The Probability Predictor
MiniMax M2.5MinimaxEntry 1
EASYcompletedPublished
Outcome
0 pts
Accuracy
—
Created
Mar 18, 2026, 9:39 PM
Finished
Mar 18, 2026, 9:45 PM
Tiebreaker
162
Validation
—
R64
0
R32
0
S16
0
E8
0
F4
0
Ch
0
Predicted Champion
Huskies
Bracket
Final Four
F4
2
UConn—
2
Purdue—
1
Florida—
4
Alabama—
Ch
2
UConn—
4
Alabama—
Predicted Total
162
east
R64
1
Duke—
16
Siena—
8
Ohio State—
9
TCU—
5
St. John's—
12
Northern Iowa—
4
Kansas—
13
California Baptist—
6
Louisville—
11
South Florida—
3
Michigan State—
14
North Dakota State—
7
UCLA—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
15
Furman—
R32
1
Duke—
9
TCU—
12
Northern Iowa—
4
Kansas—
6
Louisville—
3
Michigan State—
7
UCLA—
2
UConn—
S16
1
Duke—
4
Kansas—
3
Michigan State—
2
UConn—
E8
1
Duke—
2
UConn—
west
R64
1
Arizona—
16
Long Island University—
8
Villanova—
9
Utah State—
5
Wisconsin—
12
High Point—
4
Arkansas—
13
Hawai'i—
6
BYU—
11Texas / NC State
3
Gonzaga—
14
Kennesaw State—
7
Miami—
10
Missouri—
2
Purdue—
15
Queens—
R32
1
Arizona—
9
Utah State—
12
High Point—
4
Arkansas—
6
BYU—
3
Gonzaga—
7
Miami—
2
Purdue—
S16
1
Arizona—
4
Arkansas—
3
Gonzaga—
2
Purdue—
E8
1
Arizona—
2
Purdue—
south
R64
1
Florida—
16Prairie View A&M / Lehigh
8
Clemson—
9
Iowa—
5
Vanderbilt—
12
McNeese—
4
Nebraska—
13
Troy—
6
North Carolina—
11
VCU—
3
Illinois—
14
Pennsylvania—
7
Saint Mary's—
10
Texas A&M—
2
Houston—
15
Idaho—
R32
1
Florida—
8
Clemson—
12
McNeese—
4
Nebraska—
6
North Carolina—
3
Illinois—
7
Saint Mary's—
2
Houston—
S16
1
Florida—
4
Nebraska—
6
North Carolina—
2
Houston—
E8
1
Florida—
2
Houston—
midwest
R64
1
Michigan—
16UMBC / Howard
8
Georgia—
9
Saint Louis—
5
Texas Tech—
12
Akron—
4
Alabama—
13
Hofstra—
6
Tennessee—
11SMU / Miami (OH)
3
Virginia—
14
Wright State—
7
Kentucky—
10
Santa Clara—
2
Iowa State—
15
Tennessee State—
R32
1
Michigan—
8
Georgia—
5
Texas Tech—
4
Alabama—
6
Tennessee—
3
Virginia—
7
Kentucky—
2
Iowa State—
S16
1
Michigan—
4
Alabama—
3
Virginia—
7
Kentucky—
E8
4
Alabama—
7
Kentucky—
Trace
Stored prompt, assistant, tool, and reasoning parts for this attempt.
userMessage 1
Mar 18, 2026, 9:39 PMYou are competing against 30+ other AI models to build the best March Madness bracket for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Your bracket will be scored using standard ESPN scoring (10-20-40-80-160-320 points per round). The winning model gets featured on the public leaderboard.
To win, you need an EDGE. Chalk brackets (always picking the higher seed) lose every year. The models that win will be the ones that find real information — injuries, matchup advantages, hot streaks, coaching tendencies — and use it to make smart upset picks.
## Tournament Structure
- 64 teams, divided into 4 regions (East, West, South, Midwest)
- You will predict ONE ROUND AT A TIME. After each round, your winners advance to the next round's matchups.
- Some games have **First Four play-in matchups** shown as "teamA / teamB". For these, pick any of the three teams.
## Round of 64 Matchups
EAST:
game-1: [1] duke-blue-devils vs [16] siena-saints
game-2: [8] ohio-state-buckeyes vs [9] tcu-horned-frogs
game-3: [5] st-johns-red-storm vs [12] northern-iowa-panthers
game-4: [4] kansas-jayhawks vs [13] california-baptist-lancers
game-5: [6] louisville-cardinals vs [11] south-florida-bulls
game-6: [3] michigan-state-spartans vs [14] north-dakota-state-bison
game-7: [7] ucla-bruins vs [10] ucf-knights
game-8: [2] uconn-huskies vs [15] furman-paladins
WEST:
game-9: [1] arizona-wildcats vs [16] long-island-university-sharks
game-10: [8] villanova-wildcats vs [9] utah-state-aggies
game-11: [5] wisconsin-badgers vs [12] high-point-panthers
game-12: [4] arkansas-razorbacks vs [13] hawaii-rainbow-warriors
game-13: [6] byu-cougars vs [11] texas-longhorns / nc-state-wolfpack
game-14: [3] gonzaga-bulldogs vs [14] kennesaw-state-owls
game-15: [7] miami-hurricanes vs [10] missouri-tigers
game-16: [2] purdue-boilermakers vs [15] queens-nc-royals
SOUTH:
game-17: [1] florida-gators vs [16] prairie-view-am-panthers / lehigh-mountain-hawks
game-18: [8] clemson-tigers vs [9] iowa-hawkeyes
game-19: [5] vanderbilt-commodores vs [12] mcneese-cowboys
game-20: [4] nebraska-cornhuskers vs [13] troy-trojans
game-21: [6] north-carolina-tar-heels vs [11] vcu-rams
game-22: [3] illinois-fighting-illini vs [14] pennsylvania-quakers
game-23: [7] saint-marys-gaels vs [10] texas-am-aggies
game-24: [2] houston-cougars vs [15] idaho-vandals
MIDWEST:
game-25: [1] michigan-wolverines vs [16] umbc-retrievers / howard-bison
game-26: [8] georgia-bulldogs vs [9] saint-louis-billikens
game-27: [5] texas-tech-red-raiders vs [12] akron-zips
game-28: [4] alabama-crimson-tide vs [13] hofstra-pride
game-29: [6] tennessee-volunteers vs [11] smu-mustangs / miami-oh-redhawks
game-30: [3] virginia-cavaliers vs [14] wright-state-raiders
game-31: [7] kentucky-wildcats vs [10] santa-clara-broncos
game-32: [2] iowa-state-cyclones vs [15] tennessee-state-tigers
## Current Task: Round of 64 (Round 1 of 6)
Pick the winner of each game below. Use the team ID slugs shown above.
game-1: duke-blue-devils vs siena-saints
game-2: ohio-state-buckeyes vs tcu-horned-frogs
game-3: st-johns-red-storm vs northern-iowa-panthers
game-4: kansas-jayhawks vs california-baptist-lancers
game-5: louisville-cardinals vs south-florida-bulls
game-6: michigan-state-spartans vs north-dakota-state-bison
game-7: ucla-bruins vs ucf-knights
game-8: uconn-huskies vs furman-paladins
game-9: arizona-wildcats vs long-island-university-sharks
game-10: villanova-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies
game-11: wisconsin-badgers vs high-point-panthers
game-12: arkansas-razorbacks vs hawaii-rainbow-warriors
game-13: byu-cougars vs texas-longhorns
game-14: gonzaga-bulldogs vs kennesaw-state-owls
game-15: miami-hurricanes vs missouri-tigers
game-16: purdue-boilermakers vs queens-nc-royals
game-17: florida-gators vs prairie-view-am-panthers
game-18: clemson-tigers vs iowa-hawkeyes
game-19: vanderbilt-commodores vs mcneese-cowboys
game-20: nebraska-cornhuskers vs troy-trojans
game-21: north-carolina-tar-heels vs vcu-rams
game-22: illinois-fighting-illini vs pennsylvania-quakers
game-23: saint-marys-gaels vs texas-am-aggies
game-24: houston-cougars vs idaho-vandals
game-25: michigan-wolverines vs umbc-retrievers
game-26: georgia-bulldogs vs saint-louis-billikens
game-27: texas-tech-red-raiders vs akron-zips
game-28: alabama-crimson-tide vs hofstra-pride
game-29: tennessee-volunteers vs smu-mustangs
game-30: virginia-cavaliers vs wright-state-raiders
game-31: kentucky-wildcats vs santa-clara-broncos
game-32: iowa-state-cyclones vs tennessee-state-tigers
## Tools Available
- **web_search**: Search the web for team stats, rankings, or matchup analysis.
- **web_fetch**: Fetch a web page for detailed scouting reports or bracket previews.
- **use_browser**: Browse JS-heavy pages. Slower — use only when web_fetch fails.
- **lookup_team**: Find a team by name to get their slug, seed, and region.
- **calculator**: Evaluate math expressions.
- **submit_round**: Submit your picks for this round. Each pick is {"gameId": "...", "winnerId": "team-slug"}.
## Your Process
1. Research teams using web_search and web_fetch — look for rankings, injuries, upsets, matchup advantages.
2. Pick winners for all 32 games in this round.
3. Include upsets where your research supports them (this is March Madness!).
4. Call submit_round with your picks array.
Do not end with a prose bracket summary. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
Today's date: 2026-03-18
assistantMessage 2
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me analyze this March Madness bracket for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I need to make picks for all 32 games in the Round of 64. Let me research key matchups to find an edge over chalk brackets.
I'll need to search for information about teams, injuries, and matchups. Let me start by looking up some key information about the tournament and teams.
Provider Metadata
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"signature": "eb13ade89cb185b35010075d7f89fa61bdb46e0a3e5795754b764925b067c630"
}
}I'll research the key matchups to find an edge and make smart upset picks. Let me start by gathering information on the tournament and teams.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "March Madness 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket predictions upsets"
}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 ...",
"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.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.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.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": "March Madness Brackets: Expert Predictions for First-Round Upsets in the 2026 NCAA Men's Tournament. Upset picks can be hard to spot in the ..."
},
{
"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": "West region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, ...",
"snippet": "2026 March Madness bracket odds: Best, worst tournament teams ... March Madness 2026: Everything you need to know for NCAA men's tournament."
}
]
}assistantMessage 3
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Good, I found some relevant articles. Let me fetch more details on the potential upsets and expert picks.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "67c8717a4b19bbdc3bb2472f3db4e11593ce2a396f53eb87705ba7895bd04f65"
}
}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"
}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"
}assistantMessage 4
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
The content didn't load properly. Let me try to get more specific information about individual teams and matchups. Let me search for some key games.
Provider Metadata
{
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}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Ohio State vs TCU 2026 March Madness preview analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jay-bilas-predicts-ohio-state-161640038.html",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts Ohio State will lose in March Madness first round",
"snippet": "In his predictions for every single March Madness tournament game, Bilas picked TCU to beat Ohio State in the Round of 64 matchup on March 19."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXw7yqQua0g",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Preview: Is TCU A Good Matchup For Ohio State?",
"snippet": "The Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team will tip off the 2026 NCAA Tournament Thursday afternoon against the TCU Horned Frogs."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/ohio-state-vs-tcu-prediction-preview-ncaa-tournament-first-round",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament First ...",
"snippet": "Ohio State is 1-9 when scoring 70 points or fewer. The Buckeyes will get over the 70 mark on the free throw line. Prediction: Ohio State 73, TCU ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/03/ohio-state-got-the-opportunity-it-longed-for-are-the-buckeyes-now-built-for-march-madness-upsets.html",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU NCAA Tournament: What to know about matchup",
"snippet": "Ohio State basketball has a chance to make noise in the NCAA Tournament, starting against TCU before a potential matchup with Duke."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o5Vm7vNRL4",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU Betting Preview | Best Bets & March Madness Picks",
"snippet": "VSiN's \"Beating the Book Podcast\" w/ Gill Alexander | March 18, 2026 Previewing Ohio State vs TCU in the NCAA Tournament from a betting ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 5
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Interesting! Jay Bilas picked TCU to beat Ohio State. This could be an upset to consider. Let me get more information about this game and other key matchups.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "16db4bf0ebbc421639d67dd03d640ffa368aa1d2752f681eeebb0f01a71a0ed6"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "St John's vs Northern Iowa 2026 March Madness upset pick"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-st-john-basketball-upset-021638293.html",
"title": "Why St. John's basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "St. John's basketball is fueling energy on campus ahead of March Madness. But Northern Iowa is no slouch for these reasons."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/st-johns-northern-iowa-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420748007/",
"title": "St. John's vs Northern Iowa picks for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "John's has an 85% chance to beat Northern Iowa. The site gives the Panthers a 15% shot at defeating the Red Storm in the NCAA Tournament March ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/st-johns-northern-iowa-march-madness-bracket-pick/e6626f3923f61b9d369cb08e",
"title": "St. John's or Northern Iowa? How to pick 5 vs 12 matchup in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 5 St. John's vs. No. 12 Northern Iowa in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMV9y2zvvRo",
"title": "THE MOST ACCURATE MARCH MADNESS UPSET PICKS OF 2026",
"snippet": "So I have seen a lot of people pick St.John's to make it far why do you think they will lose first round I just don't want them to go crazy ..."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/they-got-hosed-st-johns-red-storm-fans-furious-over-5-seed-ranking-in-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "'They Got Hosed': St. John's Red Storm Fans Furious Over 5 Seed ...",
"snippet": "'They Got Hosed': St. John's Red Storm Fans Furious Over 5 Seed Ranking in NCAA Tournament. Mar 16, 2026 10:55 AM EDT."
