bracket-buster predictions for Round of 64 NCAA Tournament ..."
    },
    {
      "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 ...",
      "snippet": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament. Jay Bilas. Men's March Madness 2026 bracket: Get to know all 68 teams. Myron Medcalf."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-final-four-ncaa-tournament-bracket-2026/89064207007/",
      "title": "NCAA bracket predictions: Final Four, upsets and is it ...",
      "snippet": "Arizona must be loving it. Kentucky, North Carolina among teams vulnerable to March Madness upset. Who got snubbed from bracket? Nobody. Madness ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/most-likely-upsets-for-march-madness-2026-ncaa-tournament-cinderella-teams-to-target-in-your-bracket-picks/",
      "title": "Most likely upsets for March Madness 2026: NCAA ...",
      "snippet": "One potential 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket buster is the Akron Zips. The 12th-seeded Zips, who have very strong guard play, certainly have the ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.si.com/college-basketball/march-madness-brackets-expert-predictions-first-round-upsets-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament",
      "title": "Expert Predictions for First-Round Upsets in the 2026 ...",
      "snippet": "Here's all the upsets our experts have in the first round of March Madness · Bryan Fischer · Kevin Sweeney · Pat Forde · More March Madness from ..."
    }
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assistantMessage 16

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/18/march-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026/88487995007/"
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Tool Call: web_fetch

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  "url": "https://www.si.com/college-basketball/march-madness-brackets-expert-predictions-first-round-upsets-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament"
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Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[Close](https://www.azcentral.com/sports/) [Close](https://www.azcentral.com/sports/)\n\nCOLLEGE\n\n# 6 March Madness upset predictions for NCAA Tournament 1st-round games\n\n[![Portrait of Jeremy Cluff](https://www.azcentral.com/gcdn/-mm-/93e8e5bede9a6152f73c06d997a5f262304982bf/c=84-0-2109-2025/local/-/media/2017/09/15/Phoenix/Phoenix/636411005519743139-newsroom-portraits-58.jpg?width=48&height=48&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp) Jeremy Cluff](https://www.azcentral.com/staff/2648096001/jeremy-cluff/)\n\nArizona Republic\n\nMarch 18, 2026, 9:52 a.m. MT\n\n[Share to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?display=popup&app_id=115142145268769&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2F2026%2F03%2F18%2Fmarch-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026%2F88487995007%2F)[Share to Twitter](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2F2026%2F03%2F18%2Fmarch-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026%2F88487995007%2F&text=6%20March%20Madness%20upset%20predictions%20for%20NCAA%20Tournament%201st-round%20games&via=azcentral)[Share by email](mailto:?subject=6%20March%20Madness%20upset%20predictions%20for%20NCAA%20Tournament%201st-round%20games%20-%20from%20The%20Arizona%20Republic&body=6%20March%20Madness%20upset%20predictions%20for%20NCAA%20Tournament%201st-round%20games%0A%0AWhich%20March%20Madness%20teams%20could%20pull%20off%20upsets%20in%20the%20first%20round%3F%20Here%27s%20six%20bracket-buster%20predictions%20for%20Round%20of%2064%20NCAA%20Tournament%20bracket.%0A%0ACheck%20out%20this%20story%20on%20azcentral.com%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2F2026%2F03%2F18%2Fmarch-madness-upset-predictions-ncaa-tournament-bracket-buster-picks-2026%2F88487995007%2F)\n\nIt is a certainty that the [2026 NCAA Tournament](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/march-madness-schedule-tv-channels-streaming-ncaa-tournament-games-2026/88418743007/) will feature upsets.\n\nBut picking the upsets is the hard part.\n\nWhich underdogs could potentially knock off favorites in the first round of March Madness on Thursday and Friday?\n\nHere's some Round of 64 March Madness bracket-buster predictions for March 19 and March 20.\n\nClick on each game for more [March Madness picks](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-picks-first-round-ncaa-tournament-games-2026/88434415007/), March Madness predictions and for [March Madness odds](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/15/march-madness-odds-point-spreads-moneylines-ncaa-tournament-2026-betting/88418536007/) for that matchup. All times MST (add three hours for ET).\n\n**March Madness picks:** [Ohio State-TCU](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ohio-state-tcu-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419219007/) \\| [Nebraska-Troy](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/nebraska-troy-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419658007/) \\| [Louisville-South Florida](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/louisville-south-florida-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419690007/) \\| [Wisconsin-High Point](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/wisconsin-high-point-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419749007/) \\| [Duke-Siena](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/duke-siena-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88419816007/) \\| [Vanderbilt-McNeese](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/vanderbilt-mcneese-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419840007/) \\| [Michigan State-North Dakota State](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/michigan-state-north-dakota-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness/88419862007/) \\| [Arkansas-Hawaii](https://www.azcentral.com/stor"
}

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Tool Result: web_fetch

{
"content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/march-madness-brackets-expert-predictions-first-round-upsets-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament#main)\n\nWith [Selection Sunday in the rearview mirror](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/mens-march-madness-selection-sunday-live-updates-seeds-matchups-analysis), March Madness [is officially on](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/forde-minutes-everything-you-need-to-know-2026-mens-march-madness). Across the country, casual fans and experts alike are building their brackets with the hopes of winning bragging rights and other prizes.\n\nAmong those experts are _Sports Illustrated_’s triumvirate of Bryan Fischer, Kevin Sweeney and Pat Forde, whose brackets are now live—check out the [SI College Hoops Bracket Challenge](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/bracket-challenge) if you think you have what it takes to beat them in the standings.\n\nBut for those of you still looking to build your brackets, taking a look at what the experts are thinking can be a great jumping off point, especially when searching for a few upsets or [potential Cinderella teams](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/ten-teams-that-could-make-cinderella-runs-in-2026-mens-march-madness). With that in mind, let's take a look at how Fischer, Sweeney and Forde see the first round playing out.\n\n## It might not be the year for the classic No. 5 vs. No. 12 upset\n\n![Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott reacts after a shot in the men’s Mid-American Conference championship game.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_61,w_4972,h_2796/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/si/01kkytdz9pjw435g0954.jpg)\n\nAkron Zips guard Shammah Scott reacts after a shot in the men’s Mid-American Conference championship game. \\| Ken Blaze-Imagn Images\n\nOne of the first things most fans look for when filling out their brackets is a No. 5 vs. No. 12 upset in the first round. [Judging by recent history, this has been a pretty good play](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/march-madness-brackets-where-do-upsets-happen-in-mens-ncaa-tournament)—in three of the past four tournaments, the 12-seeds have gone 2–2 against their higher-seeded opposition in the first round.\n\nBut as our experts have it this year, it might be better to look elsewhere for your first-round upsets. Both Fischer and Sweeney have the five-seeds sweeping the 12-seeds in the first round, and Forde has just one such upset—No. 12 Akron over No. 5 Texas Tech—in the opening round of the tournament.\n\nWhile such dominant runs are rare, they are not unheard of—in 2023, the five-seeds went 4–0 in the first round, with two of the four teams reaching the Sweet 16.\n\n## Nos. 11 South Florida and VCU are getting a lot of love\n\n![South Florida Bulls forward Isaiah Jones dunks the ball against the Memphis Tigers.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_5474,h_3079/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/si/01kkyth1baj5tnbje61f.jpg)\n\nSouth Florida Bulls forward Isaiah Jones dunks the ball against the Memphis Tigers. \\| Wesley Hale-Imagn Images\n\nIf you’re taking it easy on the No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchups this year, have no fear—there’s plenty of potential upsets just a bit further down the bracket. All three of SI’s experts have at least two No. 11 seeds upsetting their first-round foes.\n\nTo start, Fischer, Sweeney and Forde all have No. 11 VCU taking down No. 6 North Carolina to open the tournament. It’s worth noting that [the Tar Heels will be without star freshman Caleb Wilson](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/key-injuries-to-remember-mens-march-madness-bracket), who had season-ending surgery after X-rays revealed a fracture in his right hand. The oddsmakers in Las Vegas also have this one close, [with North Carolina just 2.5-point favorites over VCU](https://www.si.com/betting/betting-the-south-region-in-2026-ncaa-tournament-predictions-odds-upsets-for-march-madness).\n\nIn addition to"
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assistantMessage 17

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

This is excellent data! Let me get more details on upsets and key matchups.

