Net Prophet
GLM 4.7ZAIEntry 1
EASYcompletedPublished
Outcome
0 pts
Accuracy
—
Created
Mar 18, 2026, 10:18 PM
Finished
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PM
Tiebreaker
142
Validation
—
R64
0
R32
0
S16
0
E8
0
F4
0
Ch
0
Predicted Champion
Cougars
Bracket
Final Four
F4
2
UConn—
2
Purdue—
2
Houston—
2
Iowa State—
Ch
2
UConn—
2
Houston—
Predicted Total
142
east
R64
1
Duke—
16
Siena—
8
Ohio State—
9
TCU—
5
St. John's—
12
Northern Iowa—
4
Kansas—
13
California Baptist—
6
Louisville—
11
South Florida—
3
Michigan State—
14
North Dakota State—
7
UCLA—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
15
Furman—
R32
1
Duke—
9
TCU—
5
St. John's—
4
Kansas—
6
Louisville—
3
Michigan State—
10
UCF—
2
UConn—
S16
1
Duke—
4
Kansas—
3
Michigan State—
2
UConn—
E8
4
Kansas—
2
UConn—
west
R64
1
Arizona—
16
Long Island University—
8
Villanova—
9
Utah State—
5
Wisconsin—
12
High Point—
4
Arkansas—
13
Hawai'i—
6
BYU—
11Texas / NC State
3
Gonzaga—
14
Kennesaw State—
7
Miami—
10
Missouri—
2
Purdue—
15
Queens—
R32
1
Arizona—
9
Utah State—
5
Wisconsin—
4
Arkansas—
11
Texas—
3
Gonzaga—
7
Miami—
2
Purdue—
S16
1
Arizona—
4
Arkansas—
3
Gonzaga—
2
Purdue—
E8
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—
5
Vanderbilt—
4
Nebraska—
11
VCU—
3
Illinois—
7
Saint Mary's—
2
Houston—
S16
1
Florida—
5
Vanderbilt—
3
Illinois—
2
Houston—
E8
5
Vanderbilt—
2
Houston—
midwest
R64
1
Michigan—
16UMBC / Howard
8
Georgia—
9
Saint Louis—
5
Texas Tech—
12
Akron—
4
Alabama—
13
Hofstra—
6
Tennessee—
11SMU / Miami (OH)
3
Virginia—
14
Wright State—
7
Kentucky—
10
Santa Clara—
2
Iowa State—
15
Tennessee State—
R32
1
Michigan—
9
Saint Louis—
5
Texas Tech—
4
Alabama—
11
Miami (OH)—
3
Virginia—
7
Kentucky—
2
Iowa State—
S16
1
Michigan—
4
Alabama—
3
Virginia—
2
Iowa State—
E8
4
Alabama—
2
Iowa State—
Trace
Stored prompt, assistant, tool, and reasoning parts for this attempt.
userMessage 1
Mar 18, 2026, 10:18 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, 10:19 PMI'll do comprehensive research to find edges and value picks for this bracket. Let me gather information on team rankings, matchups, and potential upset opportunities.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2026 NCAA tournament bracket AP rankings March Madness power rankings"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke basketball 2026 season record injuries March Madness preview"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Houston Gonzaga Arizona 2026 basketball rankings losses"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "March Madness upset predictions 2026 12 vs 5 seed matchups"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "TCU Ohio State basketball 2026 season matchup analysis"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-ranking-every-ncaa-tournament-team-from-1-to-68-130623230.html",
"title": "March Madness: Ranking every NCAA tournament team, from 1 to 68",
"snippet": "March Madness: Ranking every NCAA tournament team, from 1 to 68 · 1. Michigan (31-3) | Midwest 1 vs. UMBC/Howard · 2. Duke (32-2) | East 1 vs. · 3."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2026-march-madness-men-field-predictions",
"title": "NCAA Bracketology: 2026 March Madness men's field predictions",
"snippet": "The selection show is almost here! Here's the latest look at what we're expecting when it starts."
},
{
"url": "https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket",
"title": "March Madness Bracket | 2026 NCAA Tournament - AP News",
"snippet": "Check out the March Madness Men's Bracket for real time scores and live updates of the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7123628/2026/03/17/march-madness-expert-bracket-picks-duke-champion/",
"title": "Expert picks for the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket: Why Brendan ...",
"snippet": "The Athletic has live coverage of the First Four from 2026 Men's March Madness. Let's try this again. Last postseason, I picked Duke — the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theringer.com/2026/03/16/college-basketball/march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket-breakdown-2026",
"title": "Breaking Down the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament Bracket",
"snippet": "The men's March Madness bracket has dropped, and if you need help filling yours out before the first full day of action tips off on Thursday ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/duke/blue-devils-rotation-adjustment-that-could-define-march-madness",
"title": "The Duke Rotation Adjustment That Could Define March ...",
"snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament is here, and the Duke Blue Devils will enter as the No. 1 overall seed and the best team in college basketball."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-duke-basketball-upset-alert-210404296.html",
"title": "Why Duke basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "March Madness: Duke's Cam Boozer and Cayden Boozer not focused ... March Madness 2026: NCAA tournament watch times, bracket news, first ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hoopshq.com/acc/duke-acc-tournament-2026",
"title": "Duke Keeps on Winning as It Adjusts to an Injury-Depleted ...",
"snippet": "The good news for the Blue Devils is that win or lose, they will still be a No. 1 seed once the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed on Sunday."
},
{
"url": "https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2026/03/18/2026-march-madness-final-four-predictions/",
"title": "2026 March Madness Final Four predictions",
"snippet": "Sean Barnard details his top picks for which NCAA Tournament teams will qualify for the Final Four in March Madness."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/duke/blue-devils-3-players-who-will-decide-march-madness-run",
"title": "The 3 Players Who Will Decide Duke's March Madness Run",
"snippet": "The 3 Players Who Will Decide Duke's March Madness Run. These Blue Devils could make or break Duke's NCAA Tournament hopes. Hugh Straine| Mar 16 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48100983/mens-college-basketball-power-rankings-2025-2026-champ-week-stakes",
"title": "Men's college basketball Power Rankings: Biggest stakes ... - ESPN",
"snippet": "1. Duke Blue Devils (28-2) · 2. Arizona Wildcats (28-2) · 3. Michigan Wolverines (27-2) · 4. UConn Huskies (27-3) · 5. Florida Gators (24-6) · 7."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/uconn-michigan-duke-arizona",
"title": "Men's College Basketball Top 10, Bubble Team NET Rankings",
"snippet": "10. UConn (previous: 8). UConn is still winning, having lost just two games this season, but it's just not winning by enough to keep ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywe_8e5sLyA",
"title": "UConn returns to Final Four, Gonzaga loses in second round",
"snippet": "Adam Finkelstein joins CBS Sports HQ with his bold predictions for the 2026 NCAA tournament. (0:00) 2 first round wins by Atlantic 10 (1:35) ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bballnet.com/",
"title": "2026 NET Rankings and Quad Wins",
"snippet": "2026 Quad wins for NCAA College Basketball. NET rankings ... This tool will display the breakdown of quad wins/losses for NCAA DI Men's Basketball Teams."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/good-bad-ugly-no-5-013217734.html",
"title": "The Good, Bad and Ugly of No. 5 Houston's Close Loss vs Arizona ...",
"snippet": "UH basketball was unable to finish the late comeback over Arizona in the Big 12 championship in what became a battle of runs."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48223542/ncaa-tournament-upsets-first-round-giant-killers-march-madness-2026",
"title": "Most probable first-round upsets in the men's 2026 NCAA tournament",
"snippet": "(12) McNeese vs. (5) Vanderbilt. Upset chance: 19% 3:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. This 5 vs. 12 matchup has some similarities to High Point-Wisconsin ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket-simulation-predicts-surprising-upsets-best-sleepers-march-madness-picks/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament 2026 bracket: Simulation predicts surprising ...",
"snippet": "Picking 2026 March Madness upsets can give you a significant advantage in your 2026 March Madness picks, so which 12 over 5 or 13 over 4 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/1rv8diu/making_sense_of_the_madness_2026_part_1/",
"title": "Making Sense of the Madness 2026: Part 1 : r/CollegeBasketball",
"snippet": "The first 3 metrics are just the reverse of the 5-8 seed metrics. Look for 9-12 seeds who have a good defense, can prevent scoring, and force ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121264/2026/03/16/march-madness-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-10-most-likely/",
"title": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for March ...",
"snippet": "The 10 most likely men's NCAA tournament upsets for March Madness 2026 ; No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores vs. No. 12 McNeese Cowboys · 41.2 percent ; No ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMV9y2zvvRo",
"title": "THE MOST ACCURATE MARCH MADNESS UPSET PICKS OF 2026",
"snippet": "Every year, I look at the stats, matchups, and mascots to give you cinderellas to fall in love with while filling out your NCAA Tournament ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/03/ohio-state-got-the-opportunity-it-longed-for-are-the-buckeyes-now-built-for-march-madness-upsets.html",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU NCAA Tournament: What to know about matchup",
"snippet": "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.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-basketball/2026/03/161907/five-things-to-know-takeaways-and-rebounds-fueled-late-season-hot-streak-for-tcu-buckeyes-first-ncaa-tournament-opponent",
"title": "Takeaways and Rebounds Fueled Late-Season Hot Streak for TCU ...",
"snippet": "The No. 8 seed Buckeyes are set to face No. 9 seed TCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with a second-round appearance and likely ..."
},
{
"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://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856479/tcu-ohio-state",
"title": "TCU vs. Ohio State (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the TCU Horned Frogs vs. Ohio State Buckeyes NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ohio-state-tcu-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419219007/",
"title": "Ohio State vs TCU picks, predictions, odds for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "It writes: \"After extensive simulations, our model predicts TCU a win probability of 46%, while Ohio State has a win probability of 54%.\" How to ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 3
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Good, I'm getting some useful information. Let me continue researching more matchups and upset opportunities.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "BYU Texas NC State basketball 2026 First Four matchup analysis"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "St Johns Northern Iowa basketball 2026 matchup preview upset potential"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wisconsin High Point basketball 2026 season preview March Madness"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kentucky Santa Clara Virginia Wright State 2026 NCAA tournament matchups"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Tech Akron basketball 2026 season preview defense ranking"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-basketball/26788/texas-beats-nc-state-in-first-four-draws-byu-basketball",
"title": "Texas Beats NC State in First Four, Draws BYU | Vanquish The Foe",
"snippet": "The Longhorns nearly blew it, but Texas beat NC State 68-66 Tuesday night in the First Four and will play BYU Thursday. Texas led 62-53 with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/march-madness-2026-mens-first-four-live-updates-scores-results-bracket/FaqP8tALRmPJ/qUrhwdrnhidN/",
"title": "NC State or Texas a bigger threat to BYU? - The Athletic",
"snippet": "Per the upset-minded projection model that fuels our annual Bracket Breakers series, NC State would have a 35.2 percent chance of toppling No. 6 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wralsportsfan.com/nc-state-takes-on-texas-in-first-4-matchup/22336833/",
"title": "NC State takes on Texas in First 4 matchup :: WRALSportsFan.com",
"snippet": "NC State (20-13) will play Texas (18-14) at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. The winner will face No. 6 seed BYU in Portland on Thursday. “I'm shocked by ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfqSPBsG7oE",
"title": "Texas or NC State? Breaking Down BYU's First Round Matchup",
"snippet": "With BYU earning a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the Cougars' tournament path is beginning to take shape."
},
{
"url": "https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/the_good_bad_and_ugly_of_texas_longhorns_win_vs_nc_state_in_march_madness/s1_16598_43612523",
"title": "The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Texas Longhorns Win vs. NC State in ...",
"snippet": "Mark led the team in scoring with 17, Matas Vokietaitis contributed 15, and Chendall Weaver had 11 in the contest, giving the Longhorns four ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UsRCo0QRg0",
"title": "St. John's vs. Northern Iowa NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "The Sleepers preview the St. John's vs. Northern Iowa NCAA Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's ..."
},
{
"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.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/21414/why-st-johns-mens-basketball-could-make-a-big-ncaa-tournament-run",
"title": "Why St. John's men's basketball could make a big NCAA ...",
"snippet": "St. John's men's basketball gets 5-seed in East Region at 2026 NCAA Tournament, will face Northern Iowa. Mar 14. St. John's men's basketball ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/st-johns-northern-iowa-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88420748007/",
"title": "St. John's vs Northern Iowa picks for NCAA March Madness",
"snippet": "ESPN: St. John's has an 85% chance to beat Northern Iowa. The site gives the Panthers a 15% shot at defeating the Red Storm in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.aol.com/articles/two-key-northern-iowa-traits-043121223.html",
"title": "The two key Northern Iowa traits that make it intriguing St. John's ...",
"snippet": "Tempo could go a long way in determining how St. John's opening-round NCAA Tournament game goes Friday against No. 12 seed Northern Iowa."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/wisconsin-vs-high-point-prediction-preview-ncaa-tournament-first-round",
"title": "Wisconsin vs High Point Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "Wisconsin and High Point are two of the NCAA Tournament's best scoring teams. Here's the CFN preview and prediction of the first round show."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/wisconsin-high-point-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419749007/",
"title": "Wisconsin vs High Point picks, predictions, odds for March Madness",
"snippet": "ESPN: Wisconsin has a 76.3% chance to beat High Point. The site gives the Panthers a 23.7% shot at defeating the Badgers in the NCAA Tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/wisconsin/predicting-wisconsin-full-ncaa-tournament-path-badgers-shed-postseason-demons",
"title": "Predicting Wisconsin's Full NCAA Tournament Path: Badgers Shed ...",
"snippet": "They're far from battle-tested, and arguably their toughest opponent, UAB, beat them handily, 94-71. Prediction: Wisconsin 86, High Point 73."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/wisconsin-high-point-march-madness-bracket-pick/7f824e50c8e79320d541a736",
"title": "Wisconsin or High Point? How to pick 5 vs 12 matchup in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 5 Wisconsin and No. 12 High Point in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and our ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.badgerobserver.com/p/ncaa-tournament-wisconsin-basketball-high-point-preview-terry-anderson-camron-fletcher",
"title": "Inside Wisconsin basketball's first NCAA Tournament opponent ...",
"snippet": "Record: 30-4, 15-1 in Big South Conference · Coach: Flynn Clayman, first season as High Point coach · NCAA NET rankings: No. 76 · Record vs. Quad 1 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/mml-official-bracket/2026-03-18/2026-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket-schedule-march-madness?amp",
"title": "2026 NCAA tournament printable bracket, schedule for March ...",
"snippet": "Friday, March 20 (First Round/Round of 64). (7) Kentucky vs. (10) Santa Clara | 12:15 p.m. | CBS ... (14) Wright State | 1:50 p.m. | TBS · (2) ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/betting/article/march-madness-2026-picking-every-midwest-region-1st-round-game-including-kentuckys-challenge-211450885.html",
"title": "March Madness 2026: Picking every Midwest region 1st-round ...",
"snippet": "The Wildcats get a tough matchup against Santa Clara on Friday, and ... Wright State isn't particularly impressive in any way, and the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-bracket-2026-march-madness-tournament-first-round/",
"title": "NCAA bracket 2026: Ranking every March Madness tournament first ...",
"snippet": "NCAA bracket 2026: Ranking every March Madness tournament first-round game from No. 1 to No. 32 · 1. (7) Kentucky vs. (10) Santa Clara · 2. (6) ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.bettingpros.com/articles/kentucky-vs-santa-clara-ncaa-tournament-predictions-preview/amp/",
"title": "Kentucky vs. Santa Clara: NCAA Tournament Predictions & Preview",
"snippet": "We'll have picks and predictions for each first-round 2026 NCAA Tournament game. Here are our NCAA Tournament predictions and previews."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48156563/march-madness-2026-every-team-mens-ncaa-tournament-bracket-explained",
"title": "Men's March Madness 2026 bracket: Get to know all 68 teams - ESPN",
"snippet": "The men's bracket has been revealed. Here's what you need to know about every competitor for the national title."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/akron-zips-basketball-vs-texas-224342547.html",
"title": "Akron Zips basketball vs Texas Tech prediction: Our pick for 2026 ...",
"snippet": "It's Akron Zips vs Texas Tech in March Madness bracket. Here's our prediction for the 2026 NCAA Tournament basketball game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.bettingpros.com/articles/texas-tech-vs-akron-ncaa-tournament-predictions-preview/amp/",
"title": "Texas Tech vs. Akron: NCAA Tournament Predictions & Preview",
"snippet": "The Zips rank outside of the top 250 in three-point defense and outside of the top 300 in opponent three-point attempt rate. Their lack of size ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/ncaa-basketball/news/texas-tech-or-akron-how-pick-5-vs-12-matchup-2026-march-madness-bracket/13fc0480cb89065587a86336",
"title": "Texas Tech or Akron? How to pick 5 vs. 12 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Defense was Akron's biggest weakness in the tournament last season ... Texas Tech plays a much slower brand of basketball, ranking 224th in pace."