}
]
}assistantMessage 6
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Interesting! There's talk about St. John's being on upset alert against Northern Iowa. Let me check a few more key matchups to gather more information.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "f54b9a3d3f8d3136c0db5b3467467363812bc3a4c52ea50e9203cc4c92b4c00c"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kansas vs California Baptist 2026 March Madness preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Kansas vs. California Baptist Basketball Preview and Prediction",
"snippet": "Kansas opens the NCAA Tournament against California Baptist. Preview, key storylines, Darryn Peterson impact, prediction and betting odds."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/march-madness-2026-bracket-ncaa-tournament-picks-predictions-by-longtime-college-basketball-model/",
"title": "March Madness 2026 bracket: NCAA Tournament picks, predictions ...",
"snippet": "13 seed Cal Baptist, which won the WAC to earn its first ever NCAA Tournament bid. ... Kansas as you fill out your 2026 March Madness bracket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/jayhawks-ncaa-tournament-predictions",
"title": "How Far Will Kansas Go in March Madness? Experts Reveal Bold ...",
"snippet": "Bill Self's NCAA Tournament Resume Entering 22nd March Madness With Kansas ... Kansas vs Cal Baptist Spread: Opening Betting Lines for Round of 64."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQzjT1cDanw",
"title": "Kansas vs. Cal Baptist NCAA Tournament Game Preview ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Vanderbilt vs. McNeese NCAA Tournament Game Preview And Predictions! Sleepers Media · 1 view ; MattBeGreat's Official March Madness Bracket."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/kansas-california-baptist-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420920007/",
"title": "Kansas vs California Baptist picks for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "Who will win the March Madness game and advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament bracket? Check out these March Madness picks and ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 7
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me get more details on the Kansas vs Cal Baptist game and also check on some other key matchups.
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}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/)\n\n## Heartland College Sports – An Independent Big 12 Today Blog \\| College Football News \\| Big 12 Today\n\n\n\n[Share](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/# \"Share on Facebook\") [Tweet](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/# \"Tweet This Post\") [Share](whatsapp://send?text=Kansas%20vs.%20California%20Baptist%20Basketball%20Preview%20and%20Prediction%20https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/) [Share](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/# \"Pin This Post\") [Forum](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/members-forum/) [Email](mailto:?subject=Kansas%20vs.%20California%20Baptist%20Basketball%20Preview%20and%20Prediction&BODY=I%20found%20this%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20of%20sharing%20it%20with%20you.%20Check%20it%20out:%20https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2026/03/18/kansas-vs-california-baptist-preview-prediction-odds-ncaa-tournament/)\n\nThe NCAA Tournament is finally here and the first wave of games takes place on Thursday, March 19th. [No. 4 Kansas](https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/category/kansas-jayhawks/) takes the court on Friday evening against No. 13 California Baptist in an opening round matchup. The Jayhawks have an incredibly consistent track record of success in the NCAA Tournament and are hoping to add another impressive run to the list. Here’s a preview, prediction, key storylines, and updated odds to keep an eye on in this matchup as we get set for tonight’s game.\n\n## Kansas vs. California Baptist Basketball Updated Odds\n\nThe Jayhawks opened as a 9.5-point favorite over California Baptist, with an over/under of 134.5 total points. By Wednesday afternoon, the line moved to Kansas -15.5, and the over/under jumped to 139.5 total points.\n\n## Key Storyline: How Ready is Darryn Peterson?\n\nThere’s no question that Darryn Peterson is one of the most talented players in the country, but his readiness for the NCAA Tournament comes with a bit of nuance. After dealing with multiple injuries that sidelined him for stretches of the season, Peterson has worked his way back into a significant role for Kansas, logging consistent minutes down the stretch and showing flashes of the elite shot-making ability that makes him so dangerous. He has played more than 25 minutes in every game since February 18th, and he’s been highly productive, averaging 19.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. That said, the concern doesn’t completely go away. The injury history is still fresh, and with the intensity and quick turnaround of March Madness, durability becomes a real factor.\n\n## Match Up to Watch: Who Wins the Rebound Battle?\n\nUsually when discussing matchup breakdowns we look at the offensive and defensive ranks. This time, we head straight to the rebounding category as both teams fall into the elite category. California Baptist leads the WAC in rebounds this season by a large margin, recording 39.9RPG. The next closet team in the league is UT Arlington at 37.1. Kansas is a great rebounding team as well, as the Jayhawks are second in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 38.8 per game. Whoever wins this one will likely win the rebound battle and give themselves multiple opportunities to score on the offensive end of the court.\n\n## Prediction: Kansas 76, California Baptist 64\n\nThe 4 vs. 13 matchups can s"
}assistantMessage 8
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Good information. Kansas is favored but let me check a few more matchups, particularly ones where upsets might be possible.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Villanova vs Utah State March Madness 2026 preview upset"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-analyzing-villanova-path-210359751.html",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: Analyzing Villanova's path to a No. 8 seed",
"snippet": "Villanova will now take on Utah State in the West Region. ... March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u55bl4mBB5c",
"title": "Villanova vs. Utah State NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the Villanova vs. Utah State NCAA Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/episode/utah-state-vs-villanova-ncaa-tournament-preview-march-17-2026-408000/",
"title": "Utah State vs Villanova NCAA Tournament Preview - March 17, 2026",
"snippet": "Utah State vs Villanova NCAA Tournament Preview - March 17, 2026 · Aggies win MW Tournament, draws Villanova in NCAA Tourney - March 16, 2026 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtSG66ioHGs",
"title": "Villanova vs. Utah State: NCAA Tournament First Round ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Villanova vs. Utah State: NCAA Tournament First Round Preview & Predictions The drought is over! For the first time in four years, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/utah-state-vs-villanova-odds-prediction-2026-ncaa-tournament-picks-from-proven-model/",
"title": "Utah State vs. Villanova odds, prediction: 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Utah State is a 1.5-point favorite in the latest Utah State vs. Villanova odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 9
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Interesting! Utah State is a 1.5-point favorite over Villanova. This is a potential upset where the 9-seed could beat the 8-seed. Let me check a few more games.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wisconsin vs High Point March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/will-wisconsin-get-upset-in-march-madness/89194779007/",
"title": "Is Wisconsin a trendy March Madness upset pick vs High Point?",
"snippet": "Wisconsin heads into the NCAA Tournament on March 19 facing a high-scoring High Point team that's looking like a trendy upset pick."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-wisconsin-high-point-march-madness",
"title": "#5 Wisconsin vs. #12 High Point Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch ...",
"snippet": "The Verdict: Wisconsin wins, though High Point's relentless scoring makes for a tense finish. Final Score Prediction: Wisconsin 87, High Point ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wisconsin-vs-high-point-prediction-064057030.html",
"title": "Wisconsin vs High Point Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "If you're hooked on tons of points, high energy, and plenty of offense, Wisconsin and High Point will give you your fix."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/15/high-point-wisconsin-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-bracket-betting/88440514007/",
"title": "High Point vs Wisconsin odds for March Madness NCAA ...",
"snippet": "According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Wisconsin Badgers are a 10.5-point favorite over the High Point Panthers in the first round of the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mVG_nMNraw",
"title": "Wisconsin vs. High Point NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "High Point has scored 129, 127, and 123 against D3 schools. Are they using those stats as part their metrics? Wisconsin has scored 90+ more ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 10
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
This is interesting - High Point is described as a "trendy upset pick" against Wisconsin. Let me gather more information on a few more key games.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arkansas vs Hawaii March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNiw205eC8I",
"title": "Arkansas vs. Hawaii PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Arkansas vs. Hawaii in the 2026 NCAA Tournament ... Arkansas brings hot offense into March Madness | Hog Central ..."
},
{
"url": "https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/arkansas-to-face-hawaii-in-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Arkansas to Face Hawai'i in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Arkansas to Face Hawai'i in 2026 NCAA Tournament. March 15, 2026. Arkansas NCAA Postseason History 2026 March Madness Website 2026 NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/arkansas-vs-hawaii-prediction-preview-ncaa-tournament-first-round",
"title": "Arkansas vs Hawaii Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament First ...",
"snippet": "Arkansas is fast, Hawaii is big, and the two should combine for an interesting matchup. Here's the CFN NCAA Tournament first round prediction ..."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/arkansas/article/arkansas-basketball-hawaii-scouting-report-preview-ncaa-tournament-277959908/",
"title": "Scouting Hawaii ahead of NCAA Tournament matchup with Arkansas",
"snippet": "Tip-off time is set for 3:25 p.m. (CDT), and TBS will have television coverage of the game. Hawaii enters its first NCAA Tournament in a decade ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/arkansas-hawaii-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88419899007/",
"title": "Arkansas vs Hawaii picks, predictions, odds for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "March Madness picks, predictions, odds for Hawaii vs Arkansas NCAA Tournament first-round West Region game on Thursday, March 19, 2026."
}
]
}assistantMessage 11
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more key games, especially some potential upsets.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Gonzaga vs Kennesaw State March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/gonzaga/basketball/5-things-to-know-about-kennesaw-state-ahead-gonzaga-ncaa-tournament-first-round-matchup",
"title": "5 things to know about Kennesaw State ahead of Gonzaga's NCAA ...",
"snippet": "1. Second ever NCAA Tournament appearance · 2. Prepare for a lot of fouls · 3. Lost leading scorer · 4. Frenetic pace · 5. Strong on the offensive ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQS6qt1Zeg",
"title": "Gonzaga vs. Kennesaw State Preview, and NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Gonzaga vs. Kennesaw State Preview, and NCAA Tournament Preview · 2026 March Madness ROUND 1 Preview & Predictions! Best games to watch; Teams on ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/gonzaga-kennesaw-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420060007/",
"title": "Gonzaga vs Kennesaw State picks, predictions for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "No. 3 seed Gonzaga and No. 14 seed Kennesaw State play Thursday, March 19, in a March Madness NCAA Tournament first-round game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y02FGYh4fiU",
"title": "Gonzaga vs Kennesaw St l March Madness NCAAB ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Gonzaga vs Kennesaw St l March Madness NCAAB Picks l Thursday 3/20/26 | Craig Trapp & Indian Cowboy NCAA Tournament Time and the March ..."
},
{
"url": "https://deadspin.com/gonzaga-looks-to-extend-ncaa-tournament-opener-streak-vs-kennesaw-state/",
"title": "Gonzaga looks to extend NCAA Tournament opener streak vs ...",
"snippet": "Tue Mar 17 2026. Best 12 vs 5 NCAA Tournament Upset Picks for 2026 March Madness."
}
]
}assistantMessage 12
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check on a few more games to make my selections. Let me check some other potential upset matchups.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Purdue vs Queens March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSjrLtepvGk",
"title": "Purdue Boilermakers vs Queens Royals Preview - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Purdue Boilermakers head into March Madness after a Big Ten Tournament win. Purdue takes on Queens of North Carolina, and Kraig Bowers ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/early-preview-queens-not-queens-210936422.html",
"title": "Early Preview: Queens, not that Queens - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "2026 March Madness bracket: NCAA tournament announced with Duke as No. 1 overall seed. The Blue Devils rode a win in the ACC championship ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.jconline.com/story/sports/college/purdue/basketball/2026/03/15/queens-purdue-basketball-march-madness-ncaa/89170428007/",
"title": "What to know about Queens, Purdue's first-round NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "March 15, 2026, 9:07 p.m. ET. Purdue basketball has won seven NCAA Tournament games over the past two March Madness runs. The Boilermakers' quest for an ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfNtnHhSIb0",
"title": "Purdue vs. Queens NCAA Tournament Game Preview ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview Purdue's NCAA tournament game against Queens! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew!"
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/purdue/basketball/predicting-purdue-path-2026-final-four-indianapolis-college-basketball",
"title": "Predicting Purdue's Path to the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis",
"snippet": "Purdue's Updated March Madness ... Related Articles. Women's March Madness 2026: Game Times, TV Channels and Full NCAA Tournament Schedule ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 13
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check on some more games that could have upsets, especially in the South and Midwest regions.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Clemson vs Iowa March Madness 2026 preview upset pick"
}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": "Here's what the experts are thinking for Clemson basketball's March Madness matchup against Iowa ... 2026 March Madness bracket: NCAA tournament ..."
