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The Field of 68 has been set and we now (kinda) know who each of the local 3 teams will be playing this week. Here is a guide for everything you need to know to help with your viewing of the first games this week in the NCAA Tournament
(All tip times are approximate)
Mizzou 22-11 (6)
Who: Drake Bulldogs 30-3 (11)
When: Thursday, March 20 at 6:35p on TruTV
Where: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas
On the call: Tom McCarthy, Deb Antonelli, Steve Smith, AJ Ross
Know your opponent: Drake is a dangerous lower seed that has been playing well down the stretch. The Bulldogs are known for their disciplined style and strong