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "\"North Carolina\" \"Caleb Wilson\" injury 2026 NCAA tournament out"
}

Provider Metadata

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Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament South Florida upset Louisville TCU Ohio State picks experts"
}

Provider Metadata

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Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Santa Clara Kentucky close game picks experts"
}

Provider Metadata

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Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.wral.com/sports/unc-homecourt-advantage-greenville-sc-caleb-wilson-out-march-2026/",
      "title": "UNC opens NCAA Tournament without Caleb Wilson vs. ...",
      "snippet": "UNC opens NCAA Tournament without Caleb Wilson vs. surging VCU. No. 6 seed North Carolina begins its NCAA Tournament run Thursday against No."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2026/03/18/unc-basketball-caleb-wilson-injury-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/89139733007/",
      "title": "UNC basketball's Caleb Wilson experiencing 'way more ...",
      "snippet": "UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson is out for the season with an injury, but he was all smiles ahead of the Tar Heels' NCAA Tournament ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/caleb-wilson-ncaa-tournament-unc-170033325.html",
      "title": "Caleb Wilson Out for NCAA Tournament; UNC to Honor ...",
      "snippet": "Caleb Wilson Out for NCAA Tournament; UNC to Honor His All-American Season ... North Carolina star Caleb Wilson to return 'soon' despite recent ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/ACC/comments/1rx78os/is_caleb_wilson_playing_in_ncaa_tournament_latest/",
      "title": "Is Caleb Wilson Playing in NCAA Tournament? Latest Update on UNC ...",
      "snippet": ""
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/276700793143639/posts/2172495353564164/",
      "title": "Seen a clip from a Tar Heels fan podcast and he came up with 4 reasons ...",
      "snippet": ""
    }
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Tool Result: web_search

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  "results": [
    {
      "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": "In addition to VCU, the trio of SI experts also all have No. 11 South Florida besting No. 6 Louisville in the first round. This game Vegas sees ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/tcu-vs-ohio-state-predictions-picks-odds-thursday-3-19-2026",
      "title": "TCU vs Ohio State Prediction, Picks & Odds for Thursday's March ...",
      "snippet": "My TCU vs. Ohio State predictions are pro Horned Toads, and my March Madness picks like Harding to hand out his share of assists in the Round of ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/18/ohio-state-buckeyes-picks-predictions-2026-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/89210443007/",
      "title": "Ohio State basketball predictions, picks for 2026 March Madness run",
      "snippet": "Ohio State basketball predictions, picks for 2026 March Madness run ; The Arizona Republic: Ohio State will lose in first round to TCU ; ESPN: ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXkokGR6Z_k",
      "title": "Expert Picks & Predictions for EVERY First Round game ... - YouTube",
      "snippet": "BJ Taylor and Noah Buono join CBS Sports HQ to pick EVERY first round game of the NCAA Tournament. March Madness® brackets are back!"
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-region-by-region-predictions-cinderellas-expert-picks-odds-schedule-and-more-204524756.html",
      "title": "March Madness bracket: Region-by-region predictions, Cinderellas ...",
      "snippet": "With the 2026 NCAA tournament upon us, here's everything you need to know about all four regions."
    }
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Tool Result: web_search

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  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiOTKLHz8c&vl=fr",
      "title": "Kentucky vs. Santa Clara PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Kentucky vs. Santa Clara in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round game in the Midwest Region and share ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/166616/jay-bilas-predictions-every-ncaa-tournament-game",
      "title": "ESPN analyst Jay Bilas predicts every NCAA Tournament game",
      "snippet": "Bilas, a longtime analyst for ESPN and former player under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, predicts Kentucky will win its opening-round matchup but ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espn-predicts-every-ncaa-tournament-024841061.html",
      "title": "ESPN Predicts every NCAA Tournament game: Where do they have ...",
      "snippet": "Santa Clara ... March Madness 2026 odds, picks: Bracket picks, opening betting lines, expert predictions for first-round NCAA tournament games."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/santa-clara-over-kentucky-will-be-one-of-the-most-common-upset-picks-in-ncaa-tournament-brackets",
      "title": "Santa Clara over Kentucky will be one of the most common upset ...",
      "snippet": "There is a good chance that Santa Clara over Kentucky will be one of the top upset picks in college basketball this season. Mark Pop. Mar 13, ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfa9j_slRYw",
      "title": "'Kentucky-Santa Clara might be the MOST exciting First Round ...",
      "snippet": "Go to channel CBS Sports · Expert Matt Norlander fills out his bracket | 2026 NCAA TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS & ADVICE. CBS Sports. New. 76K views."
    }
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assistantMessage 18

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/santa-clara-over-kentucky-will-be-one-of-the-most-common-upset-picks-in-ncaa-tournament-brackets"
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Tool Call: web_search

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  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Texas AM Saint Marys Missouri Miami UCF predictions spreads picks"
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Provider Metadata

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Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/santa-clara-over-kentucky-will-be-one-of-the-most-common-upset-picks-in-ncaa-tournament-brackets#main)\n\nIn the NCAA Tournament brackets, one of the most common picks is for the number ten seeds to take down the number seven seeds, and that is the position the Kentucky Wildcats are in this season. After an up-and-down season for Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats, the team is ready to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and they will have to do this as a seven-seed.\n\nThe Wildcats will get things kicked off in the NCAA Tournament, taking on the Santa Clara Broncos of the WCC. The Broncos received an at-large bid out of the WCC and are ranked 35th in KenPom. Some Kentucky fans quickly got excited about the draw, but little did they know analytics like Santa Clara as the top ten seed ahead of Missouri, Texas A&M, and UCF.\n\nBefore the bracket even started, Santa Clara was a team that many believed had a real shot to pull off an upset in the NCAA Tournament, and now that the college basketball world has seen their draw, many like the Broncos to pull off the upset even more. There is a good chance that Santa Clara over [Kentucky](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-s-ncaa-tournament-matchup-with-10-seed-santa-clara-will-be-much-tougher-than-most-imagine) will be one of the top upset picks in college basketball this season.\n\n![Mark Pop](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_5504,h_3096/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/wildcats_today/01kkvdg64e3k6e00gecj.jpg)\n\nMar 13, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope yells to his team against the Florida Gators during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images \\| Steve Roberts-Imagn Images\n\nMultiple factors go into this, but the main factor is the fact that Santa Clara is really good. The other is the fact that most college basketball fans who are not part of Big Blue Nation love to see the Wildcats lose. This is an easy upset pick for fans to make, and even Kentucky fans know there is a world where this happens.\n\nOver the last handful of years, Kentucky fans have gotten all too accustomed with losing to smaller programs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. [Coach Pope](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-looking-to-use-experiences-from-sec-tournament-to-propel-them) needs to not let this happen again or the hot seat rumors are going to be massive next season heading into his third year.\n\n![Otega Oweh](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_114,w_2904,h_1633/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/wildcats_today/01kkvdk3wravddn71g3e.jpg)\n\nMar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) reacts after a made three point basket against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images \\| Steve Roberts-Imagn Images\n\nSome Kentucky fans have been saying that the Broncos really haven’t played anyone, but they have played five Quad 1 games. Their record in those five games is 1-4, but they played the Gonzaga Bulldogs a lot closer than the [Wildcats](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/kentucky-pg-jaland-lowe-shed-some-light-on-his-plans-for-next-season) did three times and beat Saint Mary’s.\n\nThis Santa Clara team is exceptional on the boards and shoots the three-ball a lot. The Wildcats are going to have to defend the perimeter well, or this could be an early exit for Pope’s team. A lot of folks will be picking Pope’s Wildcats to lose in the Round of 64, and with the boom-or-bust nature of this team, just about anything is possible.\n\n* * *\n\n## Today's best reads\n\n5 related articles loaded\n\n* * *\n\nPublished Mar 16, 2026 \\| Modified Mar 16, 2026\n\n![Andrew Stefaniak](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/"
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Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI ... - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Moneylines, spreads, totals and BPI predictions for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-upset-predictions-2026-133501404.html",
      "title": "March Madness upset predictions 2026: Which 10 seed is most ...",
      "snippet": "10 Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's. Odds: Saint Mary's -2.5. Advertisement. Advertisement. Advertisement. Why this can happen: The Aggies will ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.bettingpros.com/articles/saint-marys-vs-texas-am-ncaa-tournament-picks-odds/",
      "title": "Saint Mary's vs. Texas A&M: NCAA Tournament Picks & Odds",
      "snippet": "We'll have picks and predictions for each of the first-round 2026 NCAA Tournament games. Here are our top NCAA Tournament picks."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/miami-missouri-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88421043007/",
      "title": "Miami vs Missouri picks, predictions, odds for NCAA March Madness ...",
      "snippet": "ESPN: Miami has a 55.1% chance to beat Missouri. The site gives the Tigers a 44.9% shot at defeating the Hurricanes in the NCAA Tournament March ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.si.com/betting/betting-the-south-region-in-2026-ncaa-tournament-predictions-odds-upsets-for-march-madness",
      "title": "Betting the South Region in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
      "snippet": "Odds to Win South Region · Florida +165 · Houston +250 · Illinois +310 · Vanderbilt +1100 · Nebraska +1100 · Saint Mary's +3500 · Iowa +4500 · UNC +6000 ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 19