},
{
"url": "https://vsin.com/college-basketball/texas-tech-vs-akron-prediction-ncaa-tournament-midwest-region-no-5-vs-no-12-march-madness-preview/",
"title": "March Madness Picks: Texas Tech vs. Akron Prediction - VSiN",
"snippet": "Akron's 3-point defense is a problem, but the Zips defend the paint well and force turnovers at a high rate, which neutralizes a lot of what a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkJf8R-HYI0",
"title": "Texas Tech MBB Game Preview: vs. Akron | Score Prediction & Odds",
"snippet": "... defense match up against the Akron Zips basketball team. Can Texas Tech MBB control the pace, dominate the boards, and execute defensively ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 4
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Let me continue getting more specific information on other key matchups, particularly potential upset opportunities.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Vanderbilt McNeese upset probability 2026 March Madness"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "North Carolina VCU basketball 2026 matchup preview"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Saint Marys Texas A&M basketball 2026 March Madness matchup"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Georgia Saint Louis SMU Miami Ohio basketball 2026 tournament"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama Hofstra Clemson Iowa basketball 2026 matchups"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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": "ESPN: Vanderbilt has an 81.2% chance to beat McNeese State. The site gives the Cowboys an 18.8% shot at defeating the Commodores in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/opening-odds-vanderbilt-vs-mcneese-144821639.html",
"title": "Opening Odds: Vanderbilt vs. McNeese - Yahoo Sports",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 · College basketball · Fantasy · NFL · NBA · MLB · NHL ... March Madness 2026, odds, picks, predictions: Our favorite 2026 NCAA ..."
},
{
"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 Watch ...",
"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.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2026/03/16/vanderbilt-vs-mcneese-prediction-pick-odds-march-madness-first-round/89003735007/",
"title": "Vanderbilt vs McNeese prediction, pick, odds March Madness first ...",
"snippet": "Vanderbilt vs McNeese prediction: NCAA Tournament first round. Vanderbilt 80, McNeese 69: The Commodores' physicality and defensive improvement ..."
},
{
"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 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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": "North Carolina opens as the slight favorite over VCU, according to DraftKings, but this could be the smallest spread of the four 6 vs. 11 games."
},
{
"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 game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew ..."
},
{
"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": "To get everyone caught up that may not know how VCU got here, they finished their season with a 27-7 overall record, and 15-3 in A-10 play. They ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tarheeltimes.com/article165223.aspx",
"title": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament",
"snippet": "Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament. Posted Mar 16, 2026. First Round: No. 6 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 11 VCU ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/north-carolina-vcu-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament/88419923007/",
"title": "North Carolina vs VCU picks, predictions, odds for March Madness ...",
"snippet": "Jeremy Cluff writes: \"The Tar Heels are only a 2.5-point favorite in this game. VCU won the Atlantic 10 tournament and has a lot of momentum."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856492/texas-am-saint-marys",
"title": "Texas A&M vs. Saint Mary's (Mar 19, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Saint Mary's Gaels vs Texas A&M Aggies · 0:46. No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's game preview · 0:28. Texas A&M's NCAA tournament preview · 0:44. Saint ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/saint-marys-texas-am-march-madness-bracket-pick/9caacb7001caadc578a20bd8",
"title": "Saint Mary's or Texas A&M? How to pick 7 vs. 10 matchup in 2026 ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 7 Saint Mary's vs. No. 10 Texas A&M in your 2026 March Madness bracket including updated odds and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://aggieswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/aggies/mens-basketball/2026/03/16/texas-aggies-basketball-st-marys-ncaa-tournament-size-mismatch-march-madness/89173002007/",
"title": "Texas A&M faces size challenge against St. Mary's in ... - Aggies Wire",
"snippet": "Texas A&M faces 7-seed St. Mary's in the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies' lack of size could be a challenge against the Gaels."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-3-things-know-113608346.html",
"title": "3 things to know about Saint Mary's, prediction of Aggies-Gaels",
"snippet": "March Madness 2026 bracket, predictions, picks: Best bets for every 2026 NCAA tournament game ... Big 12 basketball tournament updates, scores, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/no-7-saint-marys-strives-for-tournament-breakthrough-against-no-10-texas-a-m/",
"title": "No. 7 Saint Mary's strives for tournament breakthrough against No ...",
"snippet": "march-madness-basketball-swish.jpg · 2026 NCAA Tournament schedule, March Madness scores by region ... predictions for NCAA Tournament. Cameron ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://smumustangs.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-ncaa-first-four-no-11-smu-vs-no-11-miami-oh-wednesday-8-10pm-ct.aspx",
"title": "NCAA First Four: No. 11 SMU vs No. 11 Miami (OH) - SMU Athletics",
"snippet": "No. 11 SMU (20-13) vs No. 11 Miami (OH) (31-1) NCAA Tournament – First Four UD Arena – Dayton, Ohio Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 9:10 p.m. ET ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856436/miami-oh-smu",
"title": "Miami (OH) vs. SMU (Mar 18, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/TheAugustaChronicle/posts/its-georgia-basketball-vs-saint-louis-in-march-madness-to-open-its-2026-ncaa-tou/1351997770306248/",
"title": "It's Georgia basketball vs. Saint Louis in March Madness to open its ...",
"snippet": "It's Georgia basketball vs. Saint Louis in March Madness to open its 2026 NCAA tournament men's bracket. Here's what to know about the first ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/18/miami-ohio-smu-game-channel-tonight-march-madness-2026-ncaa-tournament-bracket-schedule-time-watch/89209575007/",
"title": "Where to watch SMU-Miami Ohio game today: 2026 March Madness ...",
"snippet": "The Miami Ohio Redhawks will face the SMU Mustangs in a March Madness First Four play-in game. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/what-to-watch-miami-ohio-goes-for-first-four-win-after-its-only-loss-of-the-season-130409268.html",
"title": "Miami (Ohio) goes for First Four win after its only loss of the season",
"snippet": "11 SMU (20-13) vs. No. 11 Miami (Ohio) (31-1). 9 ... March Madness 2026 printable brackets for men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/matchup/pride-crimson-tide-2026-03-20/stats",
"title": "Hofstra vs. Alabama: Matchup Stats",
"snippet": "Betting analysis for the 2025-2026 NCAA Basketball season matchup between Hofstra and Alabama. Includes ats, over/under and straight up odds ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/mml-official-bracket/2026-03-17/2026-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket-schedule-march-madness?amp",
"title": "2026 NCAA tournament printable bracket, schedule for ...",
"snippet": "Here is the official, printable 2026 NCAA tournament bracket for March Madness and the DI men's basketball tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/matchup/hawkeyes-tigers-2026-03-20/stats",
"title": "Iowa vs. Clemson: Matchup Stats",
"snippet": "Betting analysis for the 2025-2026 NCAA Basketball season matchup between Iowa and Clemson. Includes ats, over/under and straight up odds ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/clemson-iowa-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420721007/",
"title": "Clemson vs Iowa picks, odds for March Madness NCAA ...",
"snippet": "March Madness picks, predictions, odds for Iowa vs Clemson NCAA Tournament first-round South Region game on Friday, March 20, 2026."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-best-worst-draws-march-madness/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament best and worst draws: Easiest ...",
"snippet": "If this is a game of which backcourt is better, I'll take Alabama's over Hofstra's every single day of the week and twice on Sundays. Aden ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 5
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Let me get some more specific details about potential upsets and close matchups.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arkansas Hawaii Louisville South Florida UCF UCLA 2026 basketball"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Villanova Utah State Gonzaga Purdue Miami Missouri 2026 March Madness"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Nebraska Illinois Pennsylvania Idaho 2026 basketball tournament"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Nebraska Troy upset potential 2026 March Madness"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/arkansas-to-face-hawaii-in-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Arkansas to Face Hawai'i in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "The first round matchup is set for Thursday, March 19 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856496/ucf-ucla",
"title": "UCF vs. UCLA (Mar 20, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the UCF Knights vs. UCLA Bruins NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yes-east-region-loaded-ucla-194226532.html",
"title": "Yes, the East Region is loaded, but UCLA must solely focus on UCF",
"snippet": "The UCLA Bruins will have to travel across the country once again for the NCAA tournament. UCLA will face UCF on Friday in the first round."
},
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/game/ucf-basketball-vs-ucla-basketball-2026-3-20-18-25",
"title": "UCLA vs. UCF - March 20, 2026 | Live Scores, Updates, Odds, Injury ...",
"snippet": "Visit Bleacher Report for live scores of every game. Catch highlights, play-by-play breakdowns, stats, injury reports, and betting odds, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://hogville.net/pig-trail-nation/arkansas-to-face-hawaii-in-2026-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Arkansas to Face Hawai'i in 2026 NCAA Tournament - Hogville.net",
"snippet": "FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas, seeded fourth in the West Region, will face Hawai'i, the region's No. 13 seed, on Thursday, March 19, in the first ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2026/03/15/march-madness-bracket-ncaa-tournament-west-region-predictions/89117533007/",
"title": "NCAA tournament 2026 West Region predictions for March Madness",
"snippet": "... Villanova and Utah State is full of interesting ... March Madness expert picks: Predictions for 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket March Madness ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-15/2026-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates",
"title": "2026 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, dates",
"snippet": "2026 NCAA men's tournament bracket. Click or tap here for the interactive bracket. Here is the 2026 NCAA tournament bracket for March Madness."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-212800633.html",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament West Region Odds, Picks and Predictions",
"snippet": "Purdue and North Carolina are among the big-name teams that are vulnerable heading into the NCAA tournament. Yahoo Sports · March Madness 2026 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2026-ncaa-tournament-west-region-breakdown",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament West Region Breakdown: Arizona, Purdue ...",
"snippet": "Villanova And Utah State Could Set The Tone. The ... The South Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament may be the toughest in the bracket."
},
{
"url": "https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/03/17/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-march-madness-picks/89187322007/",
"title": "Final Four picks; 2026 March Madness predictions for NCAA bracket",
"snippet": "Final Four predictions; our 2026 March Madness picks for NCAA bracket ... First-round predictions. Arizona (1) over LIU (16); Utah State (9) over ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2026-ncaa-tournament-south-region-breakdown",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament South Region Breakdown: Florida ...",
"snippet": "The 2026 NCAA Tournament South Region features defending champion Florida, Houston's elite defense and Illinois' explosive offense."
},
{
"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, ...",
"snippet": "Florida enters the the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed with its frontcourt intact from his 2025 NCAA championship roster."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50FAnBZSiM",
"title": "SOUTH REGION PREVIEW! This is Illinios' region to lose ...",
"snippet": "... Florida, Kansas, North Carolina or Arkansas? SOUTH REGION PREVIEW! This is Illinios' region to lose! | 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket breakdown."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2026-03-15/2026-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates",
"title": "2026 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, ...",
"snippet": "The 2026 March Madness tournament begins with selections on Sunday, March 15. Games start with the First Four on Tuesday, March 17 and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT6nt0YD25Y",
"title": "March Madness South Region Bracket Preview, Picks: Florida ...",
"snippet": "Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander make their game-by-game picks and predictions for the South Region in the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nebraska-troy-pick-4-vs-184800562.html",
"title": "Nebraska or Troy? How to pick 4 vs. 13 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Here is a complete guide to picking No. 4 Nebraska and No. 13 Troy in your 2026 March Madness bracket, including updated odds and our expert ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wowt.com/2026/03/17/nebraska-vs-troy-ncaa-tournament-preview-why-huskers-cant-overlook-no-13-trojans/",
"title": "Nebraska vs. Troy NCAA Tournament Preview: Why the Huskers ...",
"snippet": "... NCAA Tournament game in program history. Troy earned an automatic bid to March Madness after capturing back-to-back Sun Belt Championships."
},
{
"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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8oDUzTpZ3o",
"title": "Nebraska vs. Troy NCAA Tournament Game Preview And Predictions!",
"snippet": "Troy vs Nebraska in NCAA Tournament. Locked On Sun Belt. New. 802 views ... *PERFECT* FULL March Madness 2026 Tournament Bracket Predictions!"
},
{
"url": "https://cornhuskerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/cornhuskers/mens-basketball/2026/03/16/nebraska-basketball-troy-trojans-ncaa-tournament-social-media-reactions/89172610007/",
"title": "Social media reacts to Nebraska facing Troy in the NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Nebraska men's basketball will be headed to Oklahoma City as the No. 4 seed to take on No. 13 Troy in the first round of the NCAA Tournament ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 6
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Let me get some more detailed information on specific matchups, particularly those where I've seen upset potential mentioned.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121264/2026/03/16/march-madness-upsets-ncaa-tournament-2026-10-most-likely/"
}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-bracket-2026-march-madness-tournament-first-round/"
}Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-st-john-basketball-upset-021638293.html"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"error": "We apologize for the inconvenience but we do not support this site. If you are part of an enterprise and want to have a further conversation about this, please fill out our intake form here: https://fk4bvu0n5qp.typeform.com/to/Ej6oydlg",
"content": ""
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "site: media \\| arena: collegebasketball \\| pageType: stories \\|\nsection: \\| slug: ncaa-bracket-2026-march-madness-tournament-first-round \\| sport: collegebasketball \\| route: article\\_single.us \\|\n6-keys: media/spln/collegebasketball/reg/free/stories\n\n[Skip to Main Content](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-bracket-2026-march-madness-tournament-first-round/#page-content)\n\nClose\n\nSign in with your TV provider\n\nIf not listed, please contact your TV provider.\n\n![[object Object] Logo](https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/2020/04/22/e9ceb731-8b3f-4c60-98fe-090ab66a2997/screen-shot-2020-04-22-at-11-04-56-am.png)\n\nAll ProvidersXfinity\n\n# NCAA bracket 2026: Ranking every March Madness tournament first-round game from No. 1 to No. 32\n\n## Here is the 1-32 breakdown of which games should be best over Thursday and Friday\n\n[](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/david-cobb/)\n\nBy\n[David Cobb](https://www.cbssports.com/writers/david-cobb/)\n\n3 hrs ago\n•\n14 min read\n\n\nGetty Images\n\nThe most glorious weekend of the sports calendar is upon us, as the 2026 NCAA Tournament begins, in earnest, on Thursday with first round action spanning from the lunch hour on the east coast until after midnight. Then we get to do it all again on Friday as the field of 64 gets whittled to 32.\n\nThis year's 1-32 ranking of the first round games features a few distinct sections. The four No. 1 seed vs. No. 16 seed games are slotted as the \"worst\" since they bring minimal upset potential and are likely going to be blowouts. Of course, they also include the possibility of something legendary transpiring, but it's highly improbable. In fact, the first nine games on the list are lopsided seeding matchups. At least one will inevitably produce an exciting finish, but it's hard to know where it will happen.\n\nThe next distinction is in the 10-13 range, where four teams with stud freshmen are featured. [Tennessee's](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/TENN/tennessee-volunteers/) [Nate Ament](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/players/29017071/nate-ament/), [BYU's](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/BYU/byu-cougars/) [AJ Dybantsa](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/players/50027666/aj-dybantsa/), [Arkansas](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/ARK/arkansas-razorbacks/)' Darius Acuff and [Kansas](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/KANSAS/kansas-jayhawks/)' [Darryn Peterson](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/players/28906140/darryn-peterson/) are all worth watching in games that carry at least some upset potential.\n\nFinally, games 9-1 are all brimming with intrigue. Most of them should be bangers. The top two feature blue bloods that appear to be in danger against double-digit seeds from outside the high-major structure.\n\nHere's the full 32-1 ranking of the first round's best games in descending order from worst to best.\n\n_Clock is ticking for Brackets! Get back in your pools and enter our Bracket Challenge for your chance to_ **[_win a dream trip_](https://picks.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament/bracket?ftag=CBS-03-10aed4f)** _to the 2027 Final FourⓇ._\n\n### 32\\. (1) Florida vs. (16) Prairie View A&M/Lehigh\n\n**Friday \\| 9:25 p.m. \\| TNT** [Florida](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/FLA/florida-gators/) will be angry after getting blown out against [Vanderbilt](https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/VANDY/vanderbilt-commodores/) in the second round of the SEC Tournament. The Gators are legitimate contenders to repeat as national champio"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "Advertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\n[17\\\\\n\\\\\nHOURS LEFT\\\\\n\\\\\n\\\\\n\\\\\nThink you've got the perfect bracket? Prove it.\\\\\n\\\\\n$50k is on the line. Enter by 3/19\\\\\n\\\\\nFill Out Bracket](https://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/mens-basketball-bracket/register/createteam?ncid=100003769)\n\nTRENDING\n\n- [Play Bracket Mayhem](http://yahoofantasy.com/bracketmayhem)\n\n- [March Madness bracket picks](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-bracket-picks-cinderellas-upsets-final-four-predictions-and-more-for-the-ncaa-mens-and-womens-tournaments-134128076.html)\n\n- [Printable brackets](https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/march-madness-printable-brackets-for-mens-and-womens-2026-ncaa-basketball-tournaments-141418306.html)\n\n- [About WNBA's new CBA and season](https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-wnbas-new-cba-and-upcoming-season-173735615.html)\n\n- [No silver lining for USA](https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/world-baseball-classic-for-team-usa-juggernaut-offense-never-materializes-in-another-wbc-disappointment-075418149.html)\n\n\nStory by [\\\\\n\\\\\n](https://clutchpoints.com/)\n\nLorenzo J Reyna, ClutchPoints\n\nTue, March 17, 2026 at 2:16 AM UTC·\n\n3 min read\n\n_[Why St. John’s basketball is on upset alert in 2026 NCAA Tournament](https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/why-st-johns-basketball-is-on-upset-alert-in-2026-ncaa-tournament) appeared first on [ClutchPoints](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wild-video-shows-indiana-football-011010999.html). Add ClutchPoints as a [Preferred Source by clicking here](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://clutchpoints.com)._\n\n[March Madness](https://clutchpoints.com/tag/march-madness) expectations are higher than ever for St. John’s basketball. Head coach [Rick Pitino](https://clutchpoints.com/tag/rick-pitino) has led the Red Storm to new heights with consecutive Big East titles. [This St. John’s team looks like a strong contender](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-st-john-basketball-win-204616183.html) to come out of the loaded East Regional.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nBut there’s a first order of business to take care of in the NCAA Tournament.\n\nNorthern Iowa is on deck first inside Viejas Arena in San Diego on Friday. The Panthers are an overwhelming underdog already [with the line set for 10.5-points](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaab) per FanDuel Sportsbook.\n\nHowever, the Red Storm aren’t a lock just yet to move on to the second round. Here’s why an upset alert could still occur.\n\n## St. John’s biggest flaw could resurface\n\n\n\nRobert Deutsch-Imagn Images\n\nPitino built his St. John’s teams to play fast, dominate inside and bottle foes on defense.\n\nBut nowhere does it say that the Red Storm can beat teams off the three-pointer.\n\nThat flaw surfaced in the horrendous loss to UConn 72-40 back on Feb. 25, as the Storm shot from 25% there. They still shot at the same percentage in the Big East Conference Championship. Except UConn delivered a way worse 16% from long range.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nStill, the Panthers likely will force Pitino’s team to shoot from outside.\n\n## One "
}assistantMessage 7
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Let me check a few more specific matchups and get better details on expert predictions.
