March Madness 2013 Schedule: Underrated Matchups to Catch Friday

The 2013 March Madness schedule continues with more highly anticipated bouts on Friday.

Obviously-marketable programs such as the Duke Blue Devils, Georgetown Hoyas and Ohio State Buckeyes are definite teams to keep track of.

While these games are in progress, though, plenty of exciting talent will reside elsewhere in the round of 64. Given that the action will be nonstop all afternoon and evening, checking out other notable games only enhances the aura embodied with college basketball.

Ahead, we preview some compelling matchups for Friday as the madness presses onward.

Cincinnati vs. Creighton

The winner of this matchup has a strong chance to reach the Sweet 16.

Cincinnati is clearly better on the defensive end, as it allows an average of 58.8 points and a 38.5 opposing shooting percentage. Creighton counterbalances this with an offense that averages 75.4 points, 17.2 assists and ranks No. 1 with a 50.8 field goal percentage.

Consider these strengths a wash, which takes us to the opposite ends. The Bearcats have to improve at scoring efficiently and passing, because getting the most out of each possession will shorten the game to minimize the potential damage from Creighton's offense.

The Bluejays are also at a disadvantage inside as Cincy is well-versed on the glass.

It's a fascinating challenge of polarizing philosophies, especially since Creighton proved the ability to thwart strong defenses early this season, as exemplified by its 84-74 win over Wisconsin on neutral ground.

La Salle vs. Kansas State

La Salle vs. Kansas State is arguably the most overlooked matchup in the round of 64.

The Explorers won in the first four to reach this level and the Wildcats were Big 12 runners-up in the regular season and conference tournament. Offensively, the two schools are somewhat looking in the mirror.

Kansas State dishes the ball more, but La Salle scores a bit more consistently: Each are roughly equal when it comes to knocking down buckets. The push-and-pull when each possesses the rock will be captivating, because the minute differences here will potentially lead to drastic adjustments as the game progresses.

Defensively is where we see the Wildcats with a slight advantage. Kansas State challenges shots better and refuses to give numerous open looks. That said, La Salle has proven to be impenetrable on defense as it held VCU to 61 points during the Explorers' road win over the Rams in January.

The potential play of La Salle makes them capable of taking this game in the first half. The tests for Kansas State are to lock down one-on-one and limit the number of easy scores. 

Minnesota vs. UCLA

The classic Big Ten versus Pac-12 matchup, Minnesota and UCLA duel in a battle to give their respective conference an upper hand. Minnesota may have finished in the middle of the conference standings, but the Golden Gophers survived college basketball's most rugged conference.

UCLA won the Pac-12 regular season and took second to Oregon in the conference tournament.

The resumes are quite different and, unsurprisingly, so are the strengths and weaknesses. Minnesota plays suffocating defense, as expected from the Big Ten. What's dangerous regarding Tubby Smith's team, however, is its ability to share the ball and score at a decent rate.

The Bruins are much more explosive offensively, but jthey don't match that talent on defense. Fortunately for UCLA, it is more consistent at generating turnovers, so it's important the Bruins come out sprinting.

Minnesota simply doesn't possess the offense to match a fast pace. Therefore, expect the Gophers to emphasize defense even more and increase their patience on the offensive end to adapt to UCLA's tempo.

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