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament BPI win probabilities every first round game ESPN"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Skip to main content\n\nSkip to navigation\n\n\n<\n\n>\n\n- ESPN\n\n\nMultiple Authors\n\nMar 17, 2026, 09:28 AM ET\n\n- [![Copy Link](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/content-reactions/check.png&h=80&w=80)](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Email](mailto:?subject=Men%27s%20basketball%20tournament%3A%20Odds,%20spreads%20and%20totals%20for%20every%20game%20of%20the%20first%20round&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fespn%2Fbetting%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F48217692)\n- [Print](https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=48217692)\n\nOpen Extended Reactions\n\nThe 2026 men's college basketball tournament is nearly upon us, with the field of 68 teams announced and the First Four matchups set to tip off on Tuesday and Wednesday.\n\n[Duke](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/150/duke-blue-devils), [Arizona](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/12/arizona-wildcats), [Michigan](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/130/michigan-wolverines), and defending champion [Florida](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators) are the four No. 1 seeds, and are heavy favorites to win their first round matchups.\n\nIn the First Four, [UMBC](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2378/umbc-retrievers) is a slight favorite over [Howard](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/47/howard-bison) and [NC State](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/152/nc-state-wolfpack) are slight favorites over [Texas](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/251/texas-longhorns). Texas owns a head-to-head win over NC State from the Maui Invitational on a neutral court from earlier in the season.\n\nOn Wednesday night, [SMU](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2567/smu-mustangs) have opened as significant favorites over [Miami (OH)](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/193/miami-oh-redhawks), who went undefeated in the regular season. Lastly, Patriot League champion [Lehigh](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2329/lehigh-mountain-hawks) have opened as slight favorites over the SWAC champion [Prairie View A&M](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2504/prairie-view-am-panthers).\n\n**MORE:** [Odds for every team to advance, win championship](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48216458/espn-ncaa-tournament-men-national-championship-final-four-elite-eight-teams)\n\n_Odds by [DraftKings Sportsbook](https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/ncaab) as of latest time-stamp and are subject to change._\n\n### TUESDAY-- First Four\n\n![](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2378.png&w=110&h=110)![](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/47.png&w=110&h=110)**(16) [UMBC Retrievers](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2378/umbc-retrievers) -1.5**\n\n**(16) [Howard Bison](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/47/howard-bison)**\n\n_Dayton, Ohio, 6:40 p.m. ET_\n\n**Moneyline:**\n\nUMBC Retrievers -122\n\nHoward Bison +102\n\n**Total:** 140.5\n\n**UMBC**: 24-8, 14-2 in Am. East play\n\n**Howard**: 23-10, 11-3 in MEAC play\n\n**BPI projection:** UMBC Retrievers by 1.5 points, straight up 55.9% of the time\n\n* * *\n\n![](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/251.png&w=110&h=110)![](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/152.png&w=110&h=110)**(11) [Texas Longhorns](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/251/texas-longhorns) -1.5**\n\n**(11) [NC State Wolfpack](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/152/nc-state-wolfpack)**\n\n_Dayton, Ohio, 9:15 p.m. ET_\n\n**Moneyline:**\n\nTexas Longhorns -110\n\nNC State Wolfpack -110\n\n**Total:** 157.5\n\n**Texas**: 18-14, 9-9 in SEC play\n\n**NC State**: 20-13, 10-8 in ACC play\n\n**BPI projection:** NC State Wolfpack by 0.1 points, straight up 50.2% of the time\n\n* * *\n\n### WEDN"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI ... - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Moneylines, spreads, totals and BPI predictions for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-ncaa-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Odds, spreads and totals for every game of the first round - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Moneylines, spreads, totals and BPI predictions for the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48219770/espn-2026-tournament-women-bracket-game-odds",
      "title": "Odds, spreads, totals and BPI projection for every game - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Women's tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI for every game in the first round ... Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48230534/2026-men-tournament-betting-picks-odds-first-round-college-basketball-eliminator",
      "title": "Six bets and an Eliminator pick for the first round of the men's ...",
      "snippet": "Six tips on how to bet the men's tournament like a veteran. Mark Zinno. Men's tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI for every opening-round ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-computer-identifies-3-most-143641415.html",
      "title": "ESPN's Computer Identifies 3 'Most Likely' First Round Upsets",
      "snippet": "According to ESPN's computer model, the Basketball Power Index, there are three most likely upsets in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 20

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: use_browser

{
  "url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "ESPN BPI 3 most likely first round upsets 2026 NCAA tournament"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: use_browser

{
  "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\nTop Events\n\n- [Top Events](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NCAAM](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NCAAW](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NBA](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NHL](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [PGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [LPGA Tour](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [TGL](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Top Soccer](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [MLB](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [World Baseball Classic](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Tennis (M)](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Tennis (W)](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NFL](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NASCAR](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NCAAF](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [UFC](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [PLL (Lacrosse)](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [F1](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Men's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Women's NCAA Ice Hockey](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NCAA Softball](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [NCAA Baseball](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Men's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Women's NCAA Lacrosse](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [custom](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [UEFA Champions League](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Women's Super League](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Concacaf Champions Cup](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds#)\n- [Liga MX](https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-gam"
}

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": "Most probable first-round upsets in the men's 2026 NCAA tournament ; (11) VCU vs. (6) North Carolina · 39% 6:50 p.m. ET on Thursday ; (11) SMU vs."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-computer-identifies-3-most-143641415.html",
      "title": "ESPN's Computer Identifies 3 'Most Likely' First Round Upsets",
      "snippet": "No. 10 seed Texas A&M over No. 7 seed St. Mary's · No. 10 seed Missouri over No. 7 seed Miami · No. 11 seed VCU over No. 6 seed North Carolina."
    },
    {
      "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.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/march-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round/89188373007/",
      "title": "March Madness upset predictions: Ranking most likely first round ...",
      "snippet": "Ranking 8 most likely March Madness upsets in NCAA Tournament first round · 1. No. 11 South Florida over No. 6 Louisville · 2. No. 11 VCU over No."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9X7DuNdfbA",
      "title": "I Picked ONLY Upsets In This 2026 March Madness Bracket…",
      "snippet": "Click the link http://kalshi.com/r/TBN or download the Kalshi App and use code TBN to sign up and trade today! I predicted EVERY UPSET that ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 21

