NCAA Tournament 2014: Schedule and Predictions for Final 2nd-Round Matchups

If we have learned anything through the first couple of days of the NCAA tournament, it is that you cannot assume anything.

This year's March Madness has lived up to the name with crazy upsets as well as huge comebacks where the game seemed out of reach.

With No. 1 seeds Virginia and Wichita State playing in the final session of Round 2 games, it is not out of the question to see the first ever 16-over-1 upset.

Even if those top squads advance, there will be plenty of action in the final eight games of the round of 64. Here is a guide for what you need to know heading into Friday evening.

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV	Prediction
Memphis (8) vs. George Washington (9)	6:55 p.m.	TBS	Memphis
Wichita State (1) vs. Cal Poly (16)	7:10 p.m.	CBS	Wichita St.
North Carolina (6) vs. Providence (11)	7:20 p.m.	TNT	Providence
VCU (5) vs. Stephen F. Austin (12)	7:27 p.m.	truTV	Stephen F. Austin
Virginia (1) vs. Coast Carolina (16)	9:25 p.m.	TBS	Virginia
Kentucky (8) vs. Kansas State (9)	9:40 p.m.	CBS	Kentucky
Iowa State (3) vs. North Carolina Central (14)	9:50 p.m.	TNT	Iowa State
UCLA (4) vs. Tulsa (13)	9:57 p.m.	truTV	UCLA

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Top Games to Watch

No. 5 VCU vs. No. 12 Stephen F. Austin

VCU has been called a Cinderella in the past, but it now seems like the Rams could be on the other side of the upset.

Shaka Smart's team will likely have to play without third leading scorer and big-time outside shooter Melvin Johnson, according to Myron Metcalf of ESPN. This will limit the squad's effectiveness against Stephen F. Austin's very good half-court defense.

Of course, VCU is used to winning games with defense as well thanks to a terrifying full-court press. However, the Lumberjacks pass the ball extremely well, averaging the eighth-most assists in the country.

Finally, Stephen F. Austin simply knows how to win games, sporting a 31-2 record and a 28-game winning streak. No matter whom you play, that's impressive.

That's why Seth Davis of CBS Sports is calling this an upset to watch:

As long as the Lumberjacks play to their ability, they will pull out the win.

No. 6 North Carolina vs. No. 11 Providence

Providence had a great end to the year, winning the Big East tournament title with a finals victory over Creighton. However, Andy Katz of ESPN notes that this was needed just to get into the NCAA tournament:

Still, Providence's momentum could be dangerous for the entire state of North Carolina after North Carolina State and Duke lost early, via Stephen Schramm of the Fayetteville Observer:

If North Carolina is going to win, it will need to hit the glass much better than it did in the two most recent games. The Tar Heels lost to Duke and Pittsburgh while getting out-rebounded by at least 10 in each.

Of course, the real story will be the offensive battle between Marcus Paige and Bryce Cotton, two guards who can score a lot of points. Cotton has the ability to lead the Friars to an upset, but he will need an efficient day to pull off the win.

No. 8 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Kansas State

After an up-and-down season, Kentucky is looking to turn its talent into on-court success in the NCAA tournament. Sophomore Willie Cauley-Stein believes his squad can surprise people, via Eric Lindsey and Guy Ramsey of UKAthletics.com:

"

There's a lot of people that don't think that we can make a run at it. And, you know, a lot of people don't want to see us make a run at it. ... Despite how the season went, now the real season begins tomorrow for us. And, you know, I think (John Calipari's) whole thing is just trying to shock the world and do what people say we can't do.

"

Of course, this is not the message that head coach John Calipari wants for his team. While many people think that the Wildcats can beat Wichita State in the third round, it is important not to overlook Kansas State in the second.

The Big 12 squad has arguably the most overlooked freshman in the country in Marcus Foster, who led the team with 15.6 points per game this season.

Additionally, the squad plays some good defense inside and should force Kentucky to make shots on the perimeter.

If Kentucky is not focused, it will fall earlier than expected.