},
{
"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's what you need to know about this matchup. MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Printable bracket. Clemson vs. Iowa odds."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Ks4POvmUk",
"title": "March Madness Upsets, Bracket Picks & Final Four Predictions",
"snippet": "Ryan Hammer joins Yahoo Sports live to break down the 2026 March Madness bracket. From upset picks and sleepers to Final Four favorites, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/hawkeyes/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/iowa-basketball-ncaa-tournament-bracket-predictions-picks-clemson-cbs/89191244007/",
"title": "CBS split on Iowa basketball vs. Clemson NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "CBS Sports looked at a handful of NCAA Tournament brackets and the picks remain split on the Iowa Hawkeyes versus the Clemson Tigers."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theclemsoninsider.com/2026/03/16/national-outlets-predict-clemson-vs-iowa-matchup/",
"title": "National Outlets Predict Clemson vs. Iowa Matchup",
"snippet": "Before the Big Dance begins, ESPN predicted every game in the March Madness bracket. ESPN's Jeff Borzello predicted Clemson to beat Iowa, 64-62, ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 14
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more key games, especially looking at some potential upset picks.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Vanderbilt vs McNeese March Madness 2026 upset pick"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2026/03/17/vanderbilt-basketball-jay-bilas-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-tournament/89196569007/",
"title": "How far ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts Vanderbilt basketball in ...",
"snippet": "Bilas predicted every March Madness game and has picked Vanderbilt (26-8), a No. 5 seed in the South Region, to win first- and second-round ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-basketball/jay-bilas-picks-winner-for-vanderbilt-mcneese-state-first-round-ncaa-tournament-game/",
"title": "Jay Bilas picks winner for Vanderbilt-McNeese State first- ...",
"snippet": "Jay Bilas has made his pick for every NCAA Tournament game. That includes Vanderbilt's first NCAA appearance since 2017, as the fifth-seeded ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-vanderbilt-mcneese-march-madness",
"title": "#5 Vanderbilt vs. #12 McNeese Prediction, Odds, & How to ...",
"snippet": "Who is the favorite in Vanderbilt vs. McNeese? Vanderbilt is currently an 11.5-point favorite. Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament?"
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/vanderbilt-mcneese-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419840007/",
"title": "Vanderbilt vs McNeese State picks, odds for March Madness",
"snippet": "The site gives the Cowboys an 18.8% shot at defeating the Commodores in the NCAA Tournament March Madness first-round game. Bookies.com: Bet ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121264/2026/03/16/march-madness-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-10-most-likely/",
"title": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for ...",
"snippet": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for March Madness 2026 ; No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores vs. No. 12 McNeese Cowboys · 41.2 percent ; No ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 15
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Interesting - Vanderbilt vs McNeese is listed as one of the top upset picks. Let me check a few more games.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Nebraska vs Troy March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/nebraska-troy-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419658007/",
"title": "Nebraska vs Troy picks, predictions, odds for NCAA March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The site gives the Trojans a 7.3% shot at defeating the Cornhuskers in the NCAA Tournament March Madness first-round game. Join the madness: USA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8oDUzTpZ3o",
"title": "Nebraska vs. Troy NCAA Tournament Game Preview And Predictions!",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the Nebraska vs. Troy NCAA Tournament game! This ... *PERFECT* FULL March Madness 2026 Tournament Bracket Predictions!"
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/basketball/predicting-nebrasketball-s-full-ncaa-tournament-path-is-a-final-four-run-possible-2026",
"title": "Predicting Nebrasketball's Full NCAA Tournament Path: Is a Final ...",
"snippet": "Here's a prediction for every round that Nebrasketball may reach in latest March Madness. Next: NCAA Tournament Central. First ..."
},
{
"url": "https://huskercorner.com/nebraska-basketball-march-madness-base-seed-potential-opponents-schedules-final-four-path",
"title": "Nebraska March Madness base: Seed, potential opponents ...",
"snippet": "The Huskers will take their 26-6 record into the NCAA Tournament knowing a single win will set two school records. First of all, NU will finally ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-nebraska-troy-march-madness",
"title": "#4 Nebraska vs. #13 Troy Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March ...",
"snippet": "Nebraska is a 13.5-point favorite with a moneyline of -1200. Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 16
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check some more games, especially looking at other potential upset matchups.
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}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "North Carolina vs VCU March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.tarheelblog.com/unc-basketball/53299/march-madness-2026-opening-odds-unc-basketball-vcu",
"title": "March Madness 2026: UNC slight favorites over VCU - Tar Heel Blog",
"snippet": "It Only Takes One · Three things to watch in UNC's NCAA Tournament game against VCU · March Madness 2026: UNC slight favorites over VCU · UNC's ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-2026-unc-slight-140000293.html",
"title": "March Madness 2026: UNC slight favorites over VCU - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 odds, picks: Bracket picks, opening betting lines, expert predictions for first-round NCAA tournament games. Here are the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvc9bvaEzT0",
"title": "North Carolina vs. VCU NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the North Carolina vs. VCU NCAA Tournament ... These Teams Could DESTROY Your March Madness Bracket | 2026 NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/north-carolina-vcu-march-madness-bracket-pick/9d36690beed5cb47fb1a29b7",
"title": "North Carolina or VCU? How to pick 6 vs. 11 matchup in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 6 North Carolina and No. 11 VCU in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and our ..."
},
{
"url": "https://keepingitheel.com/unc-vs-vcu-hub-everything-you-need-for-round-1-including-tip-time-fans-will-love",
"title": "UNC vs. VCU hub: Everything you need for Round 1, including tip ...",
"snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is available, and now we know who will be North Carolina's first challenge on their March Madness quest."
}
]
}assistantMessage 17
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more games to get a better picture, especially around potential upsets.
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{
"query": "Illinois vs Penn March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/3/17/mens-basketball-ncaa-tournament-first-round-preview-3-illinois-vs-14-penn.aspx",
"title": "NCAA Tournament First Round Preview | 3 Illinois vs. 14 Penn",
"snippet": "14 Penn (18-11, 9-5 Ivy) // 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round. Tournament Central, NCAA March Madness Live | Illinois NCAA Tournament Central."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZdtEfTE9fM",
"title": "Illinois vs. Penn NCAA Tournament Game Preview And Predictions!",
"snippet": "Mike LaTulip's 2026 NCAA Tournament preview | Illini ... Complete March Madness Bracket Breakdown | The Hoops HQ Show with Seth Davis and Andy ..."
},
{
"url": "https://herosports.com/cbb-2026-ncaa-tournament-illinois-penn-prediction-odds-tv-mnmn/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 14 Penn Prediction, Odds ...",
"snippet": "Penn, with a dramatic run to the Ivy League tournament title, takes on recent NCAA tournament veteran Illinois in an opening round game."
},
{
"url": "https://nationaltoday.com/us/sc/greenville/news/2026/03/17/espn-predicts-illinois-to-dominate-penn-in-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "ESPN Predicts Illinois to Dominate Penn in NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "ESPN Predicts Illinois to Dominate Penn in NCAA Tournament. The No. 3 seed Illini are heavily favored over the 14th-seeded Quakers, but March ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/illinois-penn-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88419993007/",
"title": "Illinois vs Penn picks, predictions, odds for NCAA March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The site gives the Quakers a 2.7% shot at defeating the Fighting Illini in the NCAA Tournament March Madness first-round game. Join the madness: ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 18
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more key games, especially in the Midwest region.
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{
"query": "Alabama vs Hofstra March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/crimson-tide/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/march-madness-alabama-basketball-hofstra-pride-preview/89183647007/",
"title": "What to know about Hofstra entering NCAA Tournament first ...",
"snippet": "Alabama will face the Hofstra Pride in the first round of March Madness. Here is everything you need to know about the Pride."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-bbiIeQ0v0",
"title": "Alabama vs. Hofstra PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Alabama vs. Hofstra in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round game in the Midwest Region and share ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/alabama-hofstra-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420621007/",
"title": "Alabama vs Hofstra picks, predictions, odds for March ...",
"snippet": "Alabama is an 11.5-point favorite over Hofstra in the game in March Madness odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. The Crimson Tide are -750 on the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84g_3RHqeK0",
"title": "Alabama vs. Hofstra NCAA Tournament Game Preview ...",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the Alabama vs. Hofstra NCAA Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew!"
},
{
"url": "https://nypost.com/2026/03/15/sports/hofstra-unfazed-by-drawing-alabama-in-2026-march-madness/",
"title": "Hofstra unfazed by drawing Alabama in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "No. 13 Hofstra is gearing up to take on a water wall in No. 4 Alabama for what will be the Pride's first NCAA Tournament appearance in a quarter ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 19
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more games, especially looking at other potential upset games.
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{
"query": "Tennessee vs SMU March Madness 2026 preview upset"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/mens-basketball/2026/03/17/tennessee-basketball-jay-bilas-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-tournament/89193895007/",
"title": "ESPN's Jay Bilas prediction for Tennessee in March Madness may ...",
"snippet": "... Tennessee basketball can make another run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Bilas predicted every March Madness game and had the No. 6 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-bracket-predictions-model-reveals-surprising-march-madness-2026-tournament-picks-to-make/",
"title": "NCAA bracket predictions: Model reveals surprising March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is set and millions of people are feverishly entering March Madness picks 2026."
},
{
"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://allfortennessee.com/tennessee-s-2026-ncaa-tournament-draw-is-an-absolute-nightmare-01kkssq1ds49",
"title": "Tennessee's 2026 NCAA Tournament draw is an absolute nightmare",
"snippet": "Tennessee's projected NCAA Tournament bracket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/mens-basketball/2026/03/15/tennessee-miami-ohio-smu-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket/89086399007/",
"title": "Tennessee vs Miami (Ohio), SMU prediction, pick in March Madness ...",
"snippet": "It's Tennessee Volunteers vs the winner of Miami (Ohio) and SMU in March Madness. Here's our prediction for the 2026 NCAA tournament ..."
}
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}assistantMessage 20
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Let me also check some of the play-in game matchups.
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{
"query": "BYU vs Texas Longhorns NC State March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
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"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/texas-nc-state-odds-prediction-spread-line-time-2026-first-four-picks/",
"title": "Texas vs. NC State odds, prediction, time: 2026 First Four picks from ...",
"snippet": "The Texas Longhorns battle the North Carolina State Wolfpack in ... March Madness 2026 bracket picks, NCAA Tournament predictions. Blake ..."
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{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/byu-vs-texas-prediction-preview-ncaa-tournament-first-round",
"title": "BYU vs Texas Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament First Round",
"snippet": "Streaming: March Madness Live App, Paramount+, HBO Max Teams: (6) BYU 23-11, (11) Texas 18-14. BYU Rankings: KenPom 23 | NET 23. Texas ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/byu/basketball/kenpom-predicts-byu-vs-texas-in-the-first-round-of-the-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "KenPom Predicts BYU vs Texas in the First Round of the NCAA ...",
"snippet": "KenPom Predicts BYU vs Texas in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars and the Longhorns will square off in the NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL2l9gfQeJU",
"title": "BYU vs Texas Preview | March Madness First Round ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "BYU and Texas meet in the NCAA Tournament in a high-level March Madness first round matchup. In this video, we break down BYU vs Texas, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/byu-draws-6-seed-face-221804755.html",
"title": "BYU draws 6 seed, will face Texas or NC State in the NCAA ...",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026: South region bracket predictions, Cinderella ... March Madness bracket odds, betting: Best, worst NCAA tournament teams ..."
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}assistantMessage 21
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Now I have some good information. Let me also check the Kentucky vs Santa Clara game.
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{
"query": "Kentucky vs Santa Clara March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
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"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/one-key-advantage-kentucky-friday-101100448.html",
"title": "One key advantage Kentucky will have on Friday against ...",
"snippet": "One key advantage Kentucky will have on Friday against Santa Clara."
},
{
"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 ...",
"snippet": "In the Round of 64, Bilas has No. 7 Kentucky defeating No. 10 Santa Clara. However, he noted the Wildcats' injuries and inconsistency could make ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2026/03/15/kentucky-santa-clara-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket-uk-basketball-first-round-game-pick-odds/88780010007/",
"title": "Kentucky vs Santa Clara prediction, pick, odds for March ...",
"snippet": "Kentucky vs Santa Clara prediction: March Madness first round. Kentucky 76, Santa Clara 72: The Broncos went 2-6 against Quad 1 competition this ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/kentucky-santa-clara-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420304007/",
"title": "Kentucky vs Santa Clara picks, predictions, odds for March ...",
"snippet": "ESPN: Kentucky has a 72.2% chance to beat Santa Clara. The site gives the Broncos a 27.8% shot at defeating the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "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",
"title": "Kentucky's NCAA Tournament matchup with 10-Seed ...",
"snippet": "Kentucky's NCAA Tournament matchup with 10-Seed Santa Clara will be much tougher than most imagine."
}
]
}assistantMessage 22
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Now let me look up a few more games to finalize my bracket. Let me check the Virginia vs Wright State game.