Tool Call: web_fetch
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/north-carolina-vcu-march-madness-bracket-pick/9d36690beed5cb47fb1a29b7"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UCF UCLA upset potential 2026 March Madness preview"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Villanova Utah State 9 vs 8 upset pick 2026"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "SMU Miami Ohio winner First Four 2026 March Madness"
}Tool Result: web_fetch
{
"content": "[Skip to main content](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/north-carolina-vcu-march-madness-bracket-pick/9d36690beed5cb47fb1a29b7#main-content)\n\nLog in\n\n**Log in to Sporting News**\n\nEmail Address\n\nContinue with GoogleCONTINUE WITH EMAIL\n\nContinue Without Login\n\nFeatured\n\n- [\\\\\n\\\\\nNFL](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl)\n- [\\\\\n\\\\\nNBA](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba)\n- [\\\\\n\\\\\nMLB](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb)\n- [\\\\\n\\\\\nNCAAMB](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball)\n\nSports\n\n- [NFL](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl)\n- [NBA](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba)\n- [MLB](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb)\n- [NHL](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl)\n- [Soccer](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer)\n- [NCAAF](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football)\n- [NCAAMB](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball)\n- [NCAAWB](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/womens-college-basketball)\n- [WNBA](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba)\n- [Boxing](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/boxing)\n- [MMA](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mma)\n- [WWE](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wwe)\n- [F1](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/formula-1)\n- [NASCAR](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nascar)\n- [Golf](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/golf)\n- [Tennis](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tennis)\n- [College](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/college)\n- [High School](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/high-school)\n- [Darts](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/darts)\n- [Horse Racing](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/horse-racing)\n- [Olympics](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics)\n- [More Sports](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tsn)\n\nExplore More\n\n- [Fantasy](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/fantasy)\n- [Betting](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/betting)\n- [Watch](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/watch)\n- [The Scene](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/culture)\n- [Tickets](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tickets)\n- [Stadium Guides](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/stadium-guides)\n\nEditions\n\n- [United States \\[English\\]](https://www.sportingnews.com/us)\n- [Argentina](https://www.sportingnews.com/ar)\n- [Australia](https://www.sportingnews.com/au)\n- [Brasil](https://www.sportingnews.com/br)\n- [Canada](https://www.sportingnews.com/ca)\n- [India](https://www.sportingnews.com/in)\n- [日本](https://www.sportingnews.com/jp)\n- [México](https://www.sportingnews.com/mx)\n- [대한민국](https://www.sportingnews.com/kr)\n- [España](https://www.sportingnews.com/es)\n- [ไทย](https://www.sportingnews.com/th)\n- [United Kingdom](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk)\n- [United States \\[Español\\]](https://www.sportingnews.com/us-es)\n- [Việt Nam](https://www.sportingnews.com/vn)\n\n- [About Us](https://sportingnewsholdings.com/)\n- [Careers](https://sportingnews.bamboohr.com/careers)\n-\nPrivacy Preferences\n\n\n- [Terms of Use](https://sportingnewsholdings.com/policies/terms-of-use/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https://sportingnewsholdings.com/policies/privacy-policy/)\n- [Cookie Policy](https://sportingnewsholdings.com/policies/cookie-policy/"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ucla-ucf-pick-7-vs-191500092.html",
"title": "UCLA or UCF? How to pick 7 vs. 10 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "March Madness bracket: We had AI pick every game of the men's NCAA tournament. Here's who won. Who is the better tourney predictor: man or ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/16/ucf-predictions-march-madness-picks-college-basketball/89181127007/",
"title": "Can UCF basketball make a run in March Madness bracket? Our ...",
"snippet": "Can UCF basketball reach NCAA bracket's Sweet 16? Our 2026 March Madness predictions show how Knights can make run in tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://dailybruin.com/2026/03/16/ucla-mens-basketball-march-madness-predictions-2026/",
"title": "UCLA men's basketball March Madness predictions 2026 - Daily Bruin",
"snippet": "UCLA upset No. 3 seed Michigan State – the No. 11 team in the AP Poll and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament – in the Big Ten tournament ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/college/ucf/2026/03/15/ucf-ucla-march-madness-prediction-ncaa-bracket/89142675007/",
"title": "UCF vs UCLA prediction, pick, odds March Madness first round",
"snippet": "It's the UCF Knights vs. the UCLA Bruins in the March Madness bracket. Here's our prediction for the 2026 NCAA Tournament basketball game."
},
{
"url": "https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/16/ucla-ucf-picks-predictions-odds-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-game/88420799007/",
"title": "UCLA vs UCF picks, odds for March Madness NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "ESPN: UCLA has a 72.2% chance to beat UCF. The site gives the Knights a 27.8% shot at defeating the Bruins in the NCAA Tournament March Madness ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/villanova-utah-state-march-madness-bracket-pick/4e082134bc80c23a7452a825",
"title": "Villanova or Utah State? How to pick 8 vs. 9 matchup in 2026 March ...",
"snippet": "Utah State opens as a slight favorite over Villanova, according to DraftKings odds. The Aggies are the lower seed, but they are coming off a ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.vuhoops.com/villanova-basketball/33369/ncaa-tournament-analyzing-villanovas-path-to-a-no-8-seed",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: Analyzing Villanova's path to a No. 8 seed",
"snippet": "Villanova will now take on Utah State in the West Region. It is currently a two-point underdog in Round 1 against the regular season and ..."
},
{
"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 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportsbookreview.com/picks/ncaa-basketball/utah-state-vs-villanova-prediction-picks-odds-march-madness-2026/",
"title": "Utah State vs. Villanova Prediction | 2026 March Madness Picks ...",
"snippet": "This line should stay tight within this 8-9 matchup, despite Utah State's superior metrics and geographic advantage for a game in San Diego."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u55bl4mBB5c",
"title": "Villanova vs. Utah State NCAA Tournament Game Preview And ...",
"snippet": "24:31. Go to channel Depressed Ginger · *PERFECT* FULL March Madness 2026 Tournament Bracket Predictions! Depressed Ginger. New. 92K views · 8: ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856436/miami-oh-smu",
"title": "Miami (OH) vs. SMU (Mar 18, 2026) Live Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Live coverage of the Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. SMU Mustangs NCAAM game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/march-madness-2026-mens-first-four-live-updates-scores-results-bracket/FaqP8tALRmPJ/5XIdJYS4QADL/",
"title": "Barkley wants Miami (Ohio) to win - The Athletic - The New York Times",
"snippet": "Charles Barkley, never one to hide his opinions, wants Miami (Ohio) to beat SMU tomorrow. “I want to make one thing perfectly clear."
},
{
"url": "https://smumustangs.com/news/2026/3/16/mens-basketball-ncaa-first-four-no-11-smu-vs-no-11-miami-oh-wednesday-8-10pm-ct.aspx",
"title": "NCAA First Four: No. 11 SMU vs No. 11 Miami (OH) - SMU Athletics",
"snippet": "No. 11 SMU (20-13) vs No. 11 Miami (OH) (31-1) NCAA Tournament – First Four UD Arena – Dayton, Ohio Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 9:10 p.m. ET ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/march-madness-1-fun-fact-171905295.html",
"title": "1 fun fact about each First Four team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "The betting public is all over the 31-1 Miami (Ohio) RedHawks in their First Four matchup with SMU. Yahoo Sports · March Madness bracket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/15/march-madness-selection-sunday-winners-losers-ncaa-tournament-miami-ohio-st-johns/89117613007/",
"title": "March Madness winners, losers: Miami Ohio gets in, St. John's gets ...",
"snippet": "Miami Ohio got in the field despite rough metrics, while St. John's got a crummy seed in a brutal region. Winners, losers from Selection ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 8
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Based on all my research, here's what I've learned:
**Key Upset Possibilities Based on Research:**
1. **Utah State over Villanova (game-10)** - Utah State is actually a slight favorite in betting markets despite being a 9 seed. Multiple sources mention Utah State is favored by 1.5-2 points.
2. **Texas (after beating NC State in First Four) over BYU (game-13)** - Texas just won the First Four and could have momentum. Also, some analysis mentioned NC State or Texas could be threats to BYU.
3. **Potential upsets to consider:**
- UCF over UCLA (game-7) - UCLA only has ~72% win probability, not overwhelming
- VCU over UNC (game-21) - UNC only slight favorite, VCU won A-10 tournament with momentum
- SMU/Miami Ohio winner over Tennessee (game-29) - Miami Ohio is 31-1 with only 1 loss
- TCU over Ohio State (game-2) - Close matchup, Ohio State ~54% win probability
- Saint Mary's over Texas A&M (game-23) - Some sources mention size advantage
4. **More chalk picks:**
- Most 1 seeds should advance
- Most 5 seeds should win
- The 2 and 3 seeds should largely advance
Let me make my picks based on this research:
**EAST:**
- Game 1: Duke (1) - Clear favorite
- Game 2: TCU (9) - Upset pick, TCU has late-season momentum and Ohio State is only 54% favorite
- Game 3: St. John's (5) - On upset alert but still 85% favorite to win
- Game 4: Kansas (4) - Should win
- Game 5: Louisville (6) - Should win
- Game 6: Michigan State (3) - Should win
- Game 7: UCF (10) - Upset pick, UCLA only ~72% favorite, UCF has good defense
- Game 8: UConn (2) - Should win
**WEST:**
- Game 9: Arizona (1) - Clear favorite
- Game 10: Utah State (9) - Upset pick, actually favored in betting markets
- Game 11: Wisconsin (5) - ~76% favorite
- Game 12: Arkansas (4) - Should win
- Game 13: Texas (11) - Upset pick, won First Four, momentum
- Game 14: Gonzaga (3) - Should win
- Game 15: Missouri (10) - Potential upset, 7-10 game is often volatile
- Game 16: Purdue (2) - Should win
**SOUTH:**
- Game 17: Florida (1) - Clear favorite
- Game 18: Clemson (8) - 8-9 toss-up, going with Clemson
- Game 19: Vanderbilt (5) - ~81% favorite despite some upset talk
- Game 20: Nebraska (4) - Should win
- Game 21: VCU (11) - Upset pick, UNC only slight favorite with 2.5-point spread
- Game 22: Illinois (3) - Should win
- Game 23: Saint Mary's (7) - Size advantage over Texas A&M
- Game 24: Houston (2) - Should win
**MIDWEST:**
- Game 25: Michigan (1) - Clear favorite
- Game 26: Saint Louis (9) - 8-9 toss-up
- Game 27: Texas Tech (5) - Should win
- Game 28: Alabama (4) - Should win
- Game 29: Miami (OH) (11) - Upset pick, 31-1 team with only one loss
- Game 30: Virginia (3) - Should win
- Game 31: Kentucky (7) - Tough matchup but Kentucky should prevail
- Game 32: Iowa State (2) - Should win
I'll adjust the Saint Louis selection back to Georgia for consistency, noting the 8-seed advantage in the Midwest region.
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "game-1",
"winnerId": "duke-blue-devils"
},
{
"gameId": "game-2",
"winnerId": "tcu-horned-frogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-3",
"winnerId": "st-johns-red-storm"
},
{
"gameId": "game-4",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-5",
"winnerId": "louisville-cardinals"
},
{
"gameId": "game-6",
"winnerId": "michigan-state-spartans"
},
{
"gameId": "game-7",
"winnerId": "ucf-knights"
},
{
"gameId": "game-8",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-9",
"winnerId": "arizona-wildcats"
},
{
"gameId": "game-10",
"winnerId": "utah-state-aggies"
},
{
"gameId": "game-11",
"winnerId": "wisconsin-badgers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-12",
"winnerId": "arkansas-razorbacks"
},
{
"gameId": "game-13",
"winnerId": "texas-longhorns"
},
{
"gameId": "game-14",
"winnerId": "gonzaga-bulldogs"
},
{
"gameId": "game-15",
"winnerId": "miami-hurricanes"
},
{
"gameId": "game-16",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-17",
"winnerId": "florida-gators"
},
{
"gameId": "game-18",
"winnerId": "clemson-tigers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-19",
"winnerId": "vanderbilt-commodores"
},
{
"gameId": "game-20",
"winnerId": "nebraska-cornhuskers"
},
{
"gameId": "game-21",
"winnerId": "vcu-rams"
},
{
"gameId": "game-22",
"winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
},
{
"gameId": "game-23",
"winnerId": "saint-marys-gaels"
},
{
"gameId": "game-24",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "game-25",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
},
{
"gameId": "game-26",
"winnerId": "saint-louis-billikens"
},
{
"gameId": "game-27",
"winnerId": "texas-tech-red-raiders"
},
{
"gameId": "game-28",
"winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
},
{
"gameId": "game-29",
"winnerId": "miami-oh-redhawks"
},
{
"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 9
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 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 → st-johns-red-storm
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 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
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 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → miami-oh-redhawks
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: st-johns-red-storm vs kansas-jayhawks
r32-east-3: louisville-cardinals vs michigan-state-spartans
r32-east-4: ucf-knights vs uconn-huskies
r32-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs utah-state-aggies
r32-west-2: wisconsin-badgers vs arkansas-razorbacks
r32-west-3: texas-longhorns vs gonzaga-bulldogs
r32-west-4: miami-hurricanes vs purdue-boilermakers
r32-south-1: florida-gators vs clemson-tigers
r32-south-2: vanderbilt-commodores vs nebraska-cornhuskers
r32-south-3: vcu-rams vs illinois-fighting-illini
r32-south-4: saint-marys-gaels vs houston-cougars
r32-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs saint-louis-billikens
r32-midwest-2: texas-tech-red-raiders vs alabama-crimson-tide
r32-midwest-3: miami-oh-redhawks 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 10
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke Blue Devils vs TCU Horned Frogs basketball 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "St John's Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks basketball 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Louisville Cardinals vs Michigan State Spartans basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UCF Knights vs UConn Huskies basketball 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona Wildcats vs Utah State Aggies basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Wisconsin Badgers vs Arkansas Razorbacks basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Miami Hurricanes vs Purdue Boilermakers basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Clemson Tigers basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "VCU Rams vs Illinois Fighting Illini basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Saint Marys Gaels vs Houston Cougars basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines vs Saint Louis Billikens basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Alabama Crimson Tide basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Miami Ohio Redhawks vs Virginia Cavaliers basketball 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kentucky Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones basketball 2025"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/duke-predicted-to-face-historic-mid-major-program-in-first-round-of-march-madness-11678640",
"title": "Duke Predicted to Face Historic Mid-Major Program in First Round of ...",
"snippet": "Duke Blue Devils are projected to face an historic mid-major program in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "Should be in (2). TCU Horned Frogs. Updated: March 13, 12:05 a.m. ... Duke Blue Devils. Locks (5). Virginia Cavaliers · North Carolina Tar ..."
