NCAA Bracket 2012: Must-Watch Games on Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament

There's nothing quite like the first round—well, these days we call it the second round—of the NCAA tournament. If we're being honest, every game seems like a must-watch.

But there are a few matchups that, at least on paper, are particularly compelling in Friday's action. I've identified three such games so you won't miss the good stuff.

So set your schedule accordingly.

No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 13 Ohio, Midwest Region

This one comes down to an interesting clash of talents: Michigan's outside shooting versus Ohio's perimeter defense.

Michigan sinks 8.2 three-point shots per game (tied for 28th in the nation). Ohio holds opponents to 29.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc (tied for 12th in the nation).

Will the Wolverines adjust or will they insist on taking shots from downtown? Can the Bobcats stifle Michigan's perimeter game and pull off the upset? Who would win in an actual fight in nature, a wolverine or a bobcat?

At least two of the three questions will be answered.

No. 8 Memphis vs. No. 9 Saint Louis, West Region

I love Memphis in this tournament to the point that I have them going to the Elite Eight.

They're long and athletic, solid defensively and are a blur in transition. They also come into the tournament having won 11 of 12 games down the stretch while absolutely mowing through the Conference USA tournament.

But Saint Louis is no team to sneeze at. They have solid depth (they can go nine deep), play excellent defense (they only allow 57.5 points per game, eighth in the nation) and win the turnover battle (plus-3.7 turnovers a game, tied for 11th in the nation).

Oh, and they are coached by Rick Majerus, so you know they'll come to play. This one should be fun.

No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas, East Region

Any time you get two high-profile schools from major conferences squaring off, it's worth a watch.

Cincinnati enters tournament play with an impressive resume that includes wins over Syracuse, Georgetown (twice), Marquette, UConn and Louisville. The Bearcats are not to be taken lightly.

Meanwhile, Texas has J'Covan Brown (20.1 PPG), who is capable of going off for the Longhorns and carrying them to victory.  Brown has scored 30 or more points in four games this year.

If he gets hot early, Cincinnati could be in trouble.

Hit me up on Twitter—all of my tweets are Cinderella stories.