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espns-computer-identifies-3-most-143641415.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/march-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round/89188373007/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[16\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![The Spun](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/upXotjGJRTVoq2hUtE3UaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/f36f97f0-2688-11f0-bd7f-ed67e5407e6d)\\\\\n\\\\\n![The Spun](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uMhXLAhLrPnUdDrtxZRylQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI2ODtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/e53c56f0-2688-11f0-bfde-ad7d65675e91)](https://thespun.com/)\n\nAndrew Holleran\n\nMon, March 16, 2026 at 2:36 PM UTC·\n\n2 min read\n\nIt's officially NCAA Tournament time.\n\nThe first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is set to begin on Thursday, with 16 games followed by 16 more on Friday. It's going to be an epic week, that's for sure.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nWhile the top seeds are likely to advance, there are always a few big upsets in the first round of the Big Dance. But which upsets are most likely?\n\nAccording to ESPN's computer model, the Basketball Power Index, there are three most likely upsets in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday and Friday:\n\n- No. 10 seed Texas A&M over No. 7 seed St. Mary's\n\n- No. 10 seed Missouri over No. 7 seed Miami\n\n- No. 11 seed VCU over No. 6 seed North Carolina\n\n\n![March Madness logos cover the bench.© Adam Cairns&sol;Columbus Dispatch &sol; USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kAWyFZ0zC4YBv38IV5xtTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_spun_articles_751/b0549f44c92d44878bf786bb361dc64b)\n\nMarch Madness logos cover the bench.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.\n\n(© Adam Cairns&sol;Columbus Dispatch &sol; USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;)\n\nWhat about a big upset, though?\n\nAccording to ESPN's computer model, the Basketball Power Index, the most likely big-time upset is No. 12 seed High Point over No. 5 seed Wisconsin, which is set to tip off at 1:50 p.m. E.T. on Thursday.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## How does the ESPN computer model work?\n\nIt's a projection-based system.\n\n\"The College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of performance going forward. BPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Strength of Record (SOR) is a measure of team accomplishment based on how difficult a team's W-L record is to achieve. Game predictions account for opponent strength, pace of play, site, travel distance, day's rest and altitude, and are used to simulate the season 10,000 times to produce season projections. Numbers update daily.\"\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n_This stor"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[Close](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/) [Close](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/)\n\n[MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL](https://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaab/)\n\nNCAA Men's Basketball Tournament\n\nAdd Topic\n\n# Ranking 8 most likely March Madness upsets in NCAA Tournament first round\n\n[![Portrait of Craig Meyer](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/10/31/PNAS/71396946007-craig-meyer.png?crop=750,750,x334,y236&width=48&height=48&format=pjpg&auto=webp) Craig Meyer](https://www.usatoday.com/staff/8378342001/craig-meyer/)\n\nUSA TODAY NETWORK\n\nMarch 17, 2026Updated March 18, 2026, 11:56 a.m. ET\n\nHear this story\n\n[Share to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?display=popup&app_id=1279862243338849&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fncaab%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Fmarch-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round%2F89188373007%2F)[Share to Twitter](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fncaab%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Fmarch-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round%2F89188373007%2F&text=Ranking%208%20most%20likely%20March%20Madness%20upsets%20in%20NCAA%20Tournament%20first%20round&via=usatoday)[Share by email](mailto:?subject=Ranking%208%20most%20likely%20March%20Madness%20upsets%20in%20NCAA%20Tournament%20first%20round%20-%20from%20USA%20TODAY&body=Ranking%208%20most%20likely%20March%20Madness%20upsets%20in%20NCAA%20Tournament%20first%20round%0A%0AWhile%20you%20fill%20out%20your%202026%20NCAA%20Tournament%20bracket%2C%20here%27s%20a%20look%20at%20the%20eight%20most%20likely%20March%20Madness%20upset%20predictions%20in%20the%20first%20round.%0A%0ACheck%20out%20this%20story%20on%20usatoday.com%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fncaab%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Fmarch-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round%2F89188373007%2F)\n\nThere’s nothing — not even the champion who cuts down the nets on the first Monday night of April — that defines the [Men’s NCAA basketball Tournament](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/16/march-madness-bracket-predictions-ncaa-tournament-2026-expert-picks/89170127007/) quite like an upset.\n\nThe 68-team event is designed to set aside spots for teams from the smallest schools and conferences in the sport and give them an opportunity to take on some of college basketball’s biggest juggernauts on the brightest stage the sport has to offer.\n\nWhile a healthy percentage of those games are blowouts, others produce the kinds of results and moments that are only possible in [March Madness](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-final-four-ncaa-tournament-bracket-2026/89064207007/). Over these next three weeks, [Cinderella stories](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-ncaa-tournament-cinderella-vcu-santa-clara/89176697007/) will be crafted and [unlikely heroes will emerge](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/16/march-madness-ncaa-tournament-basketball-heroes-breakout-stars-where-are-they-now/89028516007/).\n\nOne of the many quandaries facing the millions of people filling out brackets across the country ahead of the [2026 NCAA Tournament](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-tips-fill-out-bracket-ncaa-tournament-pool/89118686007/) this week are identifying those underdogs and trying to correctly guess what seemingly overmatched teams will topple their favored opponents.\n\n[View Gallery - March Madness bracket busters eye the next big upset](https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/ncaab/2026/03/16/march-madness-upset-predictions-bracket-busters-ncaa-tournament/89182181007/)\n\nTo help with that task, and to offer up some advice that surely won’t backfire, here’s a look at the eight most likely upsets for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:\n\n## March Madne"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 22

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "USA Today 8 most likely March Madness upsets 2026 ranked list South Florida VCU TCU Santa Clara Missouri Texas AM"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament second round Sweet 16 Elite 8 expert predictions deep run picks"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/march-madness-predictions-most-likely-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-first-round/89188373007/",
      "title": "March Madness upset predictions: Ranking most likely first round ...",
      "snippet": "Ranking 8 most likely March Madness upsets in NCAA Tournament first round · 1. No. 11 South Florida over No. 6 Louisville · 2. No. 11 VCU over No."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/16/march-madness-predictions-upset-picks-ncaa-tournament-cinderella-vcu-santa-clara/89176697007/",
      "title": "Most likely upsets March Madness 2026: NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "March Madness Cinderella predictions: VCU, Akron top NCAA Tournament upset picks · No. 10 Santa Clara · No. 10 Missouri · No. 11 South Florida · No."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/17/march-madness-predictions-ncaa-tournament-team-rankings-contenders-pretenders/89185502007/",
      "title": "March Madness team tiers: Pretenders to contenders, who can win it ...",
      "snippet": "To help you fill out brackets, we broke down all 68 March Madness teams into tiers, from one-and-done to those with a real shot of reaching ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/15/selection-sunday-updates-march-madness-bracket-ncaa-tournament-2026/88595138007/",
      "title": "March Madness bracket, seeding, predictions, snubs for 2026 NCAA ...",
      "snippet": "Selection Sunday is here. We'll know the 68 teams slotted into March Madness 2026 bracket in a few minutes. Follow along."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://x.com/usatodaysports/status/2033850854269165844",
      "title": "Ranking 8 most likely March Madness upsets in NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "While you fill out your 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket, here's a look at the eight most likely March Madness upset predictions in the first ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-ncaa-tournament-picks-predictions-from-top-rated-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.nytimes.com/athletic/7126238/2026/03/17/predicting-second-round-2026-ncaa-tournament-upsets/",
      "title": "Predicting second-round 2026 NCAA Tournament upsets",
      "snippet": "Which underdogs have a chance at the Sweet 16? Jordan Brenner and Peter Keating use their proprietary model to help you build your bracket."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-ncaa-tournament-picks-predictions-from-advanced-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.youtube.com/watch?v=rykXv3xU3o8",
      "title": "Five LOCKS to make the Sweet 16 | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "Adam Finklestein joins CBS Sports HQ with his five locks to make the Sweet 16 in this year's NCAA Tournament. March Madness® brackets are ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks/89187322007/",
      "title": "Final Four picks; 2026 March Madness predictions for NCAA bracket",
      "snippet": "Sweet 16 predictions. Arizona (1) over Wisconsin (5); Gonzaga (3) over Purdue (2). Elite Eight predictions. Arizona (1) over Gonzaga (3)."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 23

