March Madness Bracket 2017: Predictions for Toughest 2nd-Round Games

Before you break down those tricky No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchups, take a step back and breathe. The 64-team round could make or break your March Madness bracket.

Like every year, seeds from No. 10 to No. 13 look intriguing and upset alert alarms should go off in your mind. Then, you have the typical bracket-busters who create chaos for the newcomers.

Evenly matched teams in talent, not seeding, may not jump out at you until viewing schedules, play styles and production. As usual, a few lesser-known programs will take the court with ample talent no one knows about coming into a matchup. After the final buzzer, the sports world will sing praises for that team as the Cinderella squad to reach the Final Four. 

We’ll highlight underappreciated programs, dive into tough matchups and provide a prediction to take to the bank.

No. 5 Virginia vs. No. 12 UNC Wilmington

In the pros, coaches and players don’t celebrate near-victories. It’s very simple—wins and losses. On the collegiate level, losses still hurt whether it's one- or 31-point defeat. However, when an unknown program pushes a blue-blood school like Duke to their maximum, we should pay attention. 

Last year, as a No. 13 seed, UNC Wilmington didn’t back down from No. 4 Duke. In a 93-85 loss to the Blue Devils, the Seahawks gained some respect. After winning seven consecutive games and the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, they’re back in the Big Dance. This time, the Seahawks play against a lesser opponent, who’s beatable with 85 points on the scoreboard.

We know Virginia’s style. The Cavaliers will grind you down into sawdust. They’re averaging fewer points per game (66.6) compared to last year (71.0) but also rank No. 1 in total points allowed. Some may call it fundamental, but low-scoring outcomes have hindered this school in years past. Will it hurt them against a team that’s shown the ability score in bunches? 

CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander sees this matchup as a popular upset pick:

Should you take the bait? Four players on the Seahawks roster average double-digits in points. Without forward Austin Nichols, the Cavaliers only have one player who’s been active multiple games and averages double figures in scoring. On paper, it sounds like a mismatch, but never overlook defense, especially when it’s the best in the country.

Prediction: Virginia 72, UNC Wilmington 68

No. 7 Dayton vs. No. 10 Wichita State

How can anyone discuss tough matchups without mentioning Wichita State? The Shockers will cause any program to sweat in an early March Madness matchup. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, this particular pairing should become a must-see contest:

Despite an overall solid year, Dayton lost their last two games and limped into the Big Dance. The Shockers, which is an appropriate name for this program, ride a 15-game win streak with all the momentum. The team features two sharpshooters, Landry Shamet and Conner Frankamp, who stretch opposing defenses with three-point shooting. They’re converting on 44 and 45 percent from long distance.

In Wichita’s last outing, the two guards shot a combined 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Dayton guards Charles Cooke and Scoochie Smith have playmaking potential, but they’re less efficient shooting from deep. Neither player converts more than 40 percent of their attempts behind the line.

Despite the lower seed, the Shockers have the better team and come into the NCAA tournament full throttle. In their last five NCAA appearances, they’ve advanced to the second round.

Prediction: Wichita State 77, Dayton, 71

No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Seton Hall 

Arkansas went all the way to the SEC tournament championship against Kentucky and lost decisively. There’s no shame in losing to a bunch of one-and-done dandies, but head coach Mike Anderson took it upon himself to explain chippy behavior late in the game:

Referees tossed Razorbacks senior forward Moses Kingsley after a hard foul to Kentucky guard De’Aaron Fox. It’s a microcosm of Arkansas' season. They’re a scrappy team that fights until the final buzzer.

Don’t dismiss Anderson’s roster as a methodical group that attempts to muddy the game for a lower scoring affair. Arkansas ranks No. 21 in points scored across the nation. Their guards, Dusty Hannahs (14.6 ppg) and Daryl Macon (13.4 ppg) lead the way on the offensive end. 

Seton Hall forward Angel Delgado leads the country in rebounds per game (13.1), and he's the third-best player on the roster. Nonetheless, the Pirates will need his toughness in the paint to match the Razorbacks’ tenacity on the interior.

Unfortunately for Seton Hall, its best player guard Khadeen Carrington has struggled mightily. Over the past four games, he’s 15-of-49 from the field. Regardless of Delgado’s ability to rebound and create second-chance scoring opportunities, the Pirates can’t beat the Razorbacks with their top scorer in a slump.

Prediction: Arkansas 82, Seton Hall 75

Stats provided by Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.