March Madness Heats Up: Sunday’s Second-Round Schedule Set

The dust has settled after a thrilling first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, with Friday’s games concluding and setting the stage for a Sunday filled with high-stakes matchups. The surviving teams from Friday’s contests will enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and preparation before returning to the court to battle for a coveted spot in the Sweet Sixteen. Eight games are scheduled for Sunday, marking the culmination of the tournament’s opening weekend and promising a day of intense competition and unforgettable moments.

The top seeds have successfully navigated the initial hurdle, with all No. 1 seeds remaining in contention. Powerhouses like Florida and Duke demonstrated their dominance in their respective opening-round games, leaving fans eager to see if they can replicate their strong performances in the second round. Meanwhile, No. 12 seed Colorado State aims to continue its Cinderella run, carrying momentum from a stunning first-round victory into a challenging matchup against Maryland.

The pressure is mounting as teams inch closer to the Sweet Sixteen. With each game carrying significant weight, the intensity on the court will undoubtedly reach new heights. Sunday’s schedule is brimming with intriguing matchups, pitting established programs against rising contenders in a battle for tournament survival.

Here is the complete schedule for the second-round games on Sunday, March 21 (all times Eastern):

• No. 1 Florida vs. No. 8 Connecticut
• No. 1 Duke vs. No. 9 Baylor
• No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 6 Illinois
• No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 7 Saint Mary’s
• No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 12 Colorado State
• No. 3 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Mississippi
• No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 10 New Mexico
• No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 5 Oregon

The Florida-Connecticut game presents a clash of styles. Florida, a top seed, is anticipated to bring a suffocating defense and an efficient offensive game plan to the floor. Connecticut, on the other hand, will need to rely on their star players and their ability to control the tempo of the game if they want to pull of the upset. Experience is going to be a key factor for both teams.

The Duke-Baylor matchup is one of the most anticipated of the day. Duke, another top seed, showcased their potential in the first round. Baylor, though a No. 9 seed, has a team that can play with anyone. They are battle tested and experienced. Duke will have to make sure they don’t overlook Baylor.

Kentucky and Illinois will be a clash of two historical basketball power houses. Kentucky, with their usual array of athletic talent, will look to push the pace. Illinois will want to slow the game down. This game is going to come down to which team is able to dictate the style of play.

Alabama and Saint Mary’s is an interesting matchup. Alabama, a No. 2 seed, has had an amazing year. Saint Mary’s is always a tough out, due to their great coach and smart basketball players. Alabama needs to come out and play up to their potential.

Maryland will be looking to put the clamps on Colorado State’s Cinderella aspirations. Maryland is a strong defensive team and will need to be locked in. Colorado State will have to prove that their first round win was no fluke.

Iowa State and Mississippi should be an exciting game. Iowa State will want to use its high octane offense to score at will. Mississippi will want to contain Iowa State and play a more controlled game. This game will come down to whose defense will be able to execute the most.

Michigan State and New Mexico will be a contrast in styles. Michigan State, known for their disciplined play and strong coaching, will look to control the game through their experience. New Mexico, with their athletic players, will want to play an uptempo style.

Finally, Arizona and Oregon will provide a Pac-12 showdown. This is going to be an exciting game. Arizona is the higher seed, but these teams know each other well. Each team will need to execute their game plan to advance.

For those looking to catch the action, second-round games will be broadcast across a variety of networks, including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. Streaming options are also available through services like Sling TV, which offers a convenient way to watch the games live. Paramount+ will also carry select games aired on CBS, providing another avenue for fans to tune in. Fubo is also streaming select games on CBS and is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and the competition intensifies. Sunday’s second-round games promise to be a captivating showcase of college basketball talent, with teams battling fiercely for the opportunity to advance to the Sweet Sixteen and continue their journey towards a national championship. The drama of March Madness is in full swing, and fans around the country are eagerly anticipating another day of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. It’s a time when legends are made, upsets occur, and the passion for the game is on full display. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and prepare for a Sunday of exhilarating basketball action.