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks/89187322007/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament KenPom rankings top 30 teams full list NET rankings"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "[Close](https://www.jsonline.com/sports/) [Close](https://www.jsonline.com/sports/)\n\n[WISCONSIN BADGERS](https://www.jsonline.com/sports/badgers/)\n\n# Final Four predictions; our 2026 March Madness picks for NCAA bracket\n\n[Christopher Kuhagen](https://www.jsonline.com/staff/2648103001/christopher-kuhagen/) [Emmett Prosser](https://www.jsonline.com/staff/2647796001/emmett-prosser/)\n\nMilwaukee Journal Sentinel\n\nUpdated March 17, 2026, 9:19 p.m. CT\n\n[Share to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/share?display=popup&app_id=227386193957280&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jsonline.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fuw%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Ffinal-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks%2F89187322007%2F)[Share to Twitter](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jsonline.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fuw%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Ffinal-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks%2F89187322007%2F&text=Final%20Four%20predictions%3B%20our%202026%20March%20Madness%20picks%20for%20NCAA%20bracket&via=journalsentinel)[Share by email](mailto:?subject=Final%20Four%20predictions%3B%20our%202026%20March%20Madness%20picks%20for%20NCAA%20bracket%20-%20from%20Journal%20Sentinel&body=Final%20Four%20predictions%3B%20our%202026%20March%20Madness%20picks%20for%20NCAA%20bracket%0A%0AWho%20will%20reach%202026%20NCAA%20Final%20Four%3F%20Our%20best%20men%E2%80%99s%20March%20Madness%20bracket%20predictions%20and%20picks%20are%20in.%0A%0ACheck%20out%20this%20story%20on%20jsonline.com%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jsonline.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2Fuw%2F2026%2F03%2F17%2Ffinal-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks%2F89187322007%2F)\n\nMarch Madness is here!\n\nWith the release of the 68-team NCAA Tournament field, it's time to fill out those brackets.\n\nLast year, all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four, the first time that happened in 17 years. Will the 2026 tournament follow a similar path? Duke, Arizona, Michigan and reigning national champion Florida are the No. 1 seeds.\n\nThe SEC has the most teams represented with 10, followed by the Big Ten (9), ACC (8) and Big 12 (8). It’s the first time in the tournament’s history that four conferences have eight or more teams in the field.\n\n**_[2026 NCAA Tournament printable bracket (PDF)](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/content-pipeline-sports-images/dx-games-live/printableBrackets/mens_2026_printable.pdf)_**\n\nThe Journal Sentinel is making Final Four predictions again. Digital producer and trending sports reporter Chris Kuhagen picked the West and Midwest regions and digital producer and trending sports reporter Emmett Prosser picked the East and South regions.\n\n## Men’s March Madness bracket predictions\n\nHere are March Madness predictions for each of the four regions:\n\n[![](https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/04/08/USAT/82986045007-usatsi-25874542.jpg?crop=7143,4018,x0,y372&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp)](https://www.jsonline.com/picture-gallery/sports/ncaab/2021/02/23/march-madness-mens-college-basketball-ncaa-tournament-champions/4551995001/)\n\n## March Madness West Region projections\n\n## First-round predictions\n\n- Arizona (1) over LIU (16)\n- Utah State (9) over Villanova (8)\n- Wisconsin (5) over High Point (12)\n- Arkansas (4) over Hawaii (13)\n- BYU (6) over Texas/North Carolina State (11)\n- Gonzaga (3) over Kennesaw State (14)\n- Miami (Fla.) (7) over Missouri (10)\n- Purdue (2) over Queens (15)\n\n[Stream March Madness games on Fubo](https://www.fubo.tv/stream/tv/?irad=343747&irmp=1205322&subId1=Local&subId2=NCAAM&subId3=2025)\n\n## Second-round predictions\n\n- Arizona (1) over Utah State (9)\n- Wisconsin (5) over Arkansas (4)\n- Gonzaga (3) over BYU (6)\n- Purdue (2) over Miami (Fla.) (7)\n\n## Sweet 16 predictions\n\n- Arizona (1) over Wisconsin (5)\n- Gonzaga (3) over Purdue (2)\n\n## Elite Eight predictions\n\n- Arizona (1) over Gonzaga (3)\n\n[![](https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/01/22/PMJS/77876922007-mjs-uwmen-05-end-of-game-2-jpg-uwmen-0"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://kenpom.com/",
      "title": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings",
      "snippet": "2026 Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings ; 29, Utah St. 9, MWC ; 30, North Carolina 6, ACC ; 31, Miami FL 7, ACC ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-net-rankings",
      "title": "NCAA Men's Basketball NET Rankings",
      "snippet": "1, Duke, 32-2, ACC, 10-1, 7-1, 15-0, 0-0, 1, 17-2, 6-0, 2-0, 7-0. 2, Michigan, 31-3, Big Ten, 11-0, 6-2, 14-1, 0-0, 2, 17-3, 5-0, 6-0, 3-0."
    },
    {
      "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 ; 28, Kentucky, 39 ; 29, North Carolina, 32 ; 30, Utah St. 28 ; 31, Miami FL, 33 ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://bballnet.com/",
      "title": "2026 NET Rankings and Quad Wins",
      "snippet": "Rank, Prev, School, Conf, Record. 1, 1, Duke · ACC, 32-2. 2, 2, Michigan · Big Ten, 31-3. 3, 3, Arizona · Big 12, 32-2. 4, 4, Florida · SEC, 26-7."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-power-rankings-ncaa-tournament/",
      "title": "College Basketball Power Rankings: Which teams are most likely to ...",
      "snippet": "College Basketball Power Rankings: Which teams are most likely to win the NCAA Tournament title in 2026? ; 4. team logo · Duke ; Duke's No. 1 at ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 24

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ncaab/ncaa-tournament-bracket-based-using-kenpom-ratings-sgc/"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "BetMGM\n\n![NCAAB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NCAAB\n\n- ![NBA](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NBA\n- ![MLB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/baseball.svg)MLB\n- ![NHL](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/hockey.svg)NHL\n- ![NCAAB](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/basketball.svg)NCAAB\n- ![UFC](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/mma.svg)UFC\n- ![PGA Tour](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/golf.svg)PGA Tour\n- ![World Cup](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/sports/betmgm/soccer.svg)World Cup\n\nMar 18\n\n- Mar 17\n- Mar 18\n- Mar 19\n\nWed \\| 6:40 PM ET\n\n![Prairie View A&M Panthers](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/prairie_view_a_and_m_panthers.svg)\n\nPrairie View A&M\n\nPrairie View A&M\n\n![Lehigh Mountain Hawks](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/lehigh_mountain_hawks.svg)\n\nLehigh\n\nLehigh\n\nWed \\| 7:00 PM ET\n\n![Navy](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/navy_midshipmen.svg)\n\nNavy\n\nNavy\n\nSpread [+10.5 **-118**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005870)\n\n![Wake Forest](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/wake_forest_demon_deacons.svg)\n\nWake Forest\n\nWake Forest\n\nSpread [-10.5 **-102**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218255%3Foptions%3D19218255-1481452741--137005869)\n\nWed \\| 8:00 PM ET\n\n![Kent State](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/kent_state_golden_flashes.svg)\n\nKent State\n\nKent State\n\n![Illinois State Redbirds](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/illinois_state_redbirds.svg)\n\nIllinois State\n\nIllinois State\n\nWed \\| 8:00 PM ET\n\n![George Washington](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/the_roar/ncaab/george_washington_revolutionaries.svg)\n\nGeorge Washington\n\nGeorge Washington\n\nSpread [+1.5 **-110**](https://playmgmsports.onelink.me/TkMx?utm_term=onelink&pid=playmgmsportswrp&utm_source=BetMGM_US_sports_blog&utm_medium=Scoreboard&utm_campaign=GTG&wm=7119147&af_sub1=7119147&af_android_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_ios_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172&af_dp=playmgmsportswrp%3A%2F%2Fnavigation%3Fscheme%3Dhttps%26url%3Dwww.betmgm.com%2Fen%2Fsports%2Fevents%2F19218259%3Foptions%3D19218259-1480259205--140090172)\n\n![Utah Valley Wolverines](https://cdn.gtgnetwork.com/icons/teams/basketball/betmgm/th"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 25

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Let me get one more key piece of data - the Journal Sentinel's full bracket picks and one more deep search.