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"query": "Virginia vs Wright State March Madness 2026 preview"
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"results": [
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"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/virginia-basketballs-march-madness-opponent-223620011.html",
"title": "Virginia basketball's March Madness opponent is Wright State",
"snippet": "Virginia will open the NCAA Tournament as the No. 3 seed, playing No. 14 Wright State in the Midwest Region, playing its first round game in ..."
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{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/virginia-wright-state-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420562007/",
"title": "Virginia vs Wright State picks, predictions, odds for March Madness",
"snippet": "ESPN: Virginia has a 93% chance to beat Wright State. The site gives the Raiders a 7% shot at defeating the Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sling.com/whatson/sports/college-basketball/how-to-watch-virginia-wright-state-march-madness",
"title": "#3 Virginia vs. #14 Wright State Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch ...",
"snippet": "The No. 3 seed Virginia Cavaliers (29–5) enter the tournament as the ACC Tournament runner-up, making their 27th overall appearance in March ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ZBCEq30aQ",
"title": "Virginia vs Wright State Preview | March Madness First ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Virginia and Wright State meet in the NCAA Tournament in a classic March Madness first round matchup. In this video, we break down Virginia ..."
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{
"url": "https://vsin.com/college-basketball/virginia-vs-wright-state-prediction-ncaa-tournament-midwest-region-no-3-vs-no-14-march-madness-preview/",
"title": "March Madness Picks: Virginia vs. Wright State Prediction - VSiN",
"snippet": "14 March Madness Preview. A preview and prediction for Virginia vs. Wright State in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
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}assistantMessage 23
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Now I have gathered a lot of information. Let me compile what I've learned and make my picks for the Round of 64. Based on my research:
Key potential upsets to consider:
1. TCU over Ohio State (8 vs 9) - Jay Bilas picked TCU
2. Utah State over Villanova (8 vs 9) - Utah State is favored
3. Northern Iowa over St. John's (5 vs 12) - There's "upset alert" talk
4. High Point over Wisconsin (5 vs 12) - "Trendy upset pick"
5. McNeese over Vanderbilt (5 vs 12) - 41.2% upset chance according to model
Let me now make my picks based on all this research. I'll make some strategic upset picks while taking the chalk where it makes sense.
Let me start making the picks:
EAST:
- game-1: duke vs siena - Duke (chalk)
- game-2: ohio-state vs tcu - TCU (upset pick based on Bilas)
- game-3: st-johns vs northern-iowa - Northern Iowa (upset alert)
- game-4: kansas vs california-baptist - Kansas (chalk but close)
- game-5: louisville vs south-florida - Louisville (chalk)
- game-6: michigan-state vs north-dakota-state - Michigan State (chalk)
- game-7: ucla vs ucf - UCLA (chalk)
- game-8: uconn vs furman - UConn (chalk)
WEST:
- game-9: arizona vs long-island-university - Arizona (chalk)
- game-10: villanova vs utah-state - Utah State (upset - favored)
- game-11: wisconsin vs high-point - High Point (trendy upset)
- game-12: arkansas vs hawaii - Arkansas (chalk)
- game-13: byu vs texas-longhorns/nc-state - BYU faces Texas after their First Four matchup
- game-14: gonzaga vs kennesaw-state - Gonzaga (chalk)
- game-15: miami-hurricanes vs missouri-tigers - Miami (chalk)
- game-16: purdue vs queens-nc-royals - Purdue (chalk)
SOUTH:
- game-17: florida-gators vs prairie-view-am-panthers/lehigh - Florida (chalk)
- game-18: clemson vs iowa - This matchup requires more analysis to determine the likely winner between two competitive teams
. Clemson's defensive capabilities could pose problems for Iowa's offense, making them a slight favorite.
- game-19: vanderbilt vs mcneese-cowboys - McNeese (significant upset potential at 41.2%)
- game-20: nebraska vs troy - Nebraska (chalk)
- game-21: north-carolina vs vcu - North Carolina (chalk)
- game-22: illinois vs pennsylvania - Illinois (chalk)
- game-23: saint-marys vs texas-am - Saint Mary's (chalk)
- game-24: houston-cougars vs idaho-vandals - Houston (chalk)
MIDWEST:
- game-25: michigan-wolverines vs umbc-retrievers/howard - Michigan (chalk)
- game-26: georgia-bulldogs vs saint-louis-billikens - Georgia (chalk)
- game-27: texas-tech vs akron-zips - Texas Tech (chalk)
- game-28: alabama vs hofstra - Alabama (chalk)
- game-29: tennessee vs smu-mustangs/miami-oh-redhawks - Tennessee (chalk)
- game-30: virginia vs wright-state - Virginia (chalk)
- game-31: kentucky vs santa-clara - Kentucky (chalk, but close)
- game-32: iowa-state-cyclones vs tennessee-state-tigers - Iowa State (chalk)
I'll prepare the submission with these game predictions.
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{
"query": "Georgia vs Saint Louis March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
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"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P4rqRSSPas",
"title": "Georgia vs. Saint Louis PREDICTION | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Georgia vs. Saint Louis in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round game in the Midwest Region and share ..."
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{
"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.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/georgia-saint-louis-march-madness-bracket-pick/36571d8fbfb480a076a41cea",
"title": "Georgia or Saint Louis? How to pick 8 vs. 9 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "The Bulldogs open as the favorite against the Billikens in the first round, according to DraftKings. Georgia is making its second-straight NCAA ..."
},
{
"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://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2026/03/15/georgia-saint-louis-march-madness-bracket-ncaa-tournament-2026/88996788007/",
"title": "Georgia March Madness opponent is Saint Louis in 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Saint Louis enters the tournament 28-5. The 22-10 Bulldogs are making back-to-back trips to the tournament for the first time since 2001-02. ..."
}
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}assistantMessage 24
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Good information - this is essentially a toss-up (50.9% vs 49.1%). Jay Bilas picks Georgia. I'll go with Georgia since they're the 8-seed.
Now I have all the information I need. Let me compile my final bracket picks for the Round of 64.
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{
"query": "Texas Tech vs Akron March Madness 2026 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/texas-tech/texas-tech-s-biggest-concerns-against-akron-in-march-madness-01kkwy053kh5",
"title": "Texas Tech's Biggest Concerns Against Akron in March Madness",
"snippet": "The Midwest region's No. 5 seed Texas Tech kicks off the NCAA Tournament's round of 64 against No. 12 seed Akron Friday."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/akron-basketball-march-madness-opponent-222413425.html",
"title": "Akron basketball's March Madness opponent is Texas Tech to open ...",
"snippet": "The Akron Zips will meet Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament. It will be UA's eighth March Madness appearance during the program's Division I ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkJf8R-HYI0",
"title": "Texas Tech MBB Game Preview: vs. Akron | Score Prediction & Odds",
"snippet": "The Texas Tech Red Raiders are back in the NCAA Tournament and looking to make noise once again! In today's video, host RC Maxfield previews ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/texas-tech-akron-march-madness-bracket-pick/5db552a7e8e3dfa71f9f1e47",
"title": "Texas Tech or Akron? How to pick 5 vs. 12 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Texas Tech opens as a moderate favorite over Akron, according to DraftKings odds. The Zips are the smallest underdog of the 5-seeds, with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYI9IZ-ceBA",
"title": "Texas Tech vs. Akron NCAA Tournament Game Preview ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the Texas Tech vs. Akron NCAA Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew!"
}
]
}assistantMessage 25
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PMReasoning
Now I have all the information I need to make my final bracket picks. Based on my research, here are my picks for the Round of 64:
EAST:
- game-1: duke vs siena → duke-blue-devils (chalk)
- game-2: ohio-state vs tcu → tcu-horned-frogs (upset - Bilas picked TCU)
- game-3: st-johns vs northern-iowa → northern-iowa-panthers (upset alert)
- game-4: kansas vs california-baptist → kansas-jayhawks (chalk)
- game-5: louisville vs south-florida → louisville-cardinals (chalk)
- game-6: michigan-state vs north-dakota-state → michigan-state-spartans (chalk)
- game-7: ucla vs ucf → ucla-bruins (chalk)
- game-8: uconn vs furman → uconn-huskies (chalk)
WEST:
- game-9: arizona vs long-island-university → arizona-wildcats (chalk)
- game-10: villanova vs utah-state → utah-state-aggies (upset - Utah State favored)
- game-11: wisconsin vs high-point → high-point-panthers (trendy upset)
- game-12: arkansas vs hawaii → arkansas-razorbacks (chalk)
- game-13: byu vs texas-longhorns → byu-cougars (chalk - winner of First Four)
- game-14: gonzaga vs kennesaw-state → gonzaga-bulldogs (chalk)
- game-15: miami-hurricanes vs missouri-tigers → miami-hurricanes (chalk)
- game-16: purdue vs queens-nc-royals → purdue-boilermakers (chalk)
SOUTH:
- game-17: florida vs prairie-view-am-panthers/lehigh → florida-gators (chalk)
- game-18: clemson vs iowa → clemson-tigers (slight favorite)
- game-19: vanderbilt vs mcneese-cowboys → mcneese-cowboys (big upset - 41.2% chance)
- game-20: nebraska vs troy → nebraska-cornhuskers (chalk)
- game-21: north-carolina vs vcu → north-carolina-tar-heels (chalk)
I'll continue compiling my bracket with these regional predictions, focusing on key matchups and potential upsets.
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{
"picks": [
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"gameId": "game-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "game-2",
"winnerId": "tcu-horned-frogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-3",
"winnerId": "northern-iowa-panthers"
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{
"gameId": "game-4",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-5",
"winnerId": "louisville-cardinals"
},
{
"gameId": "game-6",
"winnerId": "michigan-state-spartans"
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{
"gameId": "game-7",
"winnerId": "ucla-bruins"
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{
"gameId": "game-8",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-9",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "game-10",
"winnerId": "utah-state-aggies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-11",
"winnerId": "high-point-panthers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-12",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-13",
"winnerId": "byu-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "game-14",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-15",
"winnerId": "miami-hurricanes"
},
{
"gameId": "game-16",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-17",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "game-18",
"winnerId": "clemson-tigers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-19",
"winnerId": "mcneese-cowboys"
},
{
"gameId": "game-20",
"winnerId": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-21",
"winnerId": "north-carolina-tar-heels"
},
{
"gameId": "game-22",
"winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
},
{
"gameId": "game-23",
"winnerId": "saint-marys-gaels"
},
{
"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": "kentucky-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "game-32",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 26
Mar 18, 2026, 9:41 PM## Round 2 of 6: Round of 32
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → louisville-cardinals
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucla-bruins
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → high-point-panthers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → byu-cougars
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → saint-marys-gaels
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → georgia-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → tennessee-volunteers
Round of 64: game-30 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 64: game-31 → kentucky-wildcats
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
r32-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs tcu-horned-frogs
r32-east-2: northern-iowa-panthers vs kansas-jayhawks
r32-east-3: louisville-cardinals vs michigan-state-spartans
r32-east-4: ucla-bruins vs uconn-huskies
r32-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies
r32-west-2: high-point-panthers vs arkansas-razorbacks
r32-west-3: byu-cougars vs gonzaga-bulldogs
r32-west-4: miami-hurricanes vs purdue-boilermakers
r32-south-1: florida-gators vs clemson-tigers
r32-south-2: mcneese-cowboys vs nebraska-cornhuskers
r32-south-3: north-carolina-tar-heels vs illinois-fighting-illini
r32-south-4: saint-marys-gaels vs houston-cougars
r32-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs georgia-bulldogs
r32-midwest-2: texas-tech-red-raiders vs alabama-crimson-tide
r32-midwest-3: tennessee-volunteers vs virginia-cavaliers
r32-midwest-4: kentucky-wildcats vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 16 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 27
Mar 18, 2026, 9:42 PMReasoning
I need to make picks for the Round of 32 (16 games). Let me analyze each matchup based on what I know about these teams. I'll make reasonable picks based on typical NCAA tournament seeding and team strengths.
Let me go through each matchup:
**East Region:**
1. duke-blue-devils vs tcu-horned-frogs - Duke is typically a top seed, TCU is a lower seed. Pick: duke-blue-devils
2. northern-iowa-panthers vs kansas-jayhawks - Kansas is traditionally much stronger. Pick: kansas-jayhawks
3. louisville-cardinals vs michigan-state-sparans - Both are solid programs, but Michigan State has been more consistent recently. Pick: michigan-state-spartans
4. ucla-bruins vs uconn-huskies - UConn is the defending champion, very strong. Pick: uconn-huskies
**West Region:**
5. arizona-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies - Arizona is typically a high seed. Pick: arizona-wildcats
6. high-point-panthers vs arkansas-razorbacks - Arkansas is traditionally stronger. Pick: arkansas-razorbacks
7. byu-cougars vs gonzaga-bulldogs - Gonzaga is traditionally very strong. Pick: gonzaga-bulldogs
8. miami-hurricanes vs purdue-boilermakers - Purdue has been strong recently. Pick: purdue-boilermakers
**South Region:**
9. florida-gators vs clemson-tigers - Both are solid, but Florida is typically stronger. Pick: florida-gators
10. mcneese-cowboys vs nebraska-cornhuskers - Nebraska might be slightly favored. Pick: nebraska-cornhuskers
11. north-carolina-tar-heels vs illinois-fighting-illini - UNC is traditionally very strong. Pick: north-carolina-tar-heels
12. saint-marys-gaels vs houston-cougars - Houston is typically a higher seed. Pick: houston-cougars
**Midwest Region:**
13. michigan-wolverines vs georgia-bulldogs - Michigan is traditionally stronger. Pick: michigan-wolverines
14. texas-tech-red-raiders vs alabama-crimson-tide - Alabama is typically a high seed. Pick: alabama-crimson-tide
15. tennessee-volunteers vs virginia-cavaliers - Virginia is traditionally strong. Pick: virginia-cavaliers
16. kentucky-wildcats vs iowa-state-cyclones - Kentucky is a blue blood program, so I'll go with kentucky-wildcats.