},
{
"url": "https://dukechronicle.com/article/duke-mens-basketball-season-predictions-scheyer-record-boozer-foster-brown-evans-ngongba-harris-khamenia-schedule-20251030",
"title": "The Chronicle's 2025-26 Duke men's basketball season predictions",
"snippet": "I anticipate the Blue Devils to drop some of their tougher non-conference games, especially towards the beginning of the season, as Duke still ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article315064969.html",
"title": "TCU vs. Ohio State and Duke - Fort Worth Star-Telegram",
"snippet": "The Blue Devils will face No. 16 seed Siena (23-11) in the first round. TCU and Ohio State head to Greenville playing well, with the Horned ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.hoopshq.com/rankings/bracketology-2026-march-2-2026",
"title": "Bracketology 2026: Men's NCAA Tournament Projections - Hoops HQ",
"snippet": "Duke Blue Devils. 16 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats / UMBC Retrievers. 8 Villanova ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/kansas-march-madness-hub-schedule-seed-opponent-and-path-to-final-four",
"title": "Kansas March Madness Hub: Schedule, Seed, Opponent, and Path ...",
"snippet": "The Red Storm have been inconsistent in 2025-26, but they are getting hot at the right time. They recently steamrolled UConn by 20 points in ..."
},
{
"url": "https://throughthephog.com/kansas-bill-self-looking-at-potential-second-round-nightmare-in-ncaa-tournament-01kkstfyv7j5",
"title": "Kansas, Bill Self looking at potential second-round nightmare in ...",
"snippet": "The round of 32, however, will be a much more stifling St. John's out of the Big East, assuming the Red Storm take out No. 12 Northern Iowa ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2025/3/16/24387117/st-johns-mens-basketball-earns-2-seed-in-the-2025-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "St. John's men's basketball earns 2-seed in the 2025 NCAA ...",
"snippet": "The NCAA men's basketball tournament selection committee has named St. John's a 2-seed in the West Region during Sunday's bracket reveal show."
},
{
"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": "But the chance to go out by winning really big with the Red Storm is very much on the table for Pitino in 2025-26. It could be his last ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORiKQVy3vKo",
"title": "Can 5-Seed St. John's Make A MAJOR Final Four Run? - YouTube",
"snippet": "March Madness is officially here, and the bracket is set for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Dexter Henry is joined by college ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://msuspartans.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Michigan State Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Michigan State University Spartans."
},
{
"url": "https://gocards.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - University of Louisville Athletic",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the University of Louisville Cardinals."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/michst/michigan-st-spartans/schedule/",
"title": "Michigan St. Spartans Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Michigan St. Spartans schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-basketball/team/louisville-cardinals-college-basketball/schedule/",
"title": "Louisville Cardinals Schedule - 2025-26 NCAAM Games - The Athletic",
"snippet": "Full 2025-26 Louisville Cardinals schedule. Scores, opponents, and dates of games for the entire season."
},
{
"url": "https://msuspartans.com/sports/mbball/opponent-history/louisville/128",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Louisville ... - Michigan State",
"snippet": "The official Michigan State University Spartans Men's Basketball History vs University of Louisville. ... 2025-26 Media Guide (PDF) · Game Notes (PDF). Coaches."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47809690/bubble-watch-mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-predictions-2026",
"title": "Men's Bubble Watch: Tracking which teams will make (or miss) the ...",
"snippet": "The forecast composite still gives the Pirates' at-large chances of 13%, with uncertainty across the bubble. Still, they rank outside the top 50 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfnkN319U5g",
"title": "2025-2026 Big East Season Preview, Predictions - YouTube",
"snippet": "... Huskies bounce back after last year's uneven season or will Rick ... 3 Guys Before the Game - WVU Basketball: UCF Recap / Big XII Preview."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theuconnblog.com/uconn-huskies-mens-basketball/53033/2025-26-uconn-mens-basketball-schedule-preview-elite-non-conference-games",
"title": "2025-26 UConn men's basketball schedule preview: Elite non ...",
"snippet": "UConn will play the likes of New Haven, UMass Lowell and Columbia as it looks to get its feet underneath itself — but those are not elite ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyTtgUxSMU4",
"title": "UConn vs. Florida PREDICTION | 2025-26 SEC Basketball Predictions",
"snippet": "Blake Lovell and Max Barr preview UConn vs. Florida in the 2025-26 college basketball season and share predictions for this highly ..."
},
{
"url": "https://247sports.com/college/uconn/season/2025-basketball/currenttargetpredictions/",
"title": "2025 Basketball Current Target Predictions - 247 Sports",
"snippet": "UConn 2025 Basketball Latest Target Crystal Ball Predictions."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RdFqRD4vS8",
"title": "Utah vs. Arizona State Highlights | 2025-26 Big 12 Men's Basketball",
"snippet": "The Arizona State Sun Devils knocked off the Utah Utes at home in Tempe with a 73-60 victory. #ArizonaState #Highlights #Basketball #Big12 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401725764/utah-arizona",
"title": "Arizona 83-66 Utah (Feb 26, 2025) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Caleb Love hit six 3-pointers and scored 23 points, leading No. 22 Arizona to an 83-66 blowout over Utah on Wednesday night in the Utes' first game since coach ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X1ASTNF_lo",
"title": "1 Arizona vs. Utah Extended Highlights | 2025-26 Big 12 ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "The no. 1 team in the nation, Arizona Wildcats, opened up Big 12 Conference play with a 97-78 win over the Utah Utes on Saturday, January 3, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - University of Arizona Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the University of Arizona Wildcats."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np5GmnxHEV0",
"title": "Arizona State vs. Utah Extended Highlights | 2025-26 Big ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Arizona State Sun Devils defeated the Utah Utes, 71-63, to become 12-11 on the 2025-26 College Basketball season."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-basketball/89251/wisconsin-badgers-basketball-news-who-makes-sweet-sixteen-arkansas-razorbacks-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Which team will make it out of Wisconsin's pod? - Bucky's 5th Quarter",
"snippet": "The Wisconsin Badgers have a very intriguing first weekend matchup. Will they find a way to make the Sweet Sixteen?"
},
{
"url": "http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/badgers-bracket-preview-dominant-arkansas-razorbacks-could-challenge-wisconsin/ar-AA1YKuSe?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "Badgers' bracket preview: Dominant Arkansas Razorbacks could ...",
"snippet": "Badgers' Bracket Preview: Dominant Arkansas Razorbacks could challenge Wisconsin 1 © Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd (2) hits a three-point basket ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-basketball/89231/wisconsin-badgers-basketball-news-prediction-sweet-sixteen-arkansas-razorbacks",
"title": "Wisconsin Basketball: Badgers predicted to make Sweet Sixteen run",
"snippet": "In return, Arkansas has -120 odds to make the Sweet Sixteen. With the bracket set, is this Wisconsin's best chance at a run in the NCAA ..."
},
{
"url": "https://uwbadgers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule | Wisconsin Badgers",
"snippet": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule. Skip Ad. Wisconsin Badgers. vs. High Point. Thursday, March 19. Portland, OR. 12:50 PM CT. 1Days."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/wisc/wisconsin-badgers/schedule/",
"title": "Wisconsin Badgers Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Wisconsin Badgers schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401824031/texas-southern-gonzaga",
"title": "Gonzaga 98-43 Texas Southern (Nov 3, 2025) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Grant-Foster has 15 to lead No. 21 Gonzaga over Texas Southern 98-43. — Tyon Grant-Foster scored 15 points and Graham Ike added 13 points and 11 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://gozags.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Gonzaga University Athletics",
"snippet": "Scheduled Games · kraziness small. Oct 4 (Sat) 4 p.m. · Northwest University Logo. Oct 19 (Sun) 2 p.m. · Western Oregon University Logo. Oct 27 (Mon) 6 p.m. · Texas ..."
},
{
"url": "https://texaslonghorns.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/gonzaga-university/57",
"title": "University of Texas Athletics Men's Basketball History vs Gonzaga ...",
"snippet": "The official University of Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball History vs Gonzaga University. ... 2025-26 Fact Book · 2025-26 TV/Radio Roster · News Archives · All ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8214xBKi7o",
"title": "Texas Southern Tigers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs | Full Game Highlights",
"snippet": "Check out these highlights as the No. 21 Gonzaga Bulldogs kick off their 2025-26 season with a 98-43 win over the Texas Southern Tigers."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/GONZAG/gonzaga-bulldogs/schedule/",
"title": "Gonzaga Bulldogs Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Gonzaga Bulldogs schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://purduesports.com/boxscore/15799",
"title": "Women's Basketball vs Miami (OH) 11/23/2025 - Purdue Boilermakers",
"snippet": "Women's Basketball Box Score. Print Save as PDF. Purdue. 79-68. vs. Miami (OH). DateSun, Nov. 23 (2025). Time12:30 pm. LocationWest Lafayette, Ind. / Mackey ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401818693/miami-oh-purdue",
"title": "Purdue 79-68 Miami (OH) (Nov 23, 2025) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Game summary of the Purdue Boilermakers vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks NCAAW game, final score 79-68, from November 23, 2025 on ESPN."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/womens-college-basketball/miami-oh-redhawks-vs-purdue-boilermakers-nov-23-2025-game-boxscore-385196",
"title": "Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Purdue Boilermakers: Nov 23, 2025",
"snippet": "View the Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Purdue Boilermakers women's basketball game played on November 23, 2025. Box score, stats, odds, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZNqPY83fiU",
"title": "Miami (OH) at Purdue | Big Ten Women's Basketball | 11/23/2025",
"snippet": "Miami (OH) at Purdue | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Women's Basketball | 11/23/2025 · Comments."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thescore.com/wcbk/events/2451580/box_score",
"title": "Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Purdue Boilermakers | November 23, 2025",
"snippet": "Line Score. 1, 2, 3, 4. Miami (OH) logo M-OH. 15, 15, 20, 18. Purdue logo PUR. 18, 22, 17, 22. T. 68. 79. Key Players. Miami (OH) RedHawks."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Florida Gators",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Florida Gators Gators."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IwusQM5jpA",
"title": "Florida vs. Clemson Condensed Game | 2024-25 ACC ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Tigers lost to the Gators, 77-64. Clemson made multiple runs to close the Florida lead, but the Gators were always able to respond with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://clemsontigers.com/boxscore/677",
"title": "Men's Basketball vs Florida State 1/11/2025 - Clemson",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball Box Score. Print. Clemson. 77-57. vs. Florida State. DateSat, Jan. 11 (2025). Time2:00 pm. LocationLittlejohn Coliseum. StatusHome."
},
{
"url": "https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/clemson-university/139",
"title": "Florida Gators Men's Basketball History vs Clemson University",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; Wins. 9. Losses. 10 ; Home Record. 3-3. Away Record. 3-6 ; Conference Record. 2-7. Streak. L1."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/game/6351491",
"title": "Florida St. vs Clemson Basketball Game Summary - NCAA.com",
"snippet": "Live scores from the Florida St. and Clemson DI Men's Basketball game, including box scores, individual and team statistics and play-by-play."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.secsports.com/scores/26132/live",
"title": "Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska Feb 16, 2025 - Live Scores",
"snippet": "Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska Feb 16, 2025 - Live Scores - Southeastern Conference ; 2B, 3, Jayden Davis ; 3B, 8, Chris Maldonado ; C · 44, Colin Barczi."
},
{
"url": "https://huskers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Huskers.com",
"snippet": "Overall26-6; PCT.813; Conf.15-5; PCT.750; StreakL1; Home16-2; Away7-3; Neutral3-1. Schedule Events. Home. Friday Sep 19. 6:30 PM CDT. Nebraska_N_RGB. vs."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-basketball/team/vanderbilt-commodores-college-basketball/schedule/",
"title": "Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule - 2025-26 NCAAM Games",
"snippet": "Full 2025-26 Vanderbilt Commodores schedule. Scores, opponents, and dates of games for the entire season."
},
{
"url": "https://vucommodores.com/sports/mbball/schedule/",
"title": "Official Men's Basketball Schedule",
"snippet": "2025-26. Men's Basketball Schedule. Vanderbilt University Athletics - Official Athletics Website. Overall 26 - 7. PCT 0.788. Conf. 11 - 7. PCT 0.611."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/VANDY/vanderbilt-commodores/schedule/",
"title": "Vanderbilt Commodores Schedule 2025-26",
"snippet": "View the Vanderbilt Commodores schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - University of Illinois Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. ... Oct 19 (Sun) 2 pm CT B1G+ Busey Bank Illini Sports Network. vs."
},
{
"url": "https://vcuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - VCU Athletics",
"snippet": "Scheduled Games · Virginia Commonwealth University Logo. Oct 11 (Sat) 4:30 p.m. · Villanova University Logo. Oct 19 (Sun) 5 p.m. 910 The Fan · Fairfield University ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/far-illinois-projecting-ncaa-tournament-114530892.html",
"title": "How Far Can Illinois Go? Projecting the NCAA Tournament South ...",
"snippet": "The Illini are the No. 3 seed in the South Region at the NCAA Tournament. Here is our game-by-game prediction for the region."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/2251111224/posts/10163178858301225/",
"title": "Illinois fighting illini basketball tournament schedule - Facebook",
"snippet": "We was given a 3 seed in the South region in Greenville SC against #14 Penn on Thursday. We win we play #6 North Carolina if not # 11 VCU THINK ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/VCU/vcu-rams/schedule/",
"title": "VCU Rams Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the VCU Rams schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://smcgaels.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - SMC California Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Saint Mary's College of California Gaels."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/saint-marys-ca/men/2026-schedule.html",
"title": "2025-26 Saint Mary's Gaels Men's Schedule and Results",
"snippet": "Record: 27-5 (16-2, 1st in WCC MBB) ; Rank: 21st in the Mar 9th AP Poll ; Coach: Randy Bennett ; PS/G: 78.2 (115th of 365) ; PA/G: 64.6 (7th of 365)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-basketball/team/saint-mary-s-gaels-college-basketball/schedule/",
"title": "Saint Mary's Gaels Schedule - 2025-26 NCAAM Games - The Athletic",
"snippet": "Full 2025-26 Saint Mary's Gaels schedule. Scores, opponents, and dates of games for the entire season."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/saint-marys-ca/men/2025-schedule.html",
"title": "2024-25 Saint Mary's Gaels Men's Schedule and Results",
"snippet": "Record: 29-6 (17-1, 1st in WCC MBB) ; Rank: 24th in the Final AP Poll ; Coach: Randy Bennett ; PS/G: 72.9 (208th of 364) ; PA/G: 61.1 (5th of 364)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/maryca/saint-marys-gaels/schedule/",
"title": "Saint Mary's Gaels Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Saint Mary's Gaels schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://slubillikens.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2025-26",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Saint Louis University",
"snippet": "Central Michigan University Logo. Dec 7 (Sun) 2 pm ESPN+ 104.1 FM / 1120 AM ... Hide/Show Additional Information For Central Michigan - December 7, 2025."