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament East region Midwest region full bracket predictions second round Sweet 16"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 March Madness first four results Texas NC State UMBC Howard Tuesday"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504902.html",
      "title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
      "snippet": "Michigan opened as the early favorite after the selection show, but is now firmly the No. 2 favorite behind Duke."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-midwest-region-bracket-preview/",
      "title": "2026 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region bracket preview",
      "snippet": "Breaking down the 2026 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region with predictions, upset picks, sleeper teams, best first-round games and players to ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7126238/2026/03/17/predicting-second-round-2026-ncaa-tournament-upsets/",
      "title": "Predicting second-round 2026 NCAA Tournament upsets",
      "snippet": "East Region · No. 1 Duke vs. No. 8 Ohio State. 15.6% ; South Region · No. 1 Florida vs. No. 8 Clemson. 17.4% ; Midwest Region · No. 1 Michigan vs. No ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://247sports.com/longformarticle/march-madness-2026-bracket-score-predictions-sportsline-midwest-region-ncaa-tournament-277919380/",
      "title": "March Madness 2026 bracket score predictions: SportsLine model ...",
      "snippet": "The SportsLine Projection Model simulated the entire 2026 NCAA Tournament 10000 times and predicted the Midwest Region."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217204/march-madness-bracket-predictions-picks-ncaa-tournament-final-four-2026",
      "title": "Instant men's March Madness bracket: Predicting every game - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Jeff Borzello makes his picks for the 2026 NCAA tournament, from the First Four through the Final Four."
    }
  ]
}

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": "Men's March Madness — Latest. The men's NCAA Tournament continues tonight with the conclusion of the First Four. Last night's games saw (16) ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/live/texas-vs-nc-state-live-updates-march-madness-first-four-begins-in-dayton-umbc-falls-to-howard-210000000.html",
      "title": "Texas beats NC State on Tramon Mark's game-winner with 1 second ...",
      "snippet": "ARE YOU KIDDING!!! TEXAS GOES BACK IN FRONT #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/UE1EUjYjLc. — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2026."
    },
    {
      "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 - CBS Sports",
      "snippet": "ARE YOU KIDDING!!! TEXAS GOES BACK IN FRONT #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/UE1EUjYjLc. — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2026."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGsJfyQKbvI",
      "title": "UMBC vs. Howard 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.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/howard-holds-off-umbc-in-first-four-for-its-first-22082923.php",
      "title": "Howard holds off UMBC in First Four for its first March Madness win",
      "snippet": "Howard holds off UMBC in First Four for its first March Madness win ... Mark Madness: Tramon's clutch shot, defense (really) lift Texas past N.C. ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 26

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Important! The First Four results from Tuesday are in: - **Howard beat UMBC** (so Howard advances to play Michigan in the Midwest) - **Texas beat NC State** (so Texas advances to play BYU in the West) The Wednesday First Four games (Prairie View A&M vs Lehigh, SMU vs Miami OH) haven't been played yet. Let me check the current status.

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "\"first four\" Wednesday March 18 2026 Lehigh Prairie View SMU Miami Ohio results"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "Jeff Borzello ESPN 2026 March Madness bracket predictions every game"
}

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/xwWmxw1s2tYW/",
      "title": "Prairie View A&M outlook - The Athletic",
      "snippet": "Men's March Madness 2026 First Four score, live updates: Start times, how to watch today's play-in games. Follow our live coverage of the NCAA ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/miami-ohio-smu-live-score-highlights-first-four/becfcbc4b5a2531facf984fd",
      "title": "Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU live score, updates, highlights from ...",
      "snippet": "Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU live updates, highlights, results from 2026 First Four game. (All times Eastern). Updates will start closer to the game's ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/march-madness-2026-first-four-live-updates-scores-bracket-wednesday/live/",
      "title": "March Madness 2026 First Four live updates",
      "snippet": "First Four schedule, scores. Wednesday, March 18. (16) Prairie View vs. (16) Lehigh -- 6:40 p.m. | truTV (watch live); (11) Miami (Ohio) vs."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/march-madness-2026-mens-first-four-live-updates-scores-results-bracket/FaqP8tALRmPJ/C9xhtEPr8qE2/",
      "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://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/what-to-watch-miami-ohio-goes-for-first-four-win-after-its-only-loss-of-the-season-130409268.html",
      "title": "Miami (Ohio) goes for First Four win after its only loss of the ...",
      "snippet": "What to watch: Miami (Ohio) goes for First Four win after its only loss of the season. Nick BrombergSenior writer. Wed, March 18, 2026 at 1:04 ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217204/march-madness-bracket-predictions-picks-ncaa-tournament-final-four-2026",
      "title": "Instant men's March Madness bracket: Predicting every game - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament · Duke ... Men's March Madness 2026 bracket: Get to know all 68 teams. Myron ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espn-predicts-every-ncaa-tournament-024841061.html",
      "title": "ESPN Predicts every NCAA Tournament game: Where do they have ...",
      "snippet": "ESPN's Jeff Borzello predicted every game for the NCAA Tournament, with score predictions. Borzello has Kentucky winning 79-75 in the First ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75LKOs0THfw",
      "title": "Jeff Borzello predicts a November rematch for the title in his NCAA ...",
      "snippet": "... 2026 NCAA tournament bracket. 0:17 First round 4:41 Second round 6 ... THE MOST ACCURATE MARCH MADNESS UPSET PICKS OF 2026. Sports! The ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48156563/march-madness-2026-every-team-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket-explained",
      "title": "Men's March Madness 2026 bracket: Get to know all 68 teams - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Instant men's March Madness bracket: Predicting every game. Jeff Borzello. March Madness: 100-plus facts to help you fill out your men's bracket."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219697/joe-lunardi-mens-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-guide-2026",
      "title": "Joe Lunardi's ultimate guide to men's March Madness 2026 - ESPN",
      "snippet": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament. Jay Bilas. Instant men's March Madness bracket: Predicting every game. Jeff Borzello ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 27

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Tool Call: web_fetch

{
  "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/espn-predicts-every-ncaa-tournament-024841061.html"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_fetch