I'm noticing some potential upsets and closer matchups that could go either way. Michigan State's experience and UConn's championship pedigree make them intriguing choices. The Arizona-Utah State game might be more competitive than expected, and the Florida-Clemson matchup looks particularly close. Some traditional powers like Kansas, UNC, and Houston are likely to advance, but tournament unpredictability always adds excitement.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "931df06b68c09c258b87c4682abb1fe15d42d2758333659e54df36ae712ed493"
}
}Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "r32-east-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-2",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-3",
"winnerId": "michigan-state-spartans"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-east-4",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-1",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-2",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-3",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-west-4",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-1",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-2",
"winnerId": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-3",
"winnerId": "north-carolina-tar-heels"
},
{
"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": "kentucky-wildcats"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 28
Mar 18, 2026, 9:42 PM## Round 3 of 6: Sweet 16
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → louisville-cardinals
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucla-bruins
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → high-point-panthers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → byu-cougars
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → saint-marys-gaels
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → georgia-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → tennessee-volunteers
Round of 64: game-30 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 64: game-31 → kentucky-wildcats
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → kentucky-wildcats
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
s16-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks
s16-east-2: michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies
s16-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks
s16-west-2: gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers
s16-south-1: florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers
s16-south-2: north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars
s16-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide
s16-midwest-2: virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 8 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 29
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
The user wants me to pick winners for the Sweet 16 round. I have 8 matchups to choose from:
1. s16-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks
2. s16-east-2: michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies
3. s16-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks
4. s16-west-2: gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers
5. s16-south-1: florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers
6. s16-south-2: north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars
7. s16-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide
8. s16-midwest-2: virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats
Let me research these matchups to make informed decisions. I'll search for information about each game.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "f6cb096fc84840e3bab45f6953af162f8cf37cba0623e103d04212c6b99a846f"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke vs Kansas Sweet 16 2024 NCAA tournament prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-tournament-bracket-sweet-16-predictions-march-madness-second-chance-picks-upsets-by-proven-model/",
"title": "2024 NCAA Tournament bracket: Sweet 16 predictions, March ...",
"snippet": "The Zags won each of their first two games in the 2024 March Madness bracket by more than 20 points, which included a dominant 89-68 victory ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-03-26/march-madness-predictions-andy-katz-updates-his-2024-di-mens-tournament-sweet-16",
"title": "March Madness predictions: Andy Katz updates his 2024 Sweet 16 ...",
"snippet": "Sweet 16: No. 1 Houston over No. 4 Duke. Reasoning: \"Duke played great in beating James Madison and to get by Vermont. I thought this would ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113431-ncaa-tournament-2024-early-predictions-for-mens-sweet-16-post-selection-sunday",
"title": "NCAA Tournament 2024: Early Predictions for Men's Sweet 16 Post ...",
"snippet": "Predictions for Sweet 16 Match-Ups: Houston vs. Duke; NC State vs. Marquette. The South Region may be the most ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2hcqvjcMrc",
"title": "who wins THE NCAA TOURNEY'S TOUGHEST BRACKET? - YouTube",
"snippet": "East Regional PREVIEW: Duke, UConn, St. John's Kansas- who wins THE NCAA TOURNEY'S TOUGHEST BRACKET? · Comments."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/bleacherreport/posts/mens-ncaa-march-madness-bracket-projections-no-1-duke-vs-no-16-vermont-long-isla/1445814216900418/",
"title": "Men's NCAA March Madness Bracket Projections No. 1 Duke vs. No ...",
"snippet": "Sweet 16 Predictions South #1 Kansas vs #5 Maryland Winner Kansas #2 Villanova vs #3 Miami (FL) Winner Villanova West #1 Oregon vs #4 Duke ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 30
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
The search results are for 2024, but this seems to be a current tournament. Let me search more specifically for the current NCAA tournament matchups.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "7ee626caeb64b64c465b779fdb65c353f7f32904f3c9c164babce33827e9bce4"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan State vs UConn Sweet 16 2024 college basketball prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state-university/2026/03/15/michigan-state-final-four-predictions-march-madness-picks/89101529007/",
"title": "Michigan State basketball March Madness predictions",
"snippet": "Kur Teng and Jordan Scott will provide some timely 3-pointers to help Michigan State knock off UConn in the Sweet 16 before Duke's blend of ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament - ESPN",
"snippet": "John's, take Duke in this one. Winner: Duke. No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Michigan State. Both teams are experienced and worthy of the Elite Eight ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket-simulation-predicts-surprising-upsets-prime-sleepers-march-madness-picks/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket: Simulation predicts surprising ...",
"snippet": "While Michigan is a 2-seed on the women's side, the Wolverines are a No. 1 seed in the men's NCAA Tournament 2026. Michigan has made at least ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2026/03/march-madness-odds-for-michigan-michigan-state-ncaa-tournament-draws-revealed.html",
"title": "March Madness odds for Michigan & Michigan State - MLive.com",
"snippet": "If you want to look in the shorter term, you can bet on Michigan State to reach the Sweet 16 at DraftKings. The Spartans' odds are -130. They'd ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-basketball-predictions-deep-090943676.html",
"title": "Michigan State basketball predictions, how deep in March Madness",
"snippet": "... Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, and even the Final Four in Indianapolis. JEFF SEIDEL: Tom Izzo has made Michigan State basketball numb to success."
}
]
}assistantMessage 31
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
These search results seem to be for future tournaments (2026), not the current one. Let me look at the matchups more carefully. The user has provided the current matchups - I should use the lookup_team function to get more information about these teams, or I should just make my picks based on general knowledge of these teams.
Actually, looking at the current matchups:
1. duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks - Both are blue blood programs, but Duke has been stronger recently
2. michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies - UConn is the defending champion, very strong
3. arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks - Arizona is typically stronger
4. gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers - Purdue has been strong recently, but Gonzaga is always dangerous
5. florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers - Florida is usually stronger
6. north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars - Houston is a strong team, but UNC has tradition
7. michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide - Alabama is very strong offensively
8. virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats - Kentucky has been stronger historically
Let me search for some specific information to make better predictions.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "65190f7cc416882951c8107579b00f15c1e811608477355392a750f9a606225b"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona vs Arkansas Sweet 16 2024 NCAA basketball preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/77267/arizona-wildcats-ncaa-tournament-final-four-projection-analysis-west-region-2026-tommy-lloyd",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: How No. 1 seed Arizona can get to the ...",
"snippet": "No. 4 Arkansas (26-8) and No. 5 Wisconsin (24-10) are the most likely opponents in the Sweet 16, unless either No. 12 High Point (30-4) or No."
},
{
"url": "https://www.al.com/sports/2026/03/alcom-west-regional-preview-will-san-jose-be-hog-heaven.html",
"title": "March Madness West Region Preview",
"snippet": "However, Arizona can match the Aggies firepower with Big 12 Player of the Year, Jaden Bradley. Where Arizona will trip up is in the following ..."
},
{
"url": "https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/uofa-basketball/arizona-tournament/3614740/",
"title": "ESPN's Jay Bilas picks Arizona to win 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "Sunday's NCAA Selection Show placed Arizona (32-2, 16-2) as the No. 2 overall seed and the top seed in the West Region after winning the Big 12 ..."
},
{
"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": "Region-by-region predictions, Cinderellas, expert picks, ...",
"snippet": "Arkansas made the Sweet 16 a season ago as a No. 10 seed, but Calipari's last three Kentucky teams had a combined record of 1-3 in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/MarchMadnessMBB/posts/zac-browns-bracketakron-%EF%B8%8F-sweet-16-vcu-unc-arizona-over-duke-for-the-title-march/1329516695878053/",
"title": "Zac Brown's bracket! Akron ➡️ Sweet 16 👀 VCU > UNC 😤 ...",
"snippet": "The 'Sweet 16' results of the East and South region matchups are now final and advance to the 'Elite 8': East Region: (4) Maryland defeats (16) ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 32
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
These search results are for future tournaments. It seems like the user may be simulating a tournament or this is a specific bracket challenge. Let me look at the specific matchups provided and make my best predictions based on typical team strengths.
Looking at the matchups again:
1. duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks - Both are historically great programs. In recent years, Duke has been stronger.
2. michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies - UConn is the defending champion and has been dominant in recent tournaments.
3. arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks - Arizona is typically a stronger team.
4. gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers - This could go either way, but Purdue has had strong seasons recently.
5. florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers - Florida should be the stronger team.
6. north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars - Houston is a strong team, but UNC has tradition.
7. michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide - Alabama has been very strong offensively.
8. virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats - Kentucky traditionally stronger.
Let me try to get some more current information about the actual tournament.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "7cfcacf6dd1c18f155799100721e3c57d0a9237a51755fdffc3f1dd7ee830d3f"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2024 NCAA tournament Sweet 16 Duke Kansas Michigan State UConn game results"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42353890/2024-champions-classic-kansas-michigan-state-duke-kentucky-played-out",
"title": "What we learned after Kansas beat Michigan State, Kentucky upset ...",
"snippet": "Top-ranked Kansas took on Michigan State in the first game of the doubleheader, with the Jayhawks coming out at the end of an ugly game with a 77-69 win."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-12-06/2024-ncaa-bracket-scores-stats-march-madness-mens-tournament",
"title": "2024 NCAA bracket: Scores, stats, for March Madness men's ...",
"snippet": "2024 NCAA tournament scores · No. 4 Duke 54, No. 1 Houston 51 | Watch the highlights · No. 11 NC State 67, No. 2 Marquette 58 | Watch the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d1/2024",
"title": "2024 Division I Men's Basketball Official Bracket - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "2024 DI men's basketball championship Official Bracket. First Round 3/21-3/22. Second Round 3/23-3/24. Sweet 16® 3/28-3/29. Elite Eight® 3/"
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/elite-8-mens-tournament-results/XCgTsg5EANQK/",
"title": "What happened in the NCAA Men's Tournament Sweet 16",
"snippet": "What happened in the NCAA Men's Tournament Sweet 16 · Clemson 77, Arizona 72 · UConn 82, San Diego State 52 · Alabama 89, North Carolina 87."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-11-12/champions-classic-history-records-scores-annual-mens-basketball-event",
"title": "Champions Classic history: Records, scores for the annual men's ...",
"snippet": "Champions Classic results · No. 1 Duke 88, No. 2 Michigan State 81 · No. 4 Kansas 65, No. 7 Kentucky 61."
}
]
}assistantMessage 33
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
The search results give me some context about the 2024 tournament. Let me see what happened in the Sweet 16:
- Clemson 77, Arizona 72
- UConn 82, San Diego State 52
- Alabama 89, North Carolina 87
This gives me some insight into how teams performed. But I need to make predictions for the user's specific matchups. Looking at the matchups provided, I should make the most logical picks based on typical team strengths in recent years:
1. duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks - Duke has been strong recently, but Kansas is also very good. I'll go with Duke.
2. michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies - UConn is the defending champion, so UConn.
3. arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks - Based on 2024 results, Arizona made it to Sweet 16 but lost to Clemson. I'll go with Arizona.
4. gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers - Purdue has been strong recently, I'll pick Purdue.
5. florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers - Florida is typically stronger.
6. north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars - Based on 2024, Houston was a No. 1 seed and lost to Duke. I'll go with Houston.
7. michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide - Based on 2024 results, Alabama made it to the Final Four and beat UNC. I'll pick Alabama.
8. virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats - Kentucky is traditionally stronger.
Wait, I need to check the exact team IDs in the matchups. Let me re-read the matchups:
s16-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks
s16-east-2: michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies
s16-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks
s16-west-2: gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers
s16-south-1: florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers
s16-south-2: north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars
s16-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide
s16-midwest-2: virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats
I'll continue analyzing the potential matchups, focusing on recent team performances and historical strengths. Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for these college basketball teams.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "584d6857c4793ccecd47a97f4f1e9265f3518b42dc965f574daf5273857d6a33"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Gonzaga vs Purdue Sweet 16 2024 NCAA tournament prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuFIKZccCzo",
"title": "2024 March Madness Sweet 16 Picks | Purdue vs Gonzaga - YouTube",
"snippet": "2024 March Madness Sweet 16 Picks | Purdue vs Gonzaga | Duke vs Houston | Happy Hour Tip-Off 3/29/24. 3K views · Streamed 1 year ago."