},
{
"url": "https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - University of Michigan Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Michigan Wolverines."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/STLOU/saint-louis-billikens/schedule/",
"title": "Saint Louis Billikens Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Saint Louis Billikens schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/139/saint-louis-billikens",
"title": "Saint Louis Billikens 2025-26 Postseason NCAAM Schedule - ESPN",
"snippet": "ESPN has the full 2025-26 Saint Louis Billikens Postseason NCAAM schedule. Includes game times, TV listings and ticket information for all Billikens games."
},
{
"url": "https://www.proballers.com/basketball/team/1148/saint-louis-billikens/schedule",
"title": "Saint Louis Billikens Schedule (2025-2026) - Proballers",
"snippet": "The Saint Louis Billikens had 7 NCAA games scheduled on the month of November 2025. They went 6-1 overall. 0-0 on the road, and 6-1 at home. Their largest win ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://texastech.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Texas Tech Red Raiders",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Texas Tech Athletics Red Raiders."
},
{
"url": "https://rolltide.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Alabama Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Alabama Crimson Tide."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/2641/texas-tech-red-raiders",
"title": "Texas Tech Red Raiders 2025-26 Postseason NCAAM Schedule",
"snippet": "ESPN has the full 2025-26 Texas Tech Red Raiders Postseason NCAAM schedule. Includes game times, TV listings and ticket information for all Red Raiders ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/BAMA/alabama-crimson-tide/schedule/",
"title": "Alabama Crimson Tide Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Alabama Crimson Tide schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season ... Texas Tech Red Raiders · Texas-El Paso Miners · Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/1533266070767324/posts/1858639291563332/",
"title": "Saturday, March 29, 2025 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders (28-8) vs. 1 ...",
"snippet": "Texas Tech DOMINATES. Red Raiders steamroll BYU 34–7 to claim the 2025 Big 12 Championship and lock up a Top-4 Playoff seed. Joey McGuire's ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401851181/miami-virginia",
"title": "Virginia 84-62 Miami (Mar 13, 2026) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "— Ugonna Onyenso scored 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting, Thijs De Ridder and Sam Lewis each scored 16 points and No. 10 Virginia beat Miami 84-62 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6j_iLYRx8U",
"title": "Miami vs. Virginia Full Game Replay | 2025-26 ACC Men's Basketball",
"snippet": "Miami vs. Virginia: Each team lit up the nets, but it would be UVA moving on with their eighth consecutive victory after defeating Miami ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w68IuMCTVYw",
"title": "Miami vs. Virginia Condensed Game | 2025-26 ACC ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Another spot in the record books for Kymora Johnson! The Virginia Cavaliers took care of business with a 67-56 win over the visiting Miami ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL8VWB7gGLg",
"title": "Virginia vs. Miami ACC Tournament Full Game Recap! - YouTube",
"snippet": "The Sleepers recap the Virginia vs. Miami ACC Tournament game! This video is brought to you by Tinker Coffee, the Midwest's best brew!"
},
{
"url": "https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Miami University RedHawks",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Miami University Redhawks."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://cyclones.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Schedule - Iowa State Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2025-26 Men's Basketball schedule for the Iowa State Cyclones."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6873158/2025/12/08/ap-mens-basketball-top-25-arizona-iowa-state-kentucky/",
"title": "AP men's basketball Top 25: Arizona becomes season's third No. 1",
"snippet": "AP men's basketball Top 25: Arizona becomes season's third No. 1; Kentucky falls out of poll ; 2. Michigan. 8-0 ; 3. Duke. 10-0 ; 4. Iowa State. 9- ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/66/iowa-state-cyclones",
"title": "Iowa State Cyclones 2025-26 Postseason NCAAM Schedule - ESPN",
"snippet": "ESPN has the full 2025-26 Iowa State Cyclones Postseason NCAAM schedule. Includes game times, TV listings and ticket information for all Cyclones games."
},
{
"url": "https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/schedule/",
"title": "Men's Basketball Schedule 2025-26 - UK Athletics",
"snippet": "The Official Athletic Site of UK Athletics, partner of WMT Digital. The most comprehensive coverage of Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball on the web with ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/UK/kentucky-wildcats/schedule/",
"title": "Kentucky Wildcats Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "View the Kentucky Wildcats schedule for the 2025 College Basketball season. Find game opponents, dates and times, results and more."
}
]
}assistantMessage 11
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
The search results are providing general information but not specific matchup predictions. Let me search more specifically for each matchup to get better information about team rankings and strengths.
Let me try searching for current team rankings and performance:
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2025-2026 college basketball rankings Duke Kansas Michigan State UConn Arizona Texas Purdue Houston Alabama Virginia Kentucky"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "2025-2026 NCAA basketball tournament power rankings team comparison"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings",
"title": "2025-26 Men's College Basketball Rankings",
"snippet": "Men's College Basketball Rankings ; 1. DUKE Duke (50). 32-2 ; 2. Arizona ARIZ Arizona (7). 32-2 ; 3. Michigan MICH Michigan. 31-3 ; 4. Florida FLA Florida. 26-7 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/rankings/ap/",
"title": "College Basketball Rankings 2025-26 - AP Top 25",
"snippet": "Get the latest College Basketball rankings for the 2025-26 season. Find out where your favorite team is ranked in the AP Top 25, Coaches Poll, Top 25 And 1, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7100173/2026/03/09/mens-college-basketball-top-25-duke-michigan-ncaa-tournament/",
"title": "Men's college basketball Top 25: Why Duke, Michigan ...",
"snippet": "Men's college basketball Top 25: Why Duke, Michigan, Arizona, Florida look Final Four-bound ; 5. UConn. 27-4 ; 6. Houston. 26-5 ; 7. Michigan State."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-net-rankings",
"title": "NCAA Men's Basketball NET Rankings",
"snippet": "1, Duke, 32-2, ACC, 10-1, 7-1, 15-0, 0-0, 1, 17-2, 6-0, 2-0, 7-0. 2, Michigan, 31-3, Big Ten, 11-0, 6-2, 14-1, 0-0, 2, 17-3, 5-0, 6-0, 3-0. 3, Arizona, 32-2 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/MarchMadnessMBB/posts/-first-net-rankings-of-2025-26-1-michigan2-duke3-purdue4-vanderbilt5-gonzaga6-ar/1243543307808726/",
"title": "🚨 FIRST NET RANKINGS OF 2025-26 🚨 1. Michigan 2. ...",
"snippet": "FIRST NET RANKINGS OF 2025-26 1. Michigan 2. Duke 3. Purdue 4. Vanderbilt 5. Gonzaga 6. Arizona 7. Iowa State 8. UConn 9. Louisville 10."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25406020-power-ranking-all-68-teams-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Power Ranking All 68 Teams in the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Selection Sunday has finally arrived, and with it the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament field has been set."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121400/2026/03/16/mens-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-power-rankings/",
"title": "2026 Men's NCAA Tournament power rankings: The 16 teams most ...",
"snippet": "2026 Men's NCAA Tournament power rankings: The 16 teams most likely to win it all · Arizona Wildcats · Duke Blue Devils · Michigan Wolverines."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-bracket-ranking-every-team-march-madness-1-to-68/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament bracket: Ranking every team playing in ...",
"snippet": "This is a crash course on every team in the 2026 tournament field. We're about to enter the final stage of what's been arguably the best season ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-ranking-every-ncaa-tournament-team-from-1-to-68-130623230.html",
"title": "March Madness: Ranking every NCAA tournament team, from 1 to 68",
"snippet": "Who's the best team in the NCAA tournament? Why settle for knowing just that when there are 68 teams in the field?"
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-breakdown-top-matchups-upsets-predictions",
"title": "2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Breakdown | FOX Sports",
"snippet": "The Aggies rank 29th nationally in tempo, which sets the stage for a delightful contrast in approach between these two teams. 3. Who are three ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 12
Mar 18, 2026, 10:19 PMReasoning
Now I have much better information. Let me analyze based on the rankings:
Key Rankings Information:
1. Duke (#1, 32-2)
2. Arizona (#2, 32-2)
3. Michigan (#3, 31-3)
4. Florida (#4, 26-7)
5. UConn (#5, 27-4)
6. Houston (#6, 26-5)
7. Michigan State (#7)
- Purdue, Vanderbilt, Gonzaga also highly ranked
NET Rankings mentioned:
1. Michigan
2. Duke
3. Purdue
4. Vanderbilt
5. Gonzaga
6. Arizona
7. Iowa State
8. UConn
9. Louisville
Now let me make my picks based on this information:
**EAST REGION:**
1. r32-east-1: Duke Blue Devils vs TCU Horned Frogs
- Duke is #1 ranked at 32-2
- Pick: **duke-blue-devils**
2. r32-east-2: St John's Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks
- Kansas is a traditional powerhouse
- St John's was mentioned as a 2-seed but Kansas historically stronger
- Pick: **kansas-jayhawks**
3. r32-east-3: Louisville Cardinals vs Michigan State Spartans
- Michigan State is #7 ranked
- Louisville is mentioned but MSU seems stronger
- Pick: **michigan-state-spartans**
4. r32-east-4: UCF Knights vs UConn Huskies
- UConn is #5 ranked, 27-4
- Pick: **uconn-huskies**
**WEST REGION:**
5. r32-west-1: Arizona Wildcats vs Utah State Aggies
- Arizona is #2 ranked at 32-2
- Pick: **arizona-wildcats**
6. r32-west-2: Wisconsin Badgers vs Arkansas Razorbacks
- Both solid teams, Arkansas was described as "dominant"
- This could go either way, but I'll pick the stronger SEC team
- Pick: **arkansas-razorbacks**
7. r32-west-3: Texas Longhorns vs Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Gonzaga is ranked #5 in NET rankings and traditionally strong
- Pick: **gonzaga-bulldogs**
8. r32-west-4: Miami Hurricanes vs Purdue Boilermakers
- Purdue is #3 in NET rankings and highly ranked overall
- Pick: **purdue-boilermakers**
I'll continue analyzing the remaining matchups, focusing on team rankings and historical performance to make informed selections.
**SOUTH REGION:**
9. r32-south-1: Florida Gators vs Clemson Tigers
- Florida is #4 ranked at 26-7
- Pick: **florida-gators**
10. r32-south-2: Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Vanderbilt is #4 in NET rankings
- Pick: **vanderbilt-commodores**
11. r32-south-3: VCU Rams vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Illinois is a 3-seed, VCU is an 11-seed
- Pick: **illinois-fighting-illini**
12. r32-south-4: Saint Marys Gaels vs Houston Cougars
- Houston is #6 ranked at 26-5
- Pick: **houston-cougars**
**MIDWEST REGION:**
13. r32-midwest-1: Michigan Wolverines vs Saint Louis Billikens
- Michigan is #3 ranked at 31-3, #1 in NET rankings
- Pick: **michigan-wolverines**
14. r32-midwest-2: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Alabama Crimson Tide
- Alabama is a strong SEC team, Texas Tech had good season but Alabama stronger historically
- Pick: **alabama-crimson-tide**
15. r32-midwest-3: Miami (OH) Redhawks vs Virginia Cavaliers
- Virginia is traditionally stronger ACC program
- Pick: **virginia-cavaliers**
16. r32-midwest-4: Kentucky Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones
- Iowa State is #7 in NET rankings, Kentucky fell out of poll
- Pick: **iowa-state-cyclones**
I'll finalize these selections, carefully considering each team's current ranking and historical performance.
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": "vanderbilt-commodores"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-3",
"winnerId": "illinois-fighting-illini"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-south-4",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "michigan-wolverines"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-2",
"winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-3",
"winnerId": "virginia-cavaliers"
},
{
"gameId": "r32-midwest-4",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 13
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 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 → st-johns-red-storm
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 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
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 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → miami-oh-redhawks
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 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
s16-east-1: duke-blue-devils vs kansas-jayhawks
s16-east-2: michigan-state-spartans vs uconn-huskies
s16-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs arkansas-razorbacks
s16-west-2: gonzaga-bulldogs vs purdue-boilermakers
s16-south-1: florida-gators vs vanderbilt-commodores
s16-south-2: illinois-fighting-illini vs houston-cougars
s16-midwest-1: michigan-wolverines vs alabama-crimson-tide
s16-midwest-2: virginia-cavaliers vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 8 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 14
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMI'll research these matchups to make informed picks for the Sweet 16.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Duke Blue Devils vs Kansas Jayhawks 2024 matchup season comparison"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan State Spartans vs UConn Huskies 2024 basketball comparison"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona Wildcats vs Arkansas Razorbacks 2024 basketball stats comparison"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue Boilermakers 2024 basketball matchup"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Florida Gators vs Vanderbilt Commodores 2024 SEC basketball comparison"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston Cougars 2024 basketball stats"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson Tide 2024 basketball matchup"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Virginia Cavaliers vs Iowa State Cyclones 2024 basketball comparison"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401706886/kansas-duke",
"title": "Kansas 75-72 Duke (Nov 26, 2024) Final Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Dajuan Harris scored 14 points and top-ranked Kansas withstood the ejection of star center Hunter Dickinson to beat No. 11 Duke 75-72."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/duke-basketball-schedule-2024-25-showdowns-vs-kansas-kentucky-lead-rankings-of-top-five-nonconference-games/",
"title": "Duke basketball schedule 2024-25: Showdowns vs. Kansas ...",
"snippet": "Duke opens up the 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 at home in Durham, North Carolina, against Maine and plays another game at Cameron Indoor Stadium vs. Army on Nov. 8."
},
{
"url": "https://goduke.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/kansas/427",
"title": "Duke University Men's Basketball History vs University of Kansas",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; First Matchup. W 92-86. 12/1/1985 ; Last 10 Matchups. 4-6. 3/19/2000 - 11/18/2025 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 102-77. 2/18/1989."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/how-kansas-basketball-has-historically-fared-vs-duke-in-champions-classic",
"title": "How Kansas Basketball Has Historically Fared vs Duke in ...",
"snippet": "The Jayhawks have historically performed well against the Blue Devils in the Champions Classic, winning several early-season matchups. Here ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5WWJ7GjhcM",
"title": "Duke Basketball vs. Kansas Jayhawks: Who Has the Edge? - YouTube",
"snippet": "... season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a ... 1 Kansas in Las Vegas Showdown | Duke Blue Devils Podcast. Locked On ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2025/10/28/mens-basketball-4-uconn-leads-wire-to-wire-in-exhibition-vs-22-msu",
"title": "#4 UConn Leads Wire To Wire In Exhibition vs. #22 MSU",
"snippet": "HARTFORD – The No. 4 UConn men's basketball team led wire-to-wire and topped No. 22 Michigan State by a score of 76-69 on Tuesday night in ..."
},
{
"url": "https://m.aiscore.com/head-to-head/basketball/michigan-state-vs-uconn-huskies",
"title": "Michigan State vs UConn Huskies Basketball Head To ... - AiScore",
"snippet": "This page lists the head-to-head record of Michigan State vs UConn Huskies including biggest victories and defeats between the two sides, and H2H stats in all ..."
},
{
"url": "https://msuspartans.com/news/2025/10/28/mens-basketball-no-22-michigan-state-falls-short-to-no-4-uconn-76-69-in-final-exhibition-game",
"title": "No. 22 Michigan State Falls Short to No. 4 UConn, 76-69, in Final ...",
"snippet": "22 Michigan State Falls Short to No. 4 UConn, 76-69, in Final Exhibition Game. 10/28/2025 11:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theuconnblog.com/uconn-huskies-mens-basketball/53066/exhibition-uconn-holds-off-michigan-state-76-69",
"title": "Exhibition: UConn men's basketball tops Michigan State, 76-69",
"snippet": "UConn men's basketball won its final exhibition on Tuesday night, dispatching Michigan State 76-69 in a foul-heavy, but promising tune-up."
},
{
"url": "https://www.wfsb.com/2025/10/28/uconn-mens-basketball-face-michigan-state-exhibition-finale/",
"title": "No. 4 UConn men's basketball takes down No. 22 Michigan State",
"snippet": "The No. 4 Huskies defeated the No. 22 Spartans 76-69 in Hartford. The game tipped off at 7:30 p.m. and was broadcast live on Channel ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/stats/basketball-men/d1",
"title": "NCAA College Men's Basketball DI Stats",
"snippet": "Discover the current NCAA Division I Men's Basketball leaders in every stats category, as well as historic leaders."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/stat/opponent-three-point-pct",
"title": "NCAA BB Team Opponent Three Point %",
"snippet": "The stats on this page exclude preseason games, but include data from all other games against Division I opponents, including the regular season and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bpi",
"title": "Men's College Basketball Power Index 2025-26",
"snippet": "View the 2025-26 Men's College Basketball power index on ESPN. The BPI is the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics",
"snippet": "Team Stats (24-13, 14-6) ; Points Per Game PPG, 82.5, 73.3 ; Scoring Margin Margin, 9.2, -- ; Shooting ; FG: Made-Attempted FGM-FGA, 1076-2268, 953-2274."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/groups/387323107017276/posts/631496259266625/",
"title": "Arizona Wildcats facing tough defense in Big12",
"snippet": "It's like ku is getting slept on or going under the radar bc of losing in one of the toughest places to play in the country ."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqiE5ljGseo",
"title": "Purdue vs. Gonzaga: 2024 NCAA men's Sweet 16 | FULL REPLAY",
"snippet": "Zach Edey continued his steamroll through the 2024 NCAA tournament with 27 points and 14 rebounds in Purdue's 80-68 Sweet 16 win over ..."