{
  "content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[16\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ba/images/9c465512eeec582cf7a7fcd1ea7142f6df38b20ec9cfbcf46b7f7a11811cc12e.png)\\\\\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-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.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 [![SB Nation](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6T.CEOT5sruutweXkVzfrg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI3NjtoPTU2O2NmPXdlYnA-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-03/9b02bb90-059c-11f0-bfff-8a21e79a5ff9)\\\\\n\\\\\n![SB Nation](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oUYPCwilCBaaUDRU0JqAQA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTU2O2g9NTY7Y2Y9d2VicA--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-03/b1faad80-04b6-11f0-a7ff-3ec9ff1e1e1d)](https://www.sbnation.com/)\n\n![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vhjBI9B5lHgytRVcPrdTTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0OTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/sb_nation_articles_115/28979dfdccccd825bae41a39f408a8b1)\n\nAlex Frank\n\nMon, March 16, 2026 at 2:48 AM UTC·\n\n1 min read\n\nLook, the [Kentucky Wildcats](https://www.aseaofblue.com/)’ draw is far from easy. Santa Clara, in addition to making their first NCAA Tournament game since 1996, is no pushover. They have a really good team that does a lot of things well.\n\nIf Kentucky outlasts the Broncos in the First Round, Iowa State is likely waiting in the Second Round. The Cyclones are an elite team, with one of the best 3-point shooters in the country in Milan Momcilovic.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[ESPN’s Jeff Borzello predicted every game for the NCAA Tournament, with score predictions.](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217204/march-madness-bracket-predictions-picks-ncaa-tournament-final-four-2026) Borzello has Kentucky winning 79-75 in the First Round vs. Santa Clara, but he has them falling to Iowa State in the Second Round 79-69. In his analysis of the region, Borzello doesn’t even mention a word about the Cats.\n\nLooking at the early predictions, the Cats clearly aren’t expected to do much in the NCAA Tournament, a far cry from where much of the national media was at the beginning of the season.\n\nKentucky played in St. Louis in 2014 in the first weekend of their run to the National Championship. They were a No. 8 seed that knocked out Wichita State, Louisville, and Michigan in three straight games, with the Shockers entering that game undefeated and the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.\n\nMaybe this Kentucky team will find another gear and make a run to the Sweet 16 again. Time will tell, but first the Cats must find a way to get past Santa Clara.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 28

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Now I have a comprehensive picture. Let me do a couple more targeted searches before building the bracket.

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Georgia Bulldogs Saint Louis Billikens 8 9 matchup picks"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Call: web_search

{
  "query": "2026 NCAA tournament Clemson Iowa 8 9 seed matchup South region picks"
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "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": "ESPN: Georgia has a 50.9% chance to beat Saint Louis. The site gives the Billikens a 49.1% shot at defeating the Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P4rqRSSPas",
      "title": "Georgia vs. Saint Louis PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "Tournament first round game in the Midwest Region and share predictions for this highly anticipated matchup at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jay-bilas-predicts-winner-georgia-190044542.html",
      "title": "Jay Bilas predicts winner of Georgia vs. Saint Louis game",
      "snippet": "ESPN college basketball expert Jay Bilas predicts the Georgia Bulldogs will beat the Saint Louis Billikens in the first round of the NCAA ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://herosports.com/cbb-2026-ncaa-tournament-georgia-saint-louis-prediction-odds-tv-mnmn/",
      "title": "NCAA Tournament: (8) Georgia vs. (9) Saint Louis Prediction, Odds ...",
      "snippet": "Playing in its second straight NCAA tournament, Georgia takes on Saint Louis in a Round of 64 game on Thursday in Buffalo."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/georgia-vs-saint-louis-odds-prediction-2026-ncaa-tournament-picks-from-proven-model",
      "title": "Georgia vs. Saint Louis odds, prediction: 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
      "snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament features 16 games on Thursday, with one of the interesting 8 vs. 9 matchups pitting the Georgia Bulldogs against ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: web_search

{
  "results": [
    {
      "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/early-national-predictions-clemson-basketball-000735977.html",
      "title": "Early national predictions for Clemson basketball's matchup vs. Iowa",
      "snippet": "The Tigers earned an at-large bid as the No. 8 seed in the South Region and will face the ninth-seeded Hawkeyes on Friday in Tampa, Florida."
    },
    {
      "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://www.cbssports.com/watch/college-basketball/video/south-region-1st-round-picks-no-9-iowa-vs-no-8-clemson",
      "title": "South Region Picks: No. 9 Iowa vs No. 8 Clemson - CBS Sports",
      "snippet": "Matt Norlander, Avery Johnson, and John Henson join Hakem Dermish on CBS Sports HQ to give their picks for the game between Iowa and Clemson."
    },
    {
      "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": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 8 Clemson and No. 9 Iowa in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and our expert ..."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://kdus1060.com/clemson-vs-iowa-prediction-ncaa-tournament-south-region-no-8-vs-no-9-march-madness-preview/",
      "title": "Clemson vs. Iowa Prediction: NCAA Tournament South Region No ...",
      "snippet": "In the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup in the NCAA Tournament South Region, Clemson vs. Iowa is the first-round game on Friday, March 20 with a trip ..."
    }
  ]
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