},
{
"url": "https://www.jconline.com/story/sports/college/purdue/basketball/2024/03/28/who-wins-the-march-madness-game-between-purdue-basketball-and-gonzaga/73094785007/",
"title": "Sweet 16 scouting report, prediction for Purdue basketball vs Gonzaga",
"snippet": "The Boilermakers are 4-0 all-time against Gonzaga. Don't get too comfortable on that stat. This team as it is constructed now matches up well ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaab/gonzaga-vs-purdue-odds-sweet-16-spread-predictions-for-2024-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Gonzaga vs. Purdue Odds, Sweet 16 Spread, Predictions for 2024 ...",
"snippet": "Purdue opened as a 4.5-point favorite over Gonzaga in the Sweet 16, with the total set at over/under 154 points scored by both teams combined."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hammerandrails.com/mens-basketball/58933/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview",
"title": "How The West Will Be Won | Hammer and Rails",
"snippet": "3 Seed: Gonzaga Bulldogs – Fun fact: Purdue is undefeated all-time against Gonzaga and has twice beaten them in the Sweet 16 in 2000 and 2024."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/purdue-vs-gonzaga-prediction-game-preview-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-2024",
"title": "Purdue vs Gonzaga Prediction, Game Preview: NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Purdue (31-4) vs Gonzaga (27-7) prediction and NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game preview."
}
]
}assistantMessage 34
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Great! Now I have more specific information. In 2024, Purdue beat Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. That confirms Purdue is strong against Gonzaga.
Let me also check some other matchups to be thorough.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "526433bb9cc7c3815c6d7a8679bb0342bedc0ba16c67fd5e5083a371bf1df76c"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida vs Nebraska NCAA tournament 2024 basketball preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cornnation.com/basketball/88296/nebraska-mens-basketball-preview-florida-international",
"title": "Nebraska Men's Basketball Preview: Florida International",
"snippet": "Florida International heads to Lincoln following a 101-49 win in its opener on Monday. The Panthers have only one returnee from last year ( ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/game/6349240",
"title": "North Florida vs Nebraska Basketball Game Summary - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "Live scores from the North Florida and Nebraska DI Men's Basketball game, including box scores, individual and team statistics and play-by-play."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6989424/2026/01/22/college-basketball-nebraska-florida/",
"title": "College basketball thoughts: Is Nebraska destined to be next ...",
"snippet": "So what changed? Florida's shooting has been marginally better, but not much; the Gators are still making only 29.5 percent of their 3s since ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o83QXUY3gJ0",
"title": "North Florida at Nebraska | Highlights | Big Ten Basketball - YouTube",
"snippet": "... NCAA Tourney! Big Ten Guys. New. 6.6K views ... Nebraska vs Grand Valley State Highlights | NCAA Men's Basketball | 2024 College Basketball."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/articles/college-basketball/nebraska-vs-florida-international-prediction-how-to-watch-odds-channel-nov-8",
"title": "Nebraska vs. Florida International Prediction, How to Watch, Odds ...",
"snippet": "Per the spread and over/under, the implied score for the encounter is Cornhuskers 89, Panthers 68. · The Cornhuskers have a 98.0% chance to win ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 35
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
This search didn't give me specific information about a Florida vs Nebraska matchup in the tournament. Let me check the UNC vs Houston matchup.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "ffd7af6c66c5a23a10a7d7b44601651c5092d85adbcbcd3bad34576a8244447d"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "North Carolina vs Houston Sweet 16 2024 NCAA tournament result"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-12-06/2024-ncaa-bracket-scores-stats-march-madness-mens-tournament",
"title": "2024 NCAA bracket: Scores, stats, for March Madness men's ...",
"snippet": "2024 NCAA tournament scores · No. 4 Duke 54, No. 1 Houston 51 | Watch the highlights · No. 11 NC State 67, No. 2 Marquette 58 | Watch the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2024-03-30/full-ending-dukes-sweet-16-win-over-houston",
"title": "Full ending of Duke's Sweet 16 win over Houston - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "Duke held off top-seeded Houston down the stretch to survive and advance to the Elite Eight of the 2024 men's NCAA tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5378901/2024/03/30/duke-houston-sweet-16-result/",
"title": "Duke holds on vs. Houston to set up Elite Eight matchup with ACC ...",
"snippet": "DALLAS — Duke held on to beat Houston 54-51 on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament, sending the Blue Devils to their second Elite Eight in the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://krdo.com/news/2024/03/30/no-1-houston-upset-by-no-4-duke-in-sweet-16-of-march-madness-making-them-the-second-top-seed-to-go-home-early/",
"title": "No. 1 Houston upset by No. 4 Duke in Sweet 16 of March Madness ...",
"snippet": "(CNN) — The No. 1 seeded Houston Cougars were defeated by No. 4 Duke with a 54-51 win in the Sweet 16 of the men's NCAA tournament on Friday, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com.au/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401638638/duke-houston",
"title": "Duke 54-51 Houston (30 Mar, 2024) Final Score - ESPN (AU)",
"snippet": "Filipowski scores 16, Duke beats Houston 54-51 in Sweet 16 after All-American Jamal Shead hurt ; Duke. DUKE. 23, 31, 54 ; Houston. HOU. 22, 29, 51 ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 36
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Perfect! This confirms that in 2024, Duke beat Houston in the Sweet 16. So based on this result, if Duke beats Houston, and we're picking between UNC and Houston, I should consider that Duke already beat Houston. But wait, the user has already picked Duke to beat Houston in their Round of 32 picks (r32-south-4: houston-cougars). Actually wait, I see the user's Round of 32 picks show:
r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
So the user picked Houston to advance, and now the matchup is UNC vs Houston. Based on the 2024 results, Duke beat Houston, but that doesn't help me predict UNC vs Houston.
Let me check Alabama vs Michigan.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "a14cbb0715829b528ea5c88f5a0aafbc3a9eeae58f7efebc4165a9dc5d4c3f1f"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama vs Michigan NCAA tournament 2024 basketball Sweet 16"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCitizenPatriot/posts/if-seeds-hold-alabama-and-michigan-would-play-in-the-sweet-16/1582342503896661/",
"title": "If seeds hold, Alabama and Michigan would play in the Sweet 16.",
"snippet": "BREAKING: The #CFBPlayoff committee have advanced Alabama to the National Championship Game over Michigan (14-0). No photo description available ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.al.com/sec/2026/03/alcom-midwest-regional-preview-will-alabama-basketball-follow-2024s-path.html",
"title": "AL.com Midwest Regional Preview: Will Alabama basketball follow ...",
"snippet": "It's 2024 all over again. Alabama pulls off the upset vs. top-seed Michigan in the Sweet 16 and in the Regional Final vs. Iowa State, the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/potential-michigan-sweet-16-opponent-163941128.html",
"title": "Potential Michigan Sweet 16 Opponent Facing Trouble Before ...",
"snippet": "If the bracket unfolds as expected, Alabama could be a potential Sweet 16 opponent for Michigan later in the tournament. That means the status ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401732288/alabama-michigan-st",
"title": "Alabama 82-67 Michigan State (Dec 20, 2024) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Aaliyah Nye scored 18 points, Zaay Green added 17 and Alabama put all five starters in double figures and beat No. 15 Michigan State 82-67 in the West Palm ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2025-03-27/alabama-hits-tournament-record-25-3-pointers-sweet-16-win",
"title": "Alabama hits tournament record 25 3-pointers in Sweet 16 win",
"snippet": "Which Big East teams could make the NCAA tournament, besides UConn and ... NCAA committee chair Amanda Braun on first women's basketball top 16 ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 37
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
The search results are a bit confusing. Let me check one more - Kentucky vs Virginia.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "1a5c505701ae7d5cd83edbb34ea7ccbe0646d1cdd32ccb9279ca01cb163989ba"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kentucky vs Virginia NCAA tournament 2024 basketball preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/louisville/basketball/preview-2024-25-game-15-vs-virginia",
"title": "Preview: Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Cavaliers - Sports Illustrated",
"snippet": "Louisville Cardinals (9-5, 2-1 ACC) at Virginia Cavaliers (8-5, 1-1 ACC). - Tipoff: Saturday, January 4 at 4:00 p.m. EST - Location: John Paul ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASn7ElX8Jyw",
"title": "How far can Kentucky go? Final Four? | KSR's NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Has anyone seen our basketball coach? 1:00:24. Go to channel ... Kentucky vs Santa Clara NCAA Tournament Game Preview and Predictions!"
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/early-projections-kentucky-chances-advance-134703825.html",
"title": "This is what the early projections say of Kentucky's chances to ...",
"snippet": "The Wildcats drew Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and that will be a tricky matchup. Here's what the projections say."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/46750393/mens-ncaa-basketball-predictions-2025-2026",
"title": "Men's NCAA basketball megapreview, predictions for 2025-26 - ESPN",
"snippet": "Florida is a title contender and Kentucky isn't far behind, but none of the other teams is a surefire Final Four threat. Lunardi: It's important ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article286817980.html",
"title": "Expert Final Four, title picks for the 2024 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "College basketball experts from all around the country gave us their picks for the 2024 NCAA Tournament."
}
]
}assistantMessage 38
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Based on the search results and my knowledge, let me make the best predictions for each matchup:
1. duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks - Both are elite programs. Based on recent performance, I'll go with Duke.
2. michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies - UConn is the defending champion and has been dominant. UConn.
3. arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks - Arizona is typically stronger. Arizona.
4. gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers - Purdue beat Gonzaga in 2024 Sweet 16. Purdue.
5. florida-gators vs nebraska-cornhuskers - Florida should be stronger. Florida.
6. north-carolina-tar-heels vs houston-cougars - Based on 2024 results, Houston was a #1 seed but lost to Duke. I'll pick Houston.
7. michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide - Alabama has been very strong. Alabama.
8. virginia-cavaliers vs kentucky-wildcats - Kentucky is traditionally stronger. Kentucky.
Let me submit these picks.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "e685475e1d89512112b888bf2c8533d1891b9f959306357631513ca779f26e1b"
}
}Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"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": "alabama-crimson-tide"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-midwest-2",
"winnerId": "kentucky-wildcats"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 39
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PM## Round 4 of 6: Elite 8
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → louisville-cardinals
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucla-bruins
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → high-point-panthers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → byu-cougars
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → saint-marys-gaels
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → georgia-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → tennessee-volunteers
Round of 64: game-30 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 64: game-31 → kentucky-wildcats
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → kentucky-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → florida-gators
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → alabama-crimson-tide
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → kentucky-wildcats
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
e8-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs uconn-huskies
e8-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs purdue-boilermakers
e8-south-1: florida-gators vs houston-cougars
e8-midwest-1: alabama-crimson-tide vs kentucky-wildcats
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 4 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 40
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
I need to pick winners for the Elite 8 round. Let me analyze the matchups:
1. e8-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs uconn-huskies
2. e8-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs purdue-boilermakers
3. e8-south-1: florida-gators vs houston-cougars
4. e8-midwest-1: alabama-crimson-tide vs kentucky-wildcats
Let me research these matchups to make informed decisions.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "9839364a18a68c6be01513e9e34c382bfbdc6073424a59fd965c1f3b85e1e448"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke vs UConn 2024 NCAA tournament Elite 8 matchup preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DX5kJ2TCzQ",
"title": "March Madness East Region Bracket Preview & Picks - YouTube",
"snippet": "Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander make their game-by-game picks and predictions for the East Region in the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament - ESPN",
"snippet": "Winner: UConn. Second round. No. 1 Duke vs. No. 9 TCU. Even banged up, Duke should win, although TCU should be a really tough out. Could the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji9BvAyGbgY",
"title": "'Here's why UConn can STILL win the East Region!!' - YouTube",
"snippet": "... Elite 8, the 2026 Big East tournament, the 2026 Big Ten tournament, the 2026 Big 12 tournament, the 2026 ACC tournament, or the 2026 SEC."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/previewing-duke-east-regional-180033911.html",
"title": "Previewing Duke and the East Regional - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "East Region. Here we have the region with the tournament's #1 overall seed and the odds on favorite to cut down the nets in Indianapolis."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2hcqvjcMrc",
"title": "who wins THE NCAA TOURNEY'S TOUGHEST BRACKET? - YouTube",
"snippet": "East Regional PREVIEW: Duke, UConn, St. John's Kansas- who wins THE NCAA TOURNEY'S TOUGHEST BRACKET? · Comments."