},
{
"url": "https://bigten.org/mbb/game/477304_PUR-vs-GONZ_20240329/stats/",
"title": "Stats for Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers Men's ... - Big Ten",
"snippet": "Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers Men's Basketball game at 2024-03-29 11:39 PM (UTC)"
},
{
"url": "https://purduesports.com/news/2024/03/29/top-seeded-purdue-rolls-past-gonzaga-for-spot-in-elite-eight",
"title": "Top-Seeded Purdue Rolls Past Gonzaga For Spot in Elite Eight",
"snippet": "Purdue topped No. 18-ranked and fifth-seeded Gonzaga, 80-68, to move to Sunday's Midwest Regional final."
},
{
"url": "https://www.thescore.com/ncaab/events/2432080",
"title": "Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Purdue Boilermakers | March 29, 2024 | NCAAB",
"snippet": "Gonzaga Bulldogs @ Purdue Boilermakers on March 29, 2024. Final. TBS/truTV. Gonzaga logo. (5). Gonzaga. 27-8. 68 · Purdue logo. (1). Purdue. 34-5."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ncaa.com/embed/video/basketball-men/2024-03-29/purdue-boilermakers-vs-gonzaga-bulldogs-condensed-game-202421256",
"title": "Purdue vs. Gonzaga - Sweet 16 NCAA tournament extended ...",
"snippet": "... Gonzaga 80-68 to advance to the Elite Eight. Watch the extended ... Purdue vs. Gonzaga - Sweet 16 NCAA tournament extended highlights. DI Men's Basketball."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/breaking-news/article/vanderbilts-sec-tournament-upset-of-florida-could-knock-the-gators-off-the-no-1-line-on-selection-sunday-191346979.html",
"title": "Vanderbilt's SEC tournament upset of Florida could knock ...",
"snippet": "Vandy had just seven turnovers while Florida turned it over 13 times. The Commodores turned those Gators turnovers into 24 points. If the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/florida/basketball/takeaways-as-florida-is-shockingly-eliminated-from-sec-tournament-01kkpw88c3py",
"title": "Takeaways as Florida is Shockingly Eliminated from SEC ...",
"snippet": "The Florida Gators were upset by Vanderbilt, 91-74, in the SEC Tournament Semifinal."
},
{
"url": "https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/gators/mens-basketball/2026/03/14/florida-basketball-vanderbilt-commodores-sec-tournament-takeaways-recap/89154001007/",
"title": "Takeaways from Florida basketball's SEC Tournament loss vs ...",
"snippet": "The Commodores shot 55% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc while forcing Florida into 14 turnovers. The Gators fought back on the glass, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://apnews.com/article/vanderbilt-commodores-florida-florida-gators-college-basketball-mens-college-basketball-19a2df97e174487884974dfc45d2fff3",
"title": "Florida meets Vanderbilt in SEC Tournament",
"snippet": "Vanderbilt Commodores (25-7, 12-7 SEC) vs. Florida Gators (26-6, 17-2 SEC). Nashville, Tennessee; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/basketball/what-was-the-difference-between-vanderbilt-s-first-and-second-meeting-against-florida",
"title": "What Was the Difference Between Vanderbilt's First and ...",
"snippet": "Vanderbilt did not just beat Florida, the Commodores bullied the Gators in a way that college basketball fans have not seen Florida lose ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - Illinois Athletics",
"snippet": "The official 2024-25 Men's Basketball cumulative statistics for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401408618",
"title": "Houston 68-53 Illinois (Mar 20, 2022) Box Score - ESPN",
"snippet": "Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston Cougars. Men's Basketball Championship - South Region - 2nd Round. HOU. 5. Houston CougarsHoustonHOU. 31-5."
},
{
"url": "https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24",
"title": "2023-24 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - Illinois Athletics",
"snippet": "Team Stats (29-9, 14-6) ; FG: Percentage FG% .469 .432 ; FG: Per Game FGM/G · 29.1, 27.5 ; 3PT: Made-Attempted 3PT-3PA, 317-908, 233-684 ; 3PT: Percentage 3PT% .349 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://livescores.biz/basketball/h2h/houston-cougars-5-vs-illinois-fighting-illini-3",
"title": "Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston Cougars head to head - livescores.biz",
"snippet": "Last Illinois Fighting Illini stats ; 19:00. Illinois Fighting Illini. - ; FT. (ET). 07/02/2026. Michigan State Spartans. 85-82 ; FT. 04/02/2026. Illinois Fighting ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nwba.org/stats/team_instance/9785831?subseason=930671",
"title": "University of Illinois Fighting Illini - Men - 2024-25 Regular Season",
"snippet": "University of Illinois Fighting Illini - Men · Home · Game Schedule · Player Stats · Team Stats · Standings · Photos · Videos · Posts · League · Division."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"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 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.co.uk/college-football/matchup?gameId=401677102",
"title": "Michigan 19-13 Alabama (31 Dec, 2024) Game Stats - ESPN (UK)",
"snippet": "Complete team stats and game leaders for the Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide NCAAF game from 31 December 2024 on ESPN (UK)."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr0r5kCjZKs",
"title": "MIDWEST REGION PREVIEW: Will Michigan's slump HAUNT them?",
"snippet": "Michigan Wolverines face renewed scrutiny after a late-season slump—can their high-octane offense carry them through the Midwest bracket, or ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buBLDFpaNhU",
"title": "Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines | Full Game Highlights",
"snippet": "See full game highlights as the Michigan Wolverines took down the Alabama Crimson Tide, 19-13, in the Reliaquest Bowl on New Year's Eve ..."
},
{
"url": "https://tide1009.com/game-week-central-alabama-michigan/",
"title": "Game Week Central - Alabama & Michigan - Tide 100.9",
"snippet": "Alabama is currently a 12.5-point favorite over Michigan. Over/Under is set at 43.5 points. Moneyline: Alabama (-500) Michigan (+360). ESPN ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/iowa-state/basketball/iowa-state-basketball-has-a-major-edge-for-ncaa-tournament",
"title": "Iowa State Basketball Has a Major Edge for NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "Blake Buchanan was on the Virginia Cavaliers team that took part in the Play-In Round in 2024. Iowa State has right group to win in March. Iowa ..."
},
{
"url": "https://m.aiscore.com/head-to-head/basketball/lowa-state-vs-virginia-commonwealth",
"title": "Virginia Commonwealth vs Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Head To ...",
"snippet": "Last 5, Virginia Commonwealth won 3, Lose 2, 80.8 points per macth, 72.0 opponent points per game, Against the spread(ATS) win%: 40.0%, Total points over%: ..."
},
{
"url": "https://scores.sir.sportradar.com/en/match/19697618",
"title": "Iowa State Cyclones - Virginia Cavaliers | Overview | StatsHub",
"snippet": "Season Statistics ; 68.4Points72.8 ; 35Rebounds35.7 ; 14.2Assists12.6 ; 9.5Steals6.9 ; 3.8Blocks3.6."
},
{
"url": "https://www.flashscoreusa.com/game/basketball/iowa-state-cyclones-IVoor6eq/virginia-cavaliers-KYGSKbF2/",
"title": "Iowa State Cyclones v Virginia Cavaliers results, stats | Basketball",
"snippet": "Follow Iowa State Cyclones v Virginia Cavaliers (basketball) results, h2h statistics and Iowa State Cyclones latest results, news and more ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/shorts/62wQMvFq7Jw",
"title": "Iowa State is a Nightmare Matchup for Virginia. Cyclones ... - YouTube",
"snippet": "Iowa State can rely on 3s if Virginia clogs the paint. That's why ... Clemson vs. Iowa, Full ACC March Madness Bracket Breakdown. Iowa ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 15
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMReasoning
Let me analyze the matchups based on the search results:
1. **s16-east-1: Duke vs Kansas**
- Search shows Kansas beat Duke 75-72 in Nov 2024, and Kansas is ranked #1
- Kansas has historically performed well against Duke
2. **s16-east-2: Michigan State vs UConn**
- UConn is ranked #4, Michigan State is ranked #22
- UConn beat Michigan State 76-69 in exhibition
- UConn appears to be the stronger team
3. **s16-west-1: Arizona vs Arkansas**
- Arizona has strong scoring (82.5 PPG) and good margin (9.2)
- Not much direct comparison data, but Arizona appears strong
4. **s16-west-2: Gonzaga vs Purdue**
- 2024 Sweet 16: Purdue beat Gonzaga 80-68
- Purdue (1 seed) beat Gonzaga (5 seed)
- Purdue seems to have the advantage historically
5. **s16-south-1: Florida vs Vanderbilt**
- Vanderbilt upset Florida in SEC Tournament 91-74
- Vanderbilt shot 55% from field, forced Florida turnovers
- Vanderbilt has Florida's number recently
6. **s16-south-2: Illinois vs Houston**
- 2022: Houston beat Illinois 68-53 in NCAA tournament
- Houston has strong defense historically
7. **s16-midwest-1: Michigan vs Alabama**
- Search shows Alabama pulled off upset vs Michigan in 2024 Sweet 16
- Alabama is favored (-500 moneyline)
- Alabama seems to be the pick here
8. **s16-midwest-2: Virginia vs Iowa State**
- Search mentions "Iowa State is a Nightmare Matchup for Virginia"
- Iowa State has 3-point shooting if Virginia clogs the paint
- Iowa State appears to have the edge
I'll refine my bracket selections based on the research insights. The tournament looks like it will feature several compelling matchups with clear favorites emerging from the data.
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "s16-east-1",
"winnerId": "kansas-jayhawks"
},
{
"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": "vanderbilt-commodores"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-south-2",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "alabama-crimson-tide"
},
{
"gameId": "s16-midwest-2",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 16
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PM## Round 4 of 6: Elite 8
Your previous picks advanced these teams. Now pick winners for the next round.
### Your Prior Picks
Round of 64: game-1 → duke-blue-devils
Round of 64: game-2 → tcu-horned-frogs
Round of 64: game-3 → st-johns-red-storm
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 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
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 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → miami-oh-redhawks
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 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → kansas-jayhawks
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → vanderbilt-commodores
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → alabama-crimson-tide
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
e8-east-1: kansas-jayhawks vs uconn-huskies
e8-west-1: arizona-wildcats vs purdue-boilermakers
e8-south-1: vanderbilt-commodores vs houston-cougars
e8-midwest-1: alabama-crimson-tide vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 4 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 17
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Kansas vs UConn NCAA tournament 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Arizona vs Purdue NCAA tournament 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Vanderbilt vs Houston NCAA tournament 2025 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama vs Iowa State NCAA tournament 2025 prediction"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ku-basketball-game-prediction-jayhawks-120000706.html",
"title": "KU basketball game prediction: Can Jayhawks top No. 5 UConn in ...",
"snippet": "Here is a scouting report and prediction for Tuesday's showdown: Kansas basketball vs. UConn: Game details. When: 8 p.m. Central, Tuesday."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/espn-matchup-predictor-forecasts-kansas-vs-uconn-matchup",
"title": "ESPN Matchup Predictor Forecasts Kansas vs UConn Matchup",
"snippet": "Views around this matchup are mixed, with most sportsbooks listing UConn as a 1.5-point favorite. However, the ESPN Matchup Predictor gives KU ..."
},
{
"url": "https://pickdawgz.com/college-basketball-picks/uconn-vs-kansas-prediction-12-2-2025-todays-college-basketball-picks-2025-12-02/",
"title": "UConn vs Kansas Prediction 12/2/2025 Today's College Basketball ...",
"snippet": "The Jayhawks shot 42.1 percent from the field in that one but really won the game from the line on 26-of-30 (86.7 percent) there. Kansas is ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/no-5-uconn-vs-no-21-kansas-preview-matchups-and-prediction",
"title": "No. 5 UConn vs No. 21 Kansas: Preview, Matchups, and Prediction",
"snippet": "UConn enters as the favorite, but I'm taking Kansas to escape with a tight victory."
},
{
"url": "https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaab/uconn-huskies-vs-kansas-jayhawks-predictions-picks-odds-college-basketball-tuesday-december-2",
"title": "UConn vs Kansas Predictions, Picks, Odds -- 12/2 - Action Network",
"snippet": "UConn is favored by -2 points on the spread with a moneyline of -140. The total is set at 143 points. Here's my UConn vs. Kansas prediction and ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.thedailygopher.com/ncaa-bracket-predictions/39944/ncaa-tournament-west-region-preview",
"title": "NCAA Tournament West Region Preview - The Daily Gopher",
"snippet": "Who wins the West: Purdue. If Purdue has figured out their defense, they are fully capable of beating Arizona and getting to the Final Four."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7121417/2026/03/16/mens-ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket-picks-arizona/",
"title": "Who will win the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Our expert Lindsay ...",
"snippet": "The play of point guard Jaden Bradley is just one reason why this college hoops expert believes in Arizona going all the way."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIJcOmNJQ8c",
"title": "Purdue can go on a RUN and knock off Arizona - YouTube",
"snippet": "'Purdue can go on a RUN and knock off Arizona' | 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket breakdown ... 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Preview & Picks ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2026-march-madness-men-field-predictions",
"title": "NCAA Bracketology: 2026 March Madness men's field predictions",
"snippet": "The selection show is almost here! Here's the latest look at what we're expecting when it starts."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/betting-the-west-region-in-2026-ncaa-tournament-predictions-odds-upsets-for-march-madness",
"title": "Betting the West Region in 2026 NCAA Tournament - Sports Illustrated",
"snippet": "Each West Region Team's Odds to Win March Madness · Arizona: +330 · Purdue: +2700 · Gonzaga: +8000 · Arkansas: +6000 · Wisconsin: +12500 · BYU: +50000 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vanderbilt-basketball-sweet-16-march-183147784.html",
"title": "Will Vanderbilt basketball make Sweet 16 in March Madness? Jay ...",
"snippet": "ESPN analyst Jay BIlas believes Vanderbilt men's basketball will make it to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16."
},
{
"url": "https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/2026/03/15/final-four-predictions-ncaa-bracket-picks-march-madness/89100520007/",
"title": "Final Four picks, March Madness predictions for NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "After coming up short in the 2025 national championship game against Florida, Houston will win a rematch against the Gators in the Elite ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1106825/ncaa-tournament-bracket-predictions-with-surprise-team-reaching-mens-final-four",
"title": "NCAA tournament bracket predictions with surprise team reaching ...",
"snippet": "NCAA tournament bracket predictions with surprise team reaching men's Final Four | SB Nation."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2026-ncaa-tournament-south-region-bracket-preview/",
"title": "2026 NCAA Tournament South Region bracket preview - CBS Sports",
"snippet": "Saint Mary's will hope it goes like last year's 59-56 win over Vanderbilt. Top potential matchup. (2) Houston vs. (3) Illinois: The matchup ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.facebook.com/tuscnews/posts/who-will-win-2025-ncaa-tournament-bracket-our-best-march-madness-final-four-pred/1534080152056360/",
"title": "Who will win 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket? Our best March ...",
"snippet": "The FLORIDA GATORS are the new 2025 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! 🔥 They beat the Houston Cougars,65-63."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bracketology-where-experts-predict-alabama-173552110.html",
"title": "Bracketology: Where experts predict Alabama basketball will land in ...",
"snippet": "Here's where the experts project Alabama basketball will be when the NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnKhLqZNFCU",
"title": "Alabama, Auburn, Duke & Iowa State projected 1 seeds for the 2025 ...",
"snippet": "CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC #bracketology #brackets #auburn #auburnbasketball #auburntigers #alabama #alabamacrimsontide ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44291868/dick-vitale-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-picks-duke-2025",
"title": "Dick Vitale's complete 2025 men's NCAA tournament bracket - ESPN",
"snippet": "Dick Vitale's complete 2025 men's NCAA tournament bracket. Cooper Flagg has his sights set on leading Duke to its first national championship in 10 years."