assistantMessage 29

Mar 18, 2026, 11:50 PM

Now I have extensive research. Let me compile my knowledge and build the bracket. ## RESEARCH SUMMARY **Key facts gathered:** **AP Top 25 / KenPom Rankings:** 1. Duke (32-2) - #1 overall seed, KenPom #1. Missing Caleb Foster (foot fracture) and Ngongba (unlikely to play). Still dominant. 2. Arizona (32-2) - KenPom #3. Won Big 12 tourney. 3. Michigan (31-3) - KenPom #2. Lost Big Ten final to Purdue. 4. Florida (26-7) - KenPom #4. Defending champ. Lost to Vanderbilt in SEC tourney. 5. Houston (28-6) - KenPom #5. 6. Iowa State (27-7) - KenPom ~6. 7. UConn (29-5) - KenPom ~7. Lost to St. John's in Big East final. 8. Purdue (27-8) - KenPom ~8. Won Big Ten tourney, surging. 9. Virginia (29-5) - KenPom ~9. 10. St. John's (28-6), Michigan State (25-7), Gonzaga (30-3) **Championship odds:** Duke +300, Michigan +350-370, Arizona +380-400, Florida +650, Houston +900, Iowa State 16/1, UConn 22/1 **Key injuries:** - Duke: Caleb Foster OUT (foot fracture, surgery), Ngongba UNLIKELY - UNC: Caleb Wilson OUT for tournament (fractured hand) - HUGE for VCU upset - SMU: BJ Edwards probably out **First Four results (Tuesday, already played):** - Howard beat UMBC → Howard plays Michigan (game-25) - Texas beat NC State → Texas plays BYU (game-13) **Wednesday First Four (tonight, not yet played):** - Lehigh vs Prairie View A&M (experts pick Lehigh) - SMU vs Miami (OH) (experts pick SMU) **Top upset picks across all sources:** 1. **VCU over UNC (11 over 6)** - ALL 3 SI experts pick this, ESPN BPI gives it 39% chance. UNC without Caleb Wilson. UNC only 2.5-pt favorite. 2. **South Florida over Louisville (11 over 6)** - All 3 SI experts pick this. USA Today ranks it #1 most likely upset. 3. **Texas A&M over Saint Mary's (10 over 7)** - ESPN BPI identifies as most likely upset 4. **Missouri over Miami (10 over 7)** - ESPN BPI: Miami only 55.1% chance. Very close game. 5. **Santa Clara over Kentucky (10 over 7)** - KenPom #35, hugely popular upset pick. Kentucky boom-or-bust. 6. **TCU over Ohio State (9 over 8)** - Multiple experts pick TCU 7. **High Point over Wisconsin (12 over 5)** - ESPN BPI: most likely 12-over-5 upset (24%) 8. **UCF over UCLA (10 over 7)** - 27.8% BPI chance 9. **SMU over Tennessee (11 over 6)** - Multiple experts pick this 10. **Akron over Texas Tech (12 over 5)** - Pat Forde picks this **Expert Final Four picks:** - Lunardi: Duke, Florida, Arizona, Iowa State (Arizona to win) - Bilas: Duke deep, Kentucky loses first round, Iowa State bold prediction - Borzello: Duke-Michigan championship game type - Various: Duke, Arizona, Michigan most commonly picked **Regional favorites:** - East: Duke (-135), UConn (+2200), Kansas (+4000) - West: Arizona (-135), Purdue (30-1), Gonzaga (55-1) - South: Florida (+165), Houston (+250), Illinois (+310) - Midwest: Michigan (fav), Iowa State (16-1) **Journal Sentinel West bracket:** Arizona over Utah State, Wisconsin over Arkansas, Gonzaga over BYU, Purdue over Miami → Arizona over Wisconsin, Gonzaga over Purdue → Arizona over Gonzaga Now let me build the bracket systematically. ## Phase 2: BUILD THE BRACKET Let me work through each region carefully. **EAST REGION:** - game-1: Duke over Siena (massive favorite, -27.5) - game-2: TCU over Ohio State (experts lean TCU, close game, Ohio State -2.5) - game-3: St. John's over Northern Iowa (St. John's -10.5, AP #10) - game-4: Kansas over Cal Baptist (easy, has Darryn Peterson potential #1 pick) - game-5: South Florida over Louisville (UPSET - top upset pick by experts) - game-6: Michigan State over NDSU (easy, AP #11) - game-7: UCLA over UCF (UCLA favored -5.5-6.5, 72.2% BPI) - game-8: UConn over Furman (2 seed, easy) R32 East: - Duke over TCU → Duke - Kansas over St. John's → close, Kansas has Peterson but St. John's is AP #10 and was 28-6... I'll take St. John's (slight upset, higher-ranked team) - Michigan State over South Florida → Michigan State - UConn over UCLA → UConn S16 East: - Duke vs St. John's → Duke - UConn vs Michigan State → UConn (KenPom higher, more talented) E8 East: Duke over UConn **WEST REGION:** - game-9: Arizona over LIU (1 seed, easy) - game-10: Utah State over Villanova (close, experts split but Utah State slightly favored by some; I'll pick Villanova as 8 seed, close call... Actually experts pick Utah State. Let me go Utah State.) - game-11: Wisconsin over High Point (24% upset chance for HP but I'll go chalk) - game-12: Arkansas over Hawaii (4 seed, AP #14) - game-13: Texas over BYU (Texas won First Four, but BYU is 6 seed... I'll pick BYU as the higher seed/stronger team) - game-14: Gonzaga over Kennesaw State (easy, 30-3, AP #12) - game-15: Missouri over Miami (UPSET - ESPN BPI's 2nd most likely upset, Miami only 55.1%) - game-16: Purdue over Queens (easy, 2 seed) R32 West: - Arizona over Utah State → Arizona - Arkansas over Wisconsin → close, I'll go Arkansas (higher seed, tournament experience) - Gonzaga over BYU → Gonzaga (AP #12, 30-3) - Purdue over Missouri → Purdue S16 West: - Arizona vs Arkansas → Arizona - Gonzaga vs Purdue → Purdue (surging, won Big Ten tourney, KenPom higher) E8 West: Arizona over Purdue **SOUTH REGION:** - game-17: Florida over Lehigh/Prairie View (1 seed, defending champ) - game-18: Iowa over Clemson (close, Borzello picked Clemson 64-62... I'll go Clemson as 8 seed) - game-19: Vanderbilt over McNeese (AP #16, SEC tourney runner-up, hot team) - game-20: Nebraska over Troy (4 seed, AP #15) - game-21: VCU over North Carolina (UPSET - ALL experts pick this, UNC without Caleb Wilson) - game-22: Illinois over Penn (3 seed, AP #13) - game-23: Texas A&M over Saint Mary's (UPSET - ESPN BPI's #1 most likely upset) - game-24: Houston over Idaho (2 seed, AP #5) R32 South: - Florida over Clemson → Florida - Vanderbilt over Nebraska → close, both good... Vanderbilt is hotter, won SEC tourney semifinal. I'll go Vanderbilt. - Illinois over VCU → Illinois (much more talented) - Houston over Texas A&M → Houston S16 South: - Florida vs Vanderbilt → Florida (Vanderbilt beat them in SEC tourney but Florida is deeper/better) - Houston vs Illinois → Houston (better defense, more tournament experience) E8 South: Florida over Houston (defending champ, championship pedigree) **MIDWEST REGION:** - game-25: Michigan over Howard (1 seed, 31-3) - game-26: Georgia over Saint Louis (very close, 50.9% BPI. Georgia as 8 seed.) - game-27: Texas Tech over Akron (5 seed, I'll go chalk despite Akron being a sleeper) - game-28: Alabama over Hofstra (4 seed, AP #18) - game-29: Tennessee over SMU (6 seed, but SMU without BJ Edwards... close. I'll pick SMU as an upset - experts like SMU's talent. Actually, Tennessee is 6 seed and favored. Let me go Tennessee.) - game-30: Virginia over Wright State (3 seed, 29-5, AP #9) - game-31: Santa Clara over Kentucky (UPSET - hugely popular pick, Kentucky boom-or-bust, KenPom #35 vs #28) - game-32: Iowa State over Tennessee State (2 seed, easy) R32 Midwest: - Michigan over Georgia → Michigan - Alabama over Texas Tech → Alabama (more talented, AP #18 but higher ceiling) - Virginia over Tennessee → Virginia (29-5, more consistent) - Iowa State over Santa Clara → Iowa State S16 Midwest: - Michigan vs Alabama → Michigan (KenPom #2) - Iowa State vs Virginia → Iowa State (more offensive firepower) E8 Midwest: Michigan over Iowa State **FINAL FOUR:** - ff-1: East (Duke) vs West (Arizona) → Duke (they're the best team, #1 overall, even with injuries they won ACC tourney) - ff-2: South (Florida) vs Midwest (Michigan) → Michigan (KenPom #2, 31-3) **CHAMPIONSHIP:** - Duke vs Michigan → Duke (champion, #1 overall seed, best player in Cam Boozer) Wait, let me reconsider a few picks to differentiate from chalk and potentially get more points. Key differentiating picks I'm making: 1. South Florida over Louisville (11 over 6) 2. VCU over North Carolina (11 over 6) 3. TCU over Ohio State (9 over 8) 4. Missouri over Miami (10 over 7) 5. Santa Clara over Kentucky (10 over 7) 6. Texas A&M over Saint Mary's (10 over 7) 7. St. John's over Kansas in R32 8. Vanderbilt Sweet 16 run (5 seed beating 4 seed Nebraska) That's a good mix of upsets. Let me also reconsider picking Arizona to win it all instead of Duke to be slightly contrarian (Lunardi picked Arizona). Actually, Duke at +300 is the clear favorite - I'll stick with Duke for expected value. Let me now carefully construct the full bracket with proper game IDs.

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": "ucla-bruins"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-8",
      "winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-9",
      "winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-10",
      "winnerId": "utah-state-aggies"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-11",
      "winnerId": "wisconsin-badgers"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-12",
      "winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-13",
      "winnerId": "byu-cougars"
    },
    {
      "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": "clemson-tigers"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-19",
      "winnerId": "vanderbilt-commodores"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-20",
      "winnerId": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-21",
      "winnerId": "vcu-rams"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-22",
      "winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-23",
      "winnerId": "texas-am-aggies"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-24",
      "winnerId": "houston-cougars"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-25",
      "winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-26",
      "winnerId": "georgia-bulldogs"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-27",
      "winnerId": "texas-tech-red-raiders"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-28",
      "winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-29",
      "winnerId": "tennessee-volunteers"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-30",
      "winnerId": "virginia-cavaliers"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-31",
      "winnerId": "santa-clara-broncos"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "game-32",
      "winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
    }
  ],
  "r2": [
    {
      "gameId": "r32-east-1",
      "winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
    },
    {
      "gameId": "r32-east-2",
      "winnerId": "st-johns-red-storm"
    },
    {
      "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": "vanderbilt-commodores"
    },
    {
      "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": "alabama-crimson-tide"
    },
    {
      "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": "florida-gators"
    },
    {
      "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": 142
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tool Result: submit_bracket

{
  "submitted": true
}

Provider Metadata

{
  "anthropic": {
    "caller": {
      "type": "direct"
    }
  }
}

Tokens

Input: 1244784
Output: 8988
Reasoning: —