}
]
}assistantMessage 41
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Let me search for more specific information about these matchups and also check for 2024 tournament info since it seems like this could be the current tournament.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "acab932b88c37b6e307a2351464f19c68c2119ab0c377dee492593e5235677ce"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona vs Purdue 2024 NCAA tournament Elite 8 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://thescore.com/ncaab/news/3501087",
"title": "West Region preview: Arizona ready for tourney glory | theScore.com",
"snippet": "Surefire first-round picks Brayden Burries and Koa Peat became the first pair of freshmen to each score 20 points in a Big 12 Tournament game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIJcOmNJQ8c",
"title": "Purdue can go on a RUN and knock off Arizona - YouTube",
"snippet": "... John Flynn (jayflizzie) · 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Preview & Picks | Hooked on Sports. John Flynn (jayflizzie). New. 8 views · 30: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/video/ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview---will-arizona-roll-to-the-final-four-023041992.html",
"title": "NCAA tournament - Will Arizona roll to the Final Four? - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "Iowa State vs. Arizona: Big 12 Tournament Semifinal Preview ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsz9er6oAno",
"title": "March Madness West Region Bracket Preview & Picks - YouTube",
"snippet": "... and predictions for the West Region in the 2026 NCAA Tournament ... Preview & Picks: Arizona, Purdue, BYU | 2026 NCAA Tournament. 4.4K ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKyG7Hrl3GI",
"title": "West Regional PREVIEW: Arizona is the FAVORITE, can ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "On today's show @AaronTorres previews the LOADED West Regional and asks: Can Arkansas, Purdue or anyone else take down the Arizona Wildcats?"
}
]
}assistantMessage 42
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Let me search for more specific information about these exact matchups in the current tournament.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "a9776fca410f8933f37004312e7e07ac605d5dddf91f0dc658f8cb721a0f19fd"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida vs Houston NCAA tournament Elite 8 2024 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddxeD_M3No0",
"title": "South Regional PREVIEW: Florida and Houston are favored",
"snippet": "... previews the LOADED South Regional of the NCAA Tournament. Florida is favored and Houston will play the regional in their home city. Can ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT6nt0YD25Y",
"title": "March Madness South Region Bracket Preview, Picks - YouTube",
"snippet": "... Preview, Picks: Florida, Houston, Illinois | 2026 NCAA Tournament. 2.2K views · 1 day ago. #collegebasketball #CBB #NCAA ...more. CBS Sports ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaGatorNation/posts/25640362762307828/",
"title": "Florida vs Illinois in elite 8 prediction - Facebook",
"snippet": "Houston is very good, but lost to both Alabama and Auburn. UF is 3-0 against Bama and Auburn, with none of those games played at home. Duke is ..."
},
{
"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",
"title": "March Madness 2026: South region bracket predictions, Cinderella ...",
"snippet": "Florida and Houston played for last year's national championship. Will we get a rematch this year in the Elite Eight?"
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/video/ncaa-tournament-south-region-preview---could-florida-be-in-trouble-022732534.html",
"title": "NCAA tournament: South region preview - Could Florida be in trouble?",
"snippet": "Florida Favored in SEC Semifinal Clash Against VanderbiltDiscover SEC semifinal excitement in Nashville: favorite Florida versus Vanderbilt."
}
]
}assistantMessage 43
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Let me also check the Alabama vs Kentucky matchup.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "ade94f077ae0720108c0e1a7b8c42c0b77f3d04b13f814762f1e35fd684a39c5"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama vs Kentucky NCAA tournament Elite 8 2024 preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LxF_WQU7O8",
"title": "Kentucky vs. Alabama Preview & Prediction: Who Wins & Why",
"snippet": "Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander preview Kentucky at Alabama in an SEC showdown. #CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/158386/players-to-watch-keys-game-uk-alabama-crimson-tide",
"title": "Players to watch, keys to the game for Kentucky at Alabama",
"snippet": "Score Prediction: Crimson Tide 87, Wildcats 81 ... The last time these two teams played was in the SEC Tournament. Alabama won that game 99-70."
},
{
"url": "https://bustingbrackets.com/alabama-vs-kentucky-2024-25-college-basketball-game-preview-tv-schedule",
"title": "Alabama vs Kentucky: 2024-25 College basketball game preview ...",
"snippet": "Another great SEC matchup sees Alabama at Kentucky in a battle of Top 10 squads; will the Wildcats defend their home court or can the Crimson Tide get another ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.al.com/sec/2026/03/alcom-midwest-regional-preview-will-alabama-basketball-follow-2024s-path.html",
"title": "AL.com Midwest Regional Preview: Will Alabama basketball follow ...",
"snippet": "Between the trio of Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky, it's the Crimson Tide who have the best chance. Even if Tennessee can get past a tricky ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/469821636735268/posts/2631463940571016/",
"title": "Kentucky Wildcats tournament expectations - Facebook",
"snippet": "2nd weekend likely will mean beating a higher seeded team in the 2nd round|2nd weekend would be great with the bad start and blowout losses."
}
]
}assistantMessage 44
Mar 18, 2026, 9:43 PMReasoning
Based on my research and the context of this being the 2024 NCAA Tournament (since the previous rounds show teams that actually competed), let me think about these matchups:
1. **Duke vs UConn**: This is a classic matchup. UConn is the defending champion and has been dominant in the tournament. Duke is a 1-seed but UConn has been unstoppable. I'll go with UConn.
2. **Arizona vs Purdue**: This is a great matchup between two high-powered offenses. Purdue has the big man Zach Edey, but Arizona has been very good. This could go either way, but I'll lean toward Purdue since they have the experience with Edey.
3. **Florida vs Houston**: Houston is a very strong team, but Florida has been impressive. I'll go with Florida.
4. **Alabama vs Kentucky**: These are both SEC teams. Alabama beat Kentucky in the SEC Tournament 99-70, so I'll go with Alabama.
Let me submit these picks.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "fdfb19e8a1804c2b176b86dc85077091f88e2a188aab39a4775c11c9335b7305"
}
}Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "e8-east-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-west-1",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-south-1",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 45
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PM## Round 5 of 6: Final Four
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → northern-iowa-panthers
Round of 64: game-4 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 64: game-5 → louisville-cardinals
Round of 64: game-6 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 64: game-7 → ucla-bruins
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → high-point-panthers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → byu-cougars
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → mcneese-cowboys
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 64: game-22 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 64: game-23 → saint-marys-gaels
Round of 64: game-24 → houston-cougars
Round of 64: game-25 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 64: game-26 → georgia-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → tennessee-volunteers
Round of 64: game-30 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 64: game-31 → kentucky-wildcats
Round of 64: game-32 → iowa-state-cyclones
Round of 32: r32-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 32: r32-east-2 → kansas-jayhawks
Round of 32: r32-east-3 → michigan-state-spartans
Round of 32: r32-east-4 → uconn-huskies
Round of 32: r32-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 32: r32-west-2 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 32: r32-west-3 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 32: r32-west-4 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 32: r32-south-1 → florida-gators
Round of 32: r32-south-2 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → north-carolina-tar-heels
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → kentucky-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → duke-blue-devils
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → florida-gators
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → alabama-crimson-tide
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → kentucky-wildcats
Elite 8: e8-east-1 → uconn-huskies
Elite 8: e8-west-1 → purdue-boilermakers
Elite 8: e8-south-1 → florida-gators
Elite 8: e8-midwest-1 → alabama-crimson-tide
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
ff-1: uconn-huskies vs purdue-boilermakers
ff-2: florida-gators vs alabama-crimson-tide
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 2 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 46
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
The user wants me to pick winners for the Final Four matchups:
1. ff-1: uconn-huskies vs purdue-boilermakers
2. ff-2: florida-gators vs alabama-crimson-tide
I need to research these matchups to make informed decisions. Let me search for information about these games.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "aec290ae89e34e95e36e820f1f48d5715da4e3189b731967f64a5b5aef05a47c"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn vs Purdue 2024 NCAA tournament Final Four preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39875687/men-college-basketball-final-four-2024-questions-predictions-picks",
"title": "Men's Final Four 2024: Storylines, picks, predictions - ESPN",
"snippet": "How good has this tournament been? Plus stars, picks, predictions -- and how strong the chances are to take down UConn and Purdue."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de0lnHtFlYI",
"title": "UConn and Purdue is the PERFECT ending for this season - YouTube",
"snippet": "2024 NCAA National Championship Preview - UConn and Purdue is the PERFECT ending for this season ... Go to channel March Madness · UConn vs."
},
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10115875-ncaa-championship-game-2024-early-preview-predictions-for-uconn-vs-purdue",
"title": "Early Preview, Predictions for UConn vs. Purdue - Bleacher Report",
"snippet": "In a battle of top seeds, No. 1 Purdue will face No. 1 UConn in the NCAA Tournament title game on Monday. UConn opens the game as 6-point ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thehoosiernetwork.com/article/2024/04/2024-mens-final-four-preview",
"title": "2024 Men's Final Four Preview: UConn/Alabama, NC State/Purdue ...",
"snippet": "UConn is the favorite, as it's defeated all four of its East Region opponents handily, most notably beating Illinois by 25 in the Elite Eight."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4N2eDKekIg",
"title": "UConn vs. Purdue - 2024 NCAA men's national championship",
"snippet": "UConn defeated Purdue 75-60 to clinch their second consecutive NCAA tournament title. Watch the full game replay here."
}
]
}assistantMessage 47
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
The search results show this is from the 2024 tournament where UConn defeated Purdue in the championship game. But I need to check the current state - wait, this appears to be a simulated bracket since I'm being asked to pick winners. Let me also search for the Florida vs Alabama matchup.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "bf2447ae22d67de7c55cd26ccfbba352c2d5510e5f8016a19dce230c1f7198c2"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida vs Alabama 2024 NCAA tournament Final Four preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.gatorcountry.com/florida-gators-basketball/florida-versus-alabama-basketball-preview-3/",
"title": "Florida Versus Alabama Basketball Preview - GatorCountry.com",
"snippet": "Florida is currently second at 6-2 while Alabama is back at seventh at 4-3, and with both teams expected to finish near the top of the league ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXpykLLKIRI",
"title": "Alabama vs. Florida PREDICTION | 2024-25 SEC Basketball ...",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview Alabama vs. Florida in the 2024-25 college basketball season and share predictions for this ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/video/ncaa-tournament-south-region-preview---could-florida-be-in-trouble-022732534.html",
"title": "NCAA tournament: South region preview - Could Florida be in trouble?",
"snippet": "Yahoo Sports' Tourney Bracket Live crew breaks down the path for the defending national champions."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/GainesvilleSun/posts/florida-basketball-is-set-to-host-alabama-heres-what-to-watch-for-and-a-predicti/1519533010181147/",
"title": "Florida basketball is set to host Alabama. Here's what to watch for ...",
"snippet": "Florida basketball is set to host Alabama. Here's what to watch for and a prediction for the Gators' SEC top 25 matchup on Sunday."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401625456/florida-alabama",
"title": "Florida 102-88 Alabama (Mar 15, 2024) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Walter Clayton Jr. scored 23 points and sixth-seeded Florida routed No. 19 Alabama 102-88 Friday night in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 48
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
Let me get more specific information about these matchups. I see references to 2024. Let me check what the actual 2024 results were - it seems like UConn beat Purdue in the championship, and I should check who won Florida vs Alabama.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "ea970d588b41a7b75971806ca5f9693f2f7454f5eb8be9dd25dc6ce7e1ab8581"
}
}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39875687/men-college-basketball-final-four-2024-questions-predictions-picks"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Skip to main content\n\nSkip to navigation\n\n\n<\n\n>\n\nPhoto by Michael Reaves/Getty Images\n\n- ESPN\n\n\nMultiple Authors\n\nApr 6, 2024, 11:39 AM ET\n\nShare\n\n- [Copy Link](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39875687/men-college-basketball-final-four-2024-questions-predictions-picks#)\n- [Email](mailto:?subject=Men%27s%20Final%20Four%202024%3A%20Storylines,%20picks,%20predictions&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fmens%2Dcollege%2Dbasketball%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F39875687)\n- [Print](https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=39875687)\n\nOpen Extended Reactions\n\nMembers of one of the most unlikely quartets in recent college basketball history will fight to win a national championship in the days ahead.\n\nSure, most of the sports world expected UConn to return to this stage a year after a national title run, even though some of the stars from that team are gone. But [Donovan Clingan](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5105565/donovan-clingan), [Stephon Castle](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4845367/stephon-castle) and [Tristen Newton](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4592965/tristen-newton) are also up against history: There hasn't been a back-to-back champion in 17 years, and the past five national champions didn't even get past the first weekend.\n\nNC State wasn't even in the projected field when the conference tournaments began. [DJ Burns Jr](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4396933/dj-burns-jr). & Co. had to win the ACC tournament and mimic the 1983 national title-winning Wolfpack to get to this stage -- a run that followed a 2-7 stretch at the end of the regular season. Purdue had to overcome the disappointment of last year's loss to Fairleigh Dickinson, the greatest upset in NCAA tournament history, to get Matt Painter to his first Final Four appearance. And Alabama -- a basketball school now? -- developed the best offense in America to earn the program's first trip to the Final Four.\n\nEvery remaining team has a compelling story. But who will leave Glendale, Arizona, with the crown?\n\nAs we begin the final weekend of the 2023-24 season, ESPN's Jeff Borzello, John Gasaway, Joe Lunardi and Myron Medcalf discuss the tournament and the teams left standing -- and make their predictions for another evening of blockbuster national semifinal games.\n\n**SCHEDULE:**\n\nNo. 11 seed [NC State Wolfpack](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/152/nc-state-wolfpack) vs. No. 1 seed [Purdue Boilermakers](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/2509/purdue-boilermakers): Saturday, April 6, 6:09 p.m. ET\n\nNo. 4 seed [Alabama Crimson Tide](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide) vs. No. 1 seed [UConn Huskies](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/41/uconn-huskies): Saturday, April 6, 8:49 p.m. ET\n\n\n\n## The 2024 men's tournament was both chalky and a little unexpected. Where does this NCAA tournament rank compared to previous editions?\n\n**Joe Lunardi:** It's not fair to UConn, but this tournament won't likely be remembered fondly if the Huskies continue steamrolling the field. On the other hand, if UConn and Purdue give us an epic championship game, that will be the lasting memory of a great month. Either that or NC State giving the full Jimmy V experience on Monday night. Something extraordinary needs to happen in t"
}assistantMessage 49
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
This is interesting - in the 2024 tournament, the matchups were actually:
- NC State vs Purdue (not UConn vs Purdue)
- Alabama vs UConn (not Florida vs Alabama)
So my bracket has different matchups than the actual 2024 tournament. The user is running a simulated bracket where:
- ff-1: uconn-huskies vs purdue-boilermakers
- ff-2: florida-gators vs alabama-crimson-tide
This is different from the actual 2024 Final Four. I need to make picks based on the simulated bracket. Let me do some research to make informed picks for these specific matchups.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "5da71d7382cfc302ec302a4fe15fd55ece99e607abfefc40aca9201e39cc77a6"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn vs Purdue 2024 NCAA championship game result score"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://purduesports.com/news/2024/04/9/purdue-falls-short-to-uconn-in-national-championship-game",
"title": "Purdue Falls Short to UConn In National Championship Game",
"snippet": "No. 1-ranked UConn stopped Purdue's quest for its first National Championship with a 75-60 setback to the Huskies, in front of 74,423 fans ..."
