NCAA Bracket 2012: Today's Top Games We Can't Wait to Watch

The first half of the second round is in the books, but that does not mean we are in any way close to the end of March Madness.

Yesterday's games may not have defined the craziness that comes with the NCAA tournament, but today is a new day and you can never predict what is going to happen.

The following is a list of the games we cannot wait to watch on Friday, March 16.

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

6:50 PM ET, TBS

A lot of people have been talking about the athleticism and talent of this Memphis team—however, the Tigers still lack a signature win. This win could come against Saint Louis in the second round of the tournament.

The exciting part of this game is that it will feature two of the nation's best defenses.

Memphis ranks among the Top 10 in the nation in blocks and the Top 40 in steals.

On the other end of the court, Saint Louis has consistently held its opponents to under 60 points.

In the end, this may come down to which defense makes the right plays at the right times.

No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 Virginia, West Region

2:10 PM ET, TNT

The Florida Gators have had an up-and-down season playing in the shadow of the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC. This game is an opportunity for the Gators to start strong by knocking off a dangerous Cavaliers team.

With Virginia's senior forward Mike Scott bringing home multiple double-doubles this season, the Gators' defense is going to be put to the test. The question is whether or not Scott will do enough to carry Virginia should his teammates not live up to their potential, as has been the case in multiple games this season.

Florida is expected to bring this one home, but do not be surprised if the Cavaliers eke one out in what should be one of the tighter second-round games. 

No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 15 Detroit, Midwest Region

9:57 PM ET, truTV

There has not been much talk about this matchup, but that is to be expected with a No. 2 vs. No. 15-seed game.

That said, do not underestimate the power of the Detroit Titans.

Yes, it is going to be difficult to bring down the supercharged and ultra-talented Kansas Jayhawks, but the Titans are coming off of an impressive performance in the Horizon League championship.

If Ray McCallum can get his team to catch fire early against the Jayhawks and the Titans' defense can stop Thomas Robinson, this team has a shot.

In the end, everyone loves a classic David versus Goliath matchup. 

No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 13 North Carolina State, Midwest Region

12:40 PM ET, truTV

Both San Diego State and North Carolina State have flown under the radar this year, but both are respectable teams.

NC State boasts an impressive player in forward C.J. Leslie, but losing him due to foul-out cost them a shot at the ACC title. In this game, look for Leslie to be more careful on defense.

On the other side, San Diego State boasts a very good defense that can keep the opponent’s shooting percentage very low. Even though the Aztecs are not impressive in terms of athleticism or outside-shooting ability, they know how to win.

No. 8 Creighton vs. No. 9 Alabama, Midwest Region

1:40 PM ET, TBS

Creighton vs. Alabama is one of the most anticipated games of the second round, and for good reason.

This is gong to be a classic game of productive offense vs. suffocating defense.

The Creighton Bluejays are the nation's most accurate team in terms of field-goal percentage, at 50.9 percent. On top of that, Creighton boasts one of the nation's top scorers in Doug McDermott.

Then again, the Crimson Tide have one of the best shot-blockers in the nation in JaMychal Green.

What this game is going to boil down to is whether the Bluejays’ offense is stronger than the Crimson Tide’s defense, or vice-versa.