},
{
"url": "https://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/2025/02/sec-bracket-watch-2025-why-iowa-states-loss-is-alabama-auburn-and-secs-gain.html",
"title": "SEC Bracket Watch 2025: Why Iowa State's loss is Alabama, Auburn ...",
"snippet": "Iowa State's three-game stumble has led to three SEC schools sitting atop the No. 1 seed line in most bracket projections, Including my latest ..."
},
{
"url": "https://collegefootballnews.com/college-basketball/ncaa-tournament-predictions-2025-east-region",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Predictions 2025: East Region Picks & First ...",
"snippet": "Here are our first thoughts and predictions on every East game to help fill out your brackets if you have to get them out now."
}
]
}assistantMessage 18
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMReasoning
The search results show:
- Kansas vs UConn: UConn favored by 1.5-2 points, ESPN predictor gives edge to Kansas
- Arizona vs Purdue: Some analysis suggests Purdue can knock off Arizona, but Arizona has better odds (+330 vs +2700)
- Vanderbilt vs Houston: Houston appears to be favored (won rematch against Gators, looking like a strong team)
- Alabama vs Iowa State: Both mentioned as potential 1 seeds in projections
Let me search for more specific matchup information for each game.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Kansas Jayhawks Elite 8 basketball analysis 2025"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Purdue Boilermakers vs Arizona Wildcats Elite 8 matchup breakdown"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston Cougars vs Vanderbilt Commodores Elite 8 prediction"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Alabama Crimson Tide vs Iowa State Cyclones Elite 8 game preview"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401812791",
"title": "UConn 61-56 Kansas (Dec 2, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN",
"snippet": "UConn Huskies @ Kansas Jayhawks · Freshman guard Braylon Mullins scores 17 points as No. 5 UConn rallies past No. 21 Kansas 61-56."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2025/12/3/mens-basketball-no-5-uconn-nabs-road-win-at-no-21-kansas-61-56",
"title": "No. 5 UConn Nabs Road Win At No. 21 Kansas, 61-56 - University ...",
"snippet": "No. 5 UConn Nabs Road Win At No. 21 Kansas, 61-56 ; In the second half, UConn shot 44.8 percent and held Kansas to 25.0 percent; Connecticut ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www2.kusports.com/sports/college/basketball-men/2025/dec/02/quick-recap-ku-loses-grueling-61-56-result-to-no-5-uconn/",
"title": "KU loses grueling 61-56 result to No. 5 UConn - KU Sports",
"snippet": "For the first time ever, Connecticut has beaten Kansas, and it dealt the Jayhawks a rare nonconference home loss in the process."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theuconnblog.com/uconn-huskies-mens-basketball/53875/takeaways-huskies-finally-conquer-kansas",
"title": "Takeaways: Huskies finally conquer Kansas | The UConn Blog",
"snippet": "The Huskies' star freshmen powered UConn to the win over the Jayhawks. by Dan Madigan. Dec 3, 2025, 8:40 AM PST. 00. Comments."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/kansas-braylon-mullins-eric-reibe-solo-ball-21219507.php",
"title": "UConn men's freshmen lead Huskies to first-ever win over Kansas",
"snippet": "Solo Ball scored 17 points and Alex Karaban scored nine of his 11 in the latter half to lead fifth-ranked UConn to a 61-56 win over No. 21 ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/college/purdue/basketball/predicting-purdue-path-2026-final-four-indianapolis-college-basketball",
"title": "Predicting Purdue's Path to the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis",
"snippet": "Elite Eight. No. 2 Purdue def. No. 1 Arizona. Get top Boilermakers stories, expert analysis, and can't-miss moments ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-no-1-seed-120000723.html",
"title": "NCAA Tournament: How No. 1 seed Arizona can get to the Final Four",
"snippet": "12 High Point (30-4) or No. 13 Hawai'i (24-8) can pull a pair of upsets. If the UA makes the Elite Eight, No. 2 Purdue (27-8) or No. 3 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdPLWEK6XGc",
"title": "'Arizona CHALLENGED by Purdue' | 2026 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "-- Sign up for BetMGM Sportsbook with code FIELD: · Join our Survivor Pool for March: · The Field of 68 Bracket Pool: · Use promocode: 'FIELDS' and ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/mens-march-madness-selection-sunday-live-updates-ncaa-tournament-bracket/NakgKo1oJqdx/0F1CsVGKR89i/",
"title": "Purdue gets boost from Big Ten tournament win - The Athletic",
"snippet": "West Region being second means Arizona is the No. 2 overall seed, a deserving reward for the Wildcats. Also makes it more likely that Arizona ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/18idrcn/final_four_preview_no_1_arizona_wildcats_80_vs_no/",
"title": "Final Four Preview?: No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (8-0) vs No. 3 Purdue ...",
"snippet": "Final Four Preview?: No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (8-0) vs No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (9-1)."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-bracket-predictions-surprise-194216558.html",
"title": "NCAA tournament bracket predictions with surprise team reaching ...",
"snippet": "Only one No. 1 seed fails to make the men's Final Four in this projection."
},
{
"url": "https://lindyssports.com/college-basketball/espn-analyst-predicts-ncaa-tournament-south-region",
"title": "ESPN Analyst Predicts NCAA Tournament South Region",
"snippet": "Florida is top seed; possible Elite Eight rematch with Houston predicted. \"There's potential for multiple upsets throughout this region,\" ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/south-region-odds-picks-predictions",
"title": "2026 South Region Odds & Picks: NCAA Tournament Bracket Analysis",
"snippet": "Houston to Make the Elite Eight (+105): I know. It's March Madness — not March Normalcy — but how are we getting plus-money value on the No ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-predictions-south-region-cinderella-team-to-avoid-and-winner-from-college-basketball-expert/",
"title": "NCAA Tournament predictions: South region Cinderella, team to ...",
"snippet": "College basketball expert Thomas Casale looks at the South region in the 2026 tournament and picks a Cinderella, team to avoid and regional ..."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-south-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144500297.html",
"title": "March Madness: South region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks ...",
"snippet": "Florida and Houston played for last year's national championship. Will we get a rematch this year in the Elite Eight?"
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/march-madness-midwest-region-predictions-cinderella-expert-picks-schedule-odds-betting-lines-and-more-144504385.html",
"title": "Midwest region predictions, Cinderella, expert picks, schedule, odds ...",
"snippet": "Michigan opened as the early favorite after the selection show, but is now firmly the No. 2 favorite behind Duke. Iowa State's odds have ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-tournament-predictions-college-basketball-expert-has-midwest-region-cinderella-team-to-avoid-and-winner/",
"title": "Expert's Cinderella, bracket buster, team to avoid and winner for ...",
"snippet": "If the Cyclones reach the Elite Eight and face top seed Michigan, this is where the Wolverines' ball-handling issues will come into play."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/betting-the-midwest-region-in-2026-ncaa-tournament-predictions-odds-upsets-for-march-madness",
"title": "Betting the Midwest Region in 2026 NCAA Tournament",
"snippet": "If they face Michigan in the Elite 8 with the Final Four on the line, Iowa State will have a stylistic advantage. The biggest weakness of the ..."
},
{
"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": "If L.J. Cason were available, I would take Michigan in this game. But Iowa State is just too good on the defensive end. The Cyclones are the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7105478/2026/03/17/march-madness-national-championship-houston-illinois-purdue-gonzaga/",
"title": "Twelve men's basketball teams with the best chance of winning their ...",
"snippet": "Alabama is decorated on turf, but its hardwood success is a newfound development. Nate Oats coached the Crimson Tide to their first Final Four ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 19
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMReasoning
Based on the search results, I can gather some insights:
1. **Kansas vs UConn**: UConn just beat Kansas 61-56 in December 2025 (a road win at Kansas). UConn is favored by 1.5-2 points in betting markets. The Huskies have strong freshmen and have shown they can beat Kansas.
2. **Arizona vs Purdue**: Arizona is the No. 1 seed, Purdue is the No. 2 seed in the West. Some analysis suggests Purdue could beat Arizona, and there's even a prediction saying "No. 2 Purdue def. No. 1 Arizona" in Elite Eight. However, Arizona has much better odds to reach Final Four.
3. **Vanderbilt vs Houston**: Houston appears to be the favorite, with analysis suggesting they would make the Elite Eight. Houston also played for the national championship recently, showing they're a strong team.
4. **Alabama vs Iowa State**: Some analysis suggests Iowa State has advantages in certain matchups, and there are references to them potentially beating top seeds. However, Alabama is also mentioned as having Final Four potential.
Let me make my picks based on this information:
1. **e8-east-1**: UConn - they just beat Kansas head-to-head and are favored
2. **e8-west-1**: Purdue - there are specific predictions of Purdue beating Arizona in Elite Eight
3. **e8-south-1**: Houston - strong favorite, championship experience
4. **e8-midwest-1**: Iowa State - some analysis gives them advantages and predicts wins
Let me submit these picks.
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "e8-east-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-west-1",
"winnerId": "purdue-boilermakers"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-south-1",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
},
{
"gameId": "e8-midwest-1",
"winnerId": "iowa-state-cyclones"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 20
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 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 → st-johns-red-storm
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 → ucf-knights
Round of 64: game-8 → uconn-huskies
Round of 64: game-9 → arizona-wildcats
Round of 64: game-10 → utah-state-aggies
Round of 64: game-11 → wisconsin-badgers
Round of 64: game-12 → arkansas-razorbacks
Round of 64: game-13 → texas-longhorns
Round of 64: game-14 → gonzaga-bulldogs
Round of 64: game-15 → miami-hurricanes
Round of 64: game-16 → purdue-boilermakers
Round of 64: game-17 → florida-gators
Round of 64: game-18 → clemson-tigers
Round of 64: game-19 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 64: game-20 → nebraska-cornhuskers
Round of 64: game-21 → vcu-rams
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 → saint-louis-billikens
Round of 64: game-27 → texas-tech-red-raiders
Round of 64: game-28 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 64: game-29 → miami-oh-redhawks
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 → vanderbilt-commodores
Round of 32: r32-south-3 → illinois-fighting-illini
Round of 32: r32-south-4 → houston-cougars
Round of 32: r32-midwest-1 → michigan-wolverines
Round of 32: r32-midwest-2 → alabama-crimson-tide
Round of 32: r32-midwest-3 → virginia-cavaliers
Round of 32: r32-midwest-4 → iowa-state-cyclones
Sweet 16: s16-east-1 → kansas-jayhawks
Sweet 16: s16-east-2 → uconn-huskies
Sweet 16: s16-west-1 → arizona-wildcats
Sweet 16: s16-west-2 → purdue-boilermakers
Sweet 16: s16-south-1 → vanderbilt-commodores
Sweet 16: s16-south-2 → houston-cougars
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-1 → alabama-crimson-tide
Sweet 16: s16-midwest-2 → iowa-state-cyclones
Elite 8: e8-east-1 → uconn-huskies
Elite 8: e8-west-1 → purdue-boilermakers
Elite 8: e8-south-1 → houston-cougars
Elite 8: e8-midwest-1 → iowa-state-cyclones
### Current Matchups (derived from your winners)
ff-1: uconn-huskies vs purdue-boilermakers
ff-2: houston-cougars vs iowa-state-cyclones
Pick the winner of each game below. You may use web_search and web_fetch to research matchups before deciding.
Do not ask follow-up questions. Everything you need is in the matchup list above. If you research, use the exact tool names `web_search` and `web_fetch`.
## Tools Available
- **web_search**, **web_fetch**, **use_browser**, **lookup_team**, **calculator**, **submit_round**
Call submit_round with your 2 pick(s) when ready.
Do not end with a prose recap. Your final response must be a submit_round tool call.
assistantMessage 21
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Purdue Boilermakers basketball 2024 2025 prediction comparison"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston Cougars vs Iowa State Cyclones basketball 2024 2025 prediction comparison"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/purdue-vs-uconn-odds-line-prediction-2024-ncaa-tournament-national-championship-game-picks-by-proven-model/",
"title": "Purdue vs. UConn odds, line, prediction: 2024 NCAA Tournament ...",
"snippet": "The Huskies are 6.5-point favorites in the latest Purdue vs. UConn odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 143.5."
},
{
"url": "https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10115908-uconn-vs-purdue-2024-odds-advice-and-key-player-predictions-for-championship",
"title": "UConn vs. Purdue 2024: Odds Advice and Key Player Predictions ...",
"snippet": "The Huskies have been a six-point favorite or better in 30 of their 39 previous games, so it's no surprise to see them attached to a decent- ..."
},
{
"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=W27I2l4oZwU",
"title": "2024 National Championship Game Predictions & UConn vs Purdue ...",
"snippet": "Action Network's college basketball analyst Michael Calabrese gives out his best bets for the National Championship matchup of UConn vs ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/final-four-exact-scores-odds-picks-2024",
"title": "Final Four Odds & Score Predictions: Bet on Exact ... - Covers.com",
"snippet": "Final Four score predictions · Exact score predictions: Purdue 75-66 and UConn 91-78 · Exact score predictions: Purdue 78-71 and UConn 85-72."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/houston-vs-iowa-state-odds-picks-2025-college-basketball-predictions-feb-22-best-bets-from-proven-model/",
"title": "Houston vs. Iowa State odds, picks: 2025 college basketball ...",
"snippet": "Houston is favored by 12.5 points in the latest Iowa State vs. Houston odds, while the over/under is 129.5 points per SportsLine consensus."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/iowa-state-basketball-vs-houston-144758868.html",
"title": "Iowa State basketball vs. Houston prediction, game preview",
"snippet": "The Cyclones and Cougars are in the top 20 nationally for offensive rebounding rate. Iowa State secures 37.3% of offensive rebounding ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2025/02/21/houston-vs-iowa-state-basketball-prediction-odds-time-tv-for-february-22-2025/",
"title": "Houston vs. Iowa State Predictions, Odds, How to Watch (Feb. 22 ...",
"snippet": "Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. central. Houston (22-4, 14-1 in Big 12) is ranked No. 5 in the AP Top 25 while the Cyclones (21-5 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://foxsportsradio1230.iheart.com/content/2025-12-31-iowa-state-vs-houston-womens-basketball-predictions-dec-31/",
"title": "Iowa State vs. Houston Women's Basketball Predictions - Dec. 31",
"snippet": "The Iowa State Cyclones (13-0) will look to continue a 13-game winning streak when they visit the Houston Cougars (6-6) on December 31, 2025 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnIx_Xe3S6E",
"title": "Houston vs. Iowa State Game Preview And Predictions! - YouTube",
"snippet": "Iowa State Game Preview And Predictions! 2.1K ... Houston Cougars vs. Iowa State Cyclones | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Basketball."
}
]
}assistantMessage 22
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PMReasoning
Based on my research:
1. **UConn vs Purdue**: The betting odds and predictions favor UConn, who are 6.5-point favorites. UConn has been dominant throughout the tournament and is seen as the stronger team.
2. **Houston vs Iowa State**: Houston is heavily favored, being 12.5-point favorites. Houston has been very strong and is ranked higher.
I'll make my picks accordingly:
- ff-1: uconn-huskies
- ff-2: houston-cougars
Now I'll submit my Final Four picks.
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "ff-1",
"winnerId": "uconn-huskies"
},
{
"gameId": "ff-2",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
}
]
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}userMessage 23
Mar 18, 2026, 10:20 PM## Round 6 of 6: Championship
You have reached the Championship. There is exactly ONE game left.
### Championship Matchup
champ-1: uconn-huskies vs houston-cougars
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 24
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PMTool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Houston Cougars 2024 championship game prediction stats"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies basketball team stats 2024 offensive defensive efficiency"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston Cougars basketball team stats 2024 offensive defensive efficiency"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://scores.sir.sportradar.com/en/match/8993121/statistics",
"title": "Connecticut Huskies - Houston Cougars | Statistics | StatsHub - Soccer",
"snippet": "Over/Under ; Under 145.5. 76%. 72.18. 61%. 75.68 ; Under 165.5. 97%. 72.18. 87%. 75.68 ; Under 185.5. 100%. 72.18. 97%. 75.68 ; Under 200.5. 100%. 72.18. 100 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/watch/general/video/ncaa-tournament-bold-predictions-uconn-returns-to-the-final-four",
"title": "NCAA Tournament Bold Predictions: UConn Returns To The Final ...",
"snippet": "Adam Finkelstein joins Hailey Sutton and CBS Sports HQ to make bold predictions for the NCAA tournament, including UConn making its return ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/uconn-in-more-favorable-position-in-latest-bracketology-update/ar-AA1WO6IO?cvid=699aaabab8254160afde8f50cabc9d82&ocid=fbcta&apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1",
"title": "UConn in more favorable position in latest bracketology update - MSN",
"snippet": "There is a world that the Huskies match up with Houston way later in the tournament and have a decent chance to beat them. But as of the current moment, the ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47235216/college-football-bowl-cfp-2025-2026-score-predictions",
"title": "2025-26 CFP, bowl picks: We predicted every postseason game",
"snippet": "We made predictions on the final score of every bowl matchup. Check back to see how we fared."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/houston-cougars-connecticut-huskies/YQnsyzq",
"title": "UConn vs Houston scores & predictions - Sofascore",
"snippet": "Current odds and predictions; Sofascore community votes on which team is more likely to win the game. Connecticut Huskies - Houston Cougars ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/connecticut-huskies-team-stats?category=advanced&sort=defrtg&season=2024&seasonType=reg&sortOrder=desc",
"title": "uconn huskies 2024 advanced stats - defensive rating - FOX Sports",
"snippet": "View 2024 UConn Huskies Defensive Rating Stats and team leaders ... OFF RTG - Offensive Rating. DEF RTG - Defensive Rating. NET RTG - Net ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/41/uconn-huskies",
"title": "UConn Huskies 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "Visit ESPN for UConn Huskies live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2025.html",
"title": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats",
"snippet": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats ; Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East MBB) ; Coach: Dan Hurley ; PS/G: 77.0 (91st of 364) ; PA/G: 68.0 (56th of 364)."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24",
"title": "2023-24 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - UConn Athletics",
"snippet": "2023-24 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics. Skip Ad. 2023-24. 2025-26; 2024-25; 2023-24; 2022-23; 2021-22; 2020-21; 2019-20; 2018-19. View PDF. Player Stats"
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/connecticut-huskies-team-summary-stats?category=advanced&sort=offrtg&season=2024&seasonType=reg&sortOrder=desc",
"title": "2024 UConn Huskies Offensive Rating Stats & Leaders - FOX Sports",
"snippet": "View 2024 UConn Huskies Offensive Rating Stats and team leaders ... DEF RTG - Defensive Rating. NET RTG - Net Rating. PACE - Pace. FT RATE ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/houston-cougars-team-stats?category=advanced&sort=defrtg&season=2024&seasonType=reg&sortOrder=asc",
"title": "houston cougars 2024 advanced stats - defensive rating - FOX Sports",
"snippet": "2024-25 ; 1. Joseph Tugler · 34 ; 2. Mylik Wilson · 34 ; 3. Ja'Vier Francis · 32 ; 4. Mercy Miller · 21 ; 5. J'Wan Roberts · 31."
},
{
"url": "https://uhcougars.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-25",
"title": "2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - Texas Tech Athletics",
"snippet": "University of Houston Athletics · 2024-25 Men's Basketball Cumulative Statistics · Footer."
},
{
"url": "https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/stat/defensive-efficiency",
"title": "NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency - TeamRankings.com",
"snippet": "NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency ; 4, Houston, 0.935 ; 5, Marist, 0.938 ; 6, Arizona, 0.941 ; 7, Michigan, 0.943 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://big12sports.com/stats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2024",
"title": "2024-2025 Men's Basketball - Overall Statistics - Big 12 Conference",
"snippet": "Team Stats Leaders Results Game Highs Scoring Field Goals 3-POINT FGs Free Throws Rebounding Turnovers Misc Offense Margin Defense"
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/248/houston-cougars",
"title": "Houston Cougars 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Stats - ESPN",
"snippet": "Visit ESPN for Houston Cougars live scores, video highlights, and latest news. Find standings and the full 2025-26 season schedule."
}
]
}assistantMessage 25
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PMReasoning
Let me search for more recent matchup information and specific game predictions to get a better sense of who is favored and what the expected total score might be.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn vs Houston March Madness 2025 odds spread over under"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies championship Houston Cougars game prediction score"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/march-madness-odds-2025/",
"title": "2025 March Madness: Elite 8 Odds, Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends",
"snippet": "Opening point spread: Houston -5.5 · Opening moneyline: Houston -250/Tennessee +205 · Opening total: Over/Under 121.5 points scored · Time: 2:20 p.m. ET Sunday ( ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/2025-mens-march-madness-odds",
"title": "2025 Men's March Madness odds: Florida barely favored over ...",
"snippet": "2025 Men's March Madness odds: Florida barely favored over Houston ; Spread: Floriday -1 ; Moneyline: Houston -105, Florida -115 ; O/U total: 140.5."
},
{
"url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/2025-march-madness-betting-lines-odds-three-key-storylines-for-the-ncaa-tournament-031255184.html",
"title": "2025 March Madness betting, lines, odds: Three key storylines for ...",
"snippet": "An Arizona bettor wagered $10,000 on UConn (+900) to win the NCAA championship for a potential $90,000 win ... Favorites ended up going 18-13-1 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48217692/espn-2026-tournament-men-bracket-game-odds",
"title": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI ... - ESPN",
"snippet": "Men's basketball tournament: Odds, spreads totals and BPI projections for every game of the first round - ESPN."
},
{
"url": "https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaab",
"title": "College Basketball Odds: NCAA Men's Lines & Spreads | FanDuel",
"snippet": "Bet on college basketball with FanDuel! Discover the best NCAAB live betting, odds, parlays, moneylines and more!"
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48237100/final-four-national-championship-picks-predictions-march-madness-2026",
"title": "Final Four, national champion predictions for the men's NCAA ...",
"snippet": "The Cougars were the top choice to win the South by 34 of our 60 analysts, including \"College GameDay\" personalities Rece Davis, Seth Greenberg ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-picks-odds-best-bets-for-houston-arizona-uconn-st-johns-and-other-tournament-matchups/",
"title": "CBB picks: Arizona-Houston, UConn-St. John's and other best bets ...",
"snippet": "UConn -2.5 vs. St. John's ... The Huskies (27-4) have lost three of their past 10 games after starting the season 22-1. One of those setbacks was ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/houston-cougars-connecticut-huskies/jTMsczic",
"title": "Houston Cougars Connecticut Huskies live score and H2H results",
"snippet": "Houston Cougars vs Connecticut Huskies live scores, head to head, schedule, predictions and stats. 29/02/2020. 12:00. Connecticut Huskies. UConn. 92 - 40."
},
{
"url": "https://www.si.com/betting/daily-dunk-best-college-basketball-bets-today-predictions-for-houston-arizona-uconn-st-johns-and-more-01kkn8vv2shn",
"title": "Daily Dunk: Best College Basketball Bets Today (Predictions for ...",
"snippet": "Arizona is one step above Houston, and they'll prove it in the Big 12 Tournament Final. Pick: Arizona -2.5 (-120). UConn vs. St. John's ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sportingnews.com/us/betting/news/saturdays-college-basketball-predictions-best-bets-conference-tournament-games/24871d23613e754bdfb1f51c",
"title": "Saturday's College Basketball Predictions: Best Bets for Conference ...",
"snippet": "Houston Cougars at Arizona Wildcats. Spread: Arizona -2.5 | Houston +2.5; Total: 137.5. UConn Huskies at St. John's Red Storm. Spread: UConn ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 26
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PMReasoning
I'm not getting great results for this specific championship matchup. Let me try a different approach and search for information about each team's championship potential and recent performance.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies final four 2025 championship team roster key players"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "Houston Cougars final four 2025 Kelvin Sampson team stats defense"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster",
"title": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Roster - University of Connecticut Athletics",
"snippet": "2025-26 Men's Basketball Roster ; Malachi Smith · 6' 1'' · 180 lbs ; Solo Ball · 6' 4'' · 200 lbs ; Silas Demary Jr. · 6' 4'' · 195 lbs ; Jaylin Stewart · 6' 7'' · 225 lbs."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/dan-hurley-solo-ball-alex-karaban-roster-breakdown-21110060.php",
"title": "UConn men's basketball: Breaking down 2025-26 roster - CT Insider",
"snippet": "UConn men's basketball's 2025-26 roster is deep, talented, with right mix of veterans and new blood. Here's a player-by-player breakdown."
},
{
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/college-basketball/team/connecticut-huskies-college-basketball/roster/",
"title": "UConn Huskies Roster - 2025-26 Season - NCAAM Players & Starters",
"snippet": "Full UConn Huskies roster and player information for the 2025-26 season including position, height, and weight for each member of the team."
},
{
"url": "https://www.theuconnblog.com/uconn-huskies-mens-basketball/53157/uconn-mens-basketball-2025-26-roundtable-part-1",
"title": "UConn men's basketball 2025-26 roundtable, Part 1: Roster ...",
"snippet": "Our staff takes a look at some of the key players on this year's roster. by Dan Madigan, Zach Carter, and Patrick Martin. Nov 2, 2025, 11:30 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.uconnwbbweekly.com/p/breaking-down-uconn-huskies-womens-basketball-2025-26-roster",
"title": "Breaking down UConn's 2025-26 roster",
"snippet": "The Huskies will also have a new point guard with Kaitlyn Chen off to the pros, while Aubrey Griffin exhausted her eligibility and Qadence Samuels transferred ..."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401746080",
"title": "Houston 70-67 Duke (Apr 5, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN",
"snippet": "Houston held Duke to a grand total of one field goal over the last 10 1/2 minutes. The 67 points were Duke's second-lowest output of its now-ended season."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/houston/men/2025-gamelogs-advanced.html",
"title": "2024-25 Houston Cougars Men's Advanced Gamelogs",
"snippet": "Record: 35-5 (19-1, 1st in Big 12 MBB) ; Rank: 2nd in the Final AP Poll ; Coach: Kelvin Sampson ; PS/G: 73.7 (185th of 364) ; PA/G: 58.6 (1st of 364)."
},
{
"url": "https://big12sports.com/news/2025/3/30/mens-basketball-houstons-defense-carries-cougars-into-mens-final-four-with-69-50-win-over-tennessee.aspx",
"title": "Houston's defense carries Cougars into Men's Final Four with 69-50 ...",
"snippet": "Houston's defense carries Cougars into Men's Final Four with 69-50 win over Tennessee - Big 12 Conference."
},
{
"url": "https://uhcougars.com/news/2025/3/30/-2-2x-mens-basketball",
"title": "#2/2 Men's Basketball Advances to the Final Four - Houston Cougars",
"snippet": "Kelvin Sampson 's team has a shot at the program's first national title. The Cougars will face Cooper Flagg and five-time national champ ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/03/30/houstons-defense-carries-cougars-into-7th-final-four-with-69-50-march-madness-win-over-tennessee/",
"title": "Defense carries Cougars past Vols into Houston's 7th Final Four",
"snippet": "L.J. Cryer finished with 17 points, Emanuel Sharp scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and the nation's stingiest defense delivered ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 27
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PMReasoning
This is helpful! I can see some relevant stats:
Houston:
- 2024-25 Record: 35-5 (19-1, 1st in Big 12)
- Ranked 2nd in Final AP Poll
- Points per game: 73.7 (185th of 364)
- Points allowed per game: 58.6 (1st of 364 - best defense in the country!)
- Coach: Kelvin Sampson
- Just beat Duke 70-67 and Tennessee 69-50
So Houston has an elite defense that allows only 58.6 points per game - the best in the nation. That's a massive advantage.
Let me search for UConn's recent championship game performances and stats.
Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies 2024 2025 championship points per game defense stats Dan Hurley"
}Tool Call: web_search
{
"query": "UConn Huskies vs Houston Cougars head to head basketball history"
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2025-gamelogs-advanced.html",
"title": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Advanced Gamelogs",
"snippet": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Advanced Gamelogs. Previous Season Next Season. Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East MBB). Coach: Dan Hurley ... 2024-25 UConn Stats ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/article/dan-hurley-referees-technical-fouls-stats-data-22078132.php",
"title": "What the stats say on UConn foul disparities after Dan ...",
"snippet": "UConn is the only power conference team to rank outside the top 300 in offensive and defensive free-throw rate."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/dan-hurley/1464",
"title": "Dan Hurley - Men's Basketball Coach",
"snippet": "In 2025 UConn won its 13th-straight NCAA Tournament game to equal Duke's ... defense, allowing just 64.8 points per game. That followed a banner 23-10 ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48095465/uconn-championship-contention-dynasty",
"title": "How UConn prepared to chase its third title in four years",
"snippet": "HARTFORD, Conn. -- \"Dynasty\" occupied Dan Hurley's mind for eight straight months. Fresh off UConn's 2023 and 2024 national championships, ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/connecticut/men/2025.html",
"title": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats",
"snippet": "2024-25 UConn Huskies Men's Roster and Stats ; Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East MBB) ; Coach: Dan Hurley ; PS/G: 77.0 (91st of 364) ; PA/G: 68.0 (56th of 364)."
}
]
}Tool Result: web_search
{
"results": [
{
"url": "https://uhcougars.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-connecticut/180",
"title": "University of Houston Athletics Men's Basketball History vs ...",
"snippet": "The official University of Houston Cougars Men's Basketball History vs University of Connecticut. ... UConnUCONN. 30. 47. 77. Full Boxscore Recap. Wins. 8. Losses."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-houston/92",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Houston ... - UConn Athletics",
"snippet": "Opponent History ; First Matchup. W 82-76. 12/30/1999 ; Last 10 Matchups. 3-7. 1/17/2016 - 3/5/2020 ; Largest Margin of Victory. W 80-43. 1/30/2014."
},
{
"url": "https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/opponent-history/university-of-houston/92?path=sad",
"title": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Houston ... - UConn Athletics",
"snippet": "Men's Basketball History vs University of Houston from December 30, 1999 - March 5, 2020. Last Matchup. 3/5/2020. 77. Team Logo. vs. Opponent Logo."
},
{
"url": "https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/houston-cougars-connecticut-huskies/jTMsczic",
"title": "Houston Cougars Connecticut Huskies live score and H2H results",
"snippet": "This game is part of NCAA Women. Here you can find previous Houston Cougars vs Connecticut Huskies results sorted by their H2H games. Sofascore also allows you ..."
},
{
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux1iMupaBZM",
"title": "UConn Men's Basketball vs. Houston Highlights - YouTube",
"snippet": "Ryan Boatright (Aurora, Ill.) tallied a career-high 31 points in a losing effort for UConn, which fell to Houston, 70-68, on the road at ..."
}
]
}assistantMessage 28
Mar 18, 2026, 10:21 PMReasoning
Now I have more data:
UConn 2024-25:
- Record: 24-11 (14-6, 3rd in Big East)
- Coach: Dan Hurley
- Points per game: 77.0 (91st of 364)
- Points allowed per game: 68.0 (56th of 364)
Houston 2024-25:
- Record: 35-5 (19-1, 1st in Big 12)
- Ranked 2nd in Final AP Poll
- Coach: Kelvin Sampson
- Points per game: 73.7 (185th of 364)
- Points allowed per game: 58.6 (1st of 364)
Comparing these:
- Houston has the much better record (35-5 vs 24-11)
- Houston was ranked 2nd nationally (UConn not mentioned in top ranking)
- Houston has the #1 defense in the country allowing only 58.6 PPG vs UConn's 68.0
- UConn scores slightly more (77.0 vs 73.7)
Historical matchup: Houston leads the series 8-7 historically.
Based on this analysis, Houston appears to be the stronger team, with an elite defense and better record. The championship game between an elite defensive team (Houston) and a good offensive team (UConn) should be a lower-scoring game.
For the tiebreaker, I should predict a total score. Given:
- Houston allows 58.6 PPG
- UConn scores 77.0 PPG
- UConn allows 68.0 PPG
- Houston scores 73.7 PPG
This is a championship game, so scoring might be tighter. Let me estimate:
- Houston might score around 70-75 points
- UConn might score around 65-70 points (held down by Houston's elite defense)
Total around 135-145 points seems reasonable.
I'm going to make a calculated prediction favoring Houston. Their top-tier defense and superior record give them a clear advantage. I'm anticipating a defensive battle with Houston likely winning by a narrow margin. The total score will likely hover around 140 points, reflecting both teams' strong defensive capabilities.
Tool Call: submit_round
{
"picks": [
{
"gameId": "champ-1",
"winnerId": "houston-cougars"
}
],
"tiebreakerScore": 142
}Tool Result: submit_round
{
"submitted": true
}Tokens
- Input
- 138645
- Output
- 6853
- Reasoning
- 3653