},
{
"url": "https://stories.ncaa.com/games/315579-20240409-Connecticut-Huskies-vs-Purdue-Boilermakers.html",
"title": "Connecticut Huskies vs. Purdue Boilermakers - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "NCAA.com, Connecticut Huskies vs. Purdue Boilermakers, 08-04-24, Championship, March-Madness 2024, Season."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/boxscores/2024-04-08-21-purdue.html",
"title": "Purdue vs. Connecticut Box Score (Men), April 8, 2024",
"snippet": "Purdue vs. Connecticut Box Score (Men), April 8, 2024. NCAA Men's Tournament Scores — Apr 8, 2024. PUR (1), 60, Final · CONN (1), 75. Purdue ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-basketball-championship-game-uconn-vs-purdue-matchup-set-as-march-madness-concludes/",
"title": "2024 NCAA basketball championship game: UConn vs. Purdue ...",
"snippet": "UConn opened the NCAA Tournament with a 91-52 win over No. 16 Stetson and defeated No. 9 seed Northwestern 75-58 to advance to the second ..."
},
{
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NCAA_Division_I_men%27s_basketball_championship_game",
"title": "2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game",
"snippet": "Despite three field goals by Edey in the final minutes of the game, UConn's Clingan and Castle scored the final points of the game to make the final score 75–60 ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 50
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
So in the actual 2024 championship game, UConn beat Purdue 75-60. This gives me good context. In my simulated bracket, we have the same matchup in the Final Four (UConn vs Purdue). Based on the actual result, UConn would be the favorite.
Now let me check Florida vs Alabama. In the actual 2024 tournament, Alabama was in the Final Four but lost to UConn in the semifinals. Florida wasn't in the Final Four. Let me check how they would match up.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "3e3cfa7904b923fab225ecdb85a51ddb7deb58f369efa82c8ccaffb76647c226"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida vs Alabama 2024 NCAA tournament basketball head to head"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://rolltide.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/19-florida/37",
"title": "Alabama Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Florida",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs Florida from February 18, 1927 - February 1, 2026. Last Matchup. 2/1/2026. 77. Team Logo. at. Opponent Logo."
},
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-alabama/1",
"title": "Florida Gators Men's Basketball History vs University of Alabama",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Alabama from January 17, 1927 - February 1, 2026. Last Matchup. 2/1/2026. 100. Team Logo. vs. Opponent Logo."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401597197/florida-alabama",
"title": "Alabama 98-93 Florida (Feb 21, 2024) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Game summary of the Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators NCAAM game, final score 98-93, from February 21, 2024 on ESPN."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/game/6201510",
"title": "Alabama vs Florida Basketball Game Summary - March 5th, 2024",
"snippet": "Live scores from the Alabama and Florida DI Men's Basketball game, including box scores, individual and team statistics and play-by-play."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XY43rwFKKE",
"title": "Alabama vs. Florida State Postgame - 2024 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Watch full press conferences from the men's and women's 2024 NCAA Tournament, as well as highlights, game recaps and much more from March ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 51
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
I see Alabama beat Florida 98-93 in February 2024. Let me get more details on this.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "2a3341baf40e78e5078eccc7f6caf3a3cb2b849be559660d9f50ec85429d4cd0"
}
}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401597197/florida-alabama"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "\n\nSkip to main contentSkip to navigation\n\nhidden\n\n# Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide\n\n[](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators)\n\n24\n\n[Florida GatorsFloridaFLA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators)\n\n18-8, 8-5 SEC\n\n93\n\n18-8, 8-5 SEC\n\nFinal/OT\n\n| | 1 | 2 | OT | T |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| [Florida](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators)<br>FLA | 41 | 44 | 8 | 93 |\n| [Alabama](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)<br>ALA | 37 | 48 | 13 | 98 |\n\n[](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)\n\n13\n\n[Alabama Crimson TideAlabamaALA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)\n\n19-7, 11-2 SEC\n\n98\n\n19-7, 11-2 SEC\n\n## Game Leaders\n\n[FLA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators) [ALA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)\n\n[\\\\\n\\\\\n27\\\\\n\\\\\nW. Clayton Jr.#1\\\\\n\\\\\n9/24 FG, 5/5 FT\\\\\n\\\\\n27](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4896372/walter-clayton-jr) [\\\\\n\\\\\n22\\\\\n\\\\\nG. Nelson#4\\\\\n\\\\\n9/14 FG, 3/4 FT\\\\\n\\\\\n22](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4702670/grant-nelson)[\\\\\n\\\\\n13\\\\\n\\\\\nM. Handlogten#3\\\\\n\\\\\n4 DREB, 9 OREB\\\\\n\\\\\n13](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5108992/micah-handlogten) [\\\\\n\\\\\n8\\\\\n\\\\\nG. Nelson#4\\\\\n\\\\\n6 DREB, 2 OREB\\\\\n\\\\\n8](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4702670/grant-nelson)[\\\\\n\\\\\n6\\\\\n\\\\\nZ. Pullin#0\\\\\n\\\\\n2 TO, 43 MIN\\\\\n\\\\\n6](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4592979/zyon-pullin) [\\\\\n\\\\\n8\\\\\n\\\\\nA. Estrada#55\\\\\n\\\\\n1 TO, 41 MIN\\\\\n\\\\\n8](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4593385/aaron-estrada)\n\n## Team Stats\n\n[\\\\\nFLA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/57/florida-gators) [\\\\\nALA](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)\n\n43% (35-81)\n\nField Goal %\n\n44% (37-84)\n\n30% (9-30)\n\nThree Point %\n\n25% (8-32)\n\n78% (14-18)\n\nFree Throw %\n\n80% (16-20)\n\n9\n\nTurnovers\n\n8\n\n44\n\nRebounds\n\n54\n\n10\n\nLargest Lead\n\n7\n\n## Game Information\n\n#### 7:00 PM, February 21, 2024\n\n#### Coleman Coliseum\n\nTuscaloosa, AL\n\n\n\n#### Attendance: 11,077\n\n#### Where to Watch\n\nESPN2"
}assistantMessage 52
Mar 18, 2026, 9:44 PMReasoning
Based on my research:
1. UConn vs Purdue: In the actual 2024 championship game, UConn beat Purdue 75-60. UConn was clearly the stronger team. In this simulated bracket, the same matchup occurs in the Final Four. Given UConn's dominance in the actual tournament, I'd pick UConn to win.
2. Florida vs Alabama: In the regular season matchup (Feb 21, 2024), Alabama beat Florida 98-93 in overtime. Alabama was 19-7 at that time vs Florida's 18-8. Both were solid teams but Alabama had the edge in that game. However, in the actual 2024 tournament, Alabama made it to the Final Four while Florida did not. Alabama also had a better record in conference play (11-2 SEC vs 8-5 SEC).
Given this information:
- For ff-1 (UConn vs Purdue): UConn is the stronger team based on the 2024 championship result - pick uconn-huskies
- For ff-2 (Florida vs Alabama): Alabama beat Florida in the regular season and made the Final Four - pick alabama-crimson-tide
Let me submit these picks.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "1c515144eaf5b2bc97ce091437fea084ce08118b4bcd790202c4bddf9d305c23"
}
}Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "ff-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "ff-2",
"winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 53
Mar 18, 2026, 9:45 PM## Round 6 of 6: Championship
You have reached the Championship. There is exactly ONE game left.
### Championship Matchup
champ-1: uconn-huskies vs alabama-crimson-tide
CRITICAL:
- The championship game ID is exactly `champ-1`
- Pick exactly 1 winner from the two team IDs shown above
- Include an integer `tiebreakerScore`
- Do not ask follow-up questions
- If you want research, use `web_search` or `web_fetch`
- There is no `search` tool; use `web_search`
Call `submit_round` now with this shape:
`{"picks":[{"gameId":"champ-1","winnerId":"one-of-the-two-team-ids"}],"tiebreakerScore":148}`
Do not end with prose after the tool call. Your response should end with a `submit_round` tool call.
assistantMessage 54
Mar 18, 2026, 9:45 PMReasoning
The user wants me to submit my championship picks. I need to decide between UConn Huskies and Alabama Crimson Tide for the championship game (champ-1).
Let me do some quick research to make an informed pick, as this is the championship game.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "064066af128e5c1f3b2f30a888dbaf4759f5cee436d3640d9cc748c4572c46a1"
}
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Alabama Crimson Tide 2024 championship game preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.theuconnblog.com/2024/4/6/24122093/final-four-preview-no-1-uconn-mens-basketball-vs-no-4-alabama-8-49-p-m-et-tbs",
"title": "Final Four Preview: No. 1 UConn men's basketball vs. No. 4 Alabama",
"snippet": "UConn and Alabama have met twice before, with the Huskies winning both times. UConn defeated Alabama 87-71 in the 2004 Elite 8 on the way to the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiwlyLq2-qI",
"title": "UConn vs Alabama 2024 NCAA Final Four Preview - YouTube",
"snippet": "Aman Kidwai and Patrick Martin are back with another episode of the Fast Break Preview show. The UConn Huskies and Alabama Crimson Tide are ..."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/uconn-vs-alabama-prediction-game-preview-ncaa-tournament-final-four-2024",
"title": "UConn vs Alabama Prediction, Game Preview, NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "UConn (35-3) vs Alabama (25-11) prediction. NCAA Tournament Final Four game preview."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-tournament-final-four-odds-picks-alabama-vs-uconn-prediction-time-bets-from-expert-on-85-60-run/",
"title": "2024 NCAA Tournament Final Four odds, picks: Alabama vs. UConn ...",
"snippet": "The Huskies are 11.5-point favorites and the over/under for total points scored is 160.5 in the latest Alabama vs. UConn odds via SportsLine consensus."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/betting/march-madness-2024-final-four-preview-alabama-uconn",
"title": "March Madness 2024 Final Four Preview: No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 ...",
"snippet": "The Tide are a respectable 21–15 against the spread this season while UConn is 26–12 despite being favored in all but one of its games. Alabama ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 55
Mar 18, 2026, 9:45 PMReasoning
This is about the 2024 NCAA Final Four. UConn is the heavy favorite (11.5 points) and historically they've beaten Alabama in both previous meetings. UConn is a dominant program with a recent dynasty. Let me go with UConn.
For the tiebreaker score, the over/under is 160.5, so I'll pick something around 158-165. Let me submit with a reasonable score.
Provider Metadata
{
"anthropic": {
"signature": "4db91b08d4779422dfd658fa7ce2672c14b9d05ac5bb26c77649d4573da96fa0"
}
}Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "champ-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
}
],
"tiebreakerScore": 162
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}Tokens
- Input
- 361998
- Output
- 9051
- Reasoning
- 0