NCAA Bracket Picks: Predictions for March Madness' Late-Night Slate

So much fuss is made over watching the NCAA Tournament during work hours, yet late-night March Madness viewing could be even more detrimental to work production than any inactivity in the cubicle.

For those who will be staying up past midnight to catch Shabazz Muhammad try to carry his team past the second round, take home some predictions for the entire late-night shift.

No. 8 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Villanova, TNT, 7:20 p.m. ET

Both the Wildcats and Tar Heels want to get up and down the floor, maximizing their chances to score with their guard-heavy lineups. While Villanova brings age and experience in this matchup, North Carolina possesses the key talent advantage inside.

Expect James Michael McAdoo to have a huge impact inside and the key difference-maker on the boards. Watch for P.J. Hairston to stretch the lead from beyond the arc as well.

Pick: North Carolina

No. 7 San Diego St. vs. No. 10 Oklahoma, TBS, 9:20 p.m. ET

While San Diego St. sputters into the tournament, it has the best player on the floor in junior Jamaal Franklin. The Aztecs’ star is no stranger to NCAA Tournament teams, scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds over both Colorado State and UNLV.

Not to mention the Aztecs boast wins over New Mexico, UCLA and Boise State. On the other side, Oklahoma doesn’t have the firepower inside to combat Franklin and Co.

Pick: San Diego St.

No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Iowa State, CBS, 9:45 p.m. ET 

While I’ve been a Notre Dame fan from afar, the Fighting Irish are in matchup trouble with the Cyclones.

The Cyclones are the country’s No. 1 three point-shooting squad (shots attempted) and will contrast with Mike Brey’s inside-scoring mantra. The tournament is full of three-point teams getting hot, so Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton will somehow have to keep up. I’m not seeing that happening.

Pick: Iowa State

No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11 Minnesota, truTV, 9:57 p.m. ET

This game will be a true test of the Big Ten's strength as one of their mid-tier teams will attempt to knock off the Pac-12's best.

Minnesota boasts multiple athletic big bodies inside that will try to turn the game into a battle inside. In the meantime, all eyes will be on Shabazz Muhammad to carry the Bruins in the wake of Jordan Adams’ injury. 

I'll take Rodney Williams and Tubby Smith when it's all said and done. 

Pick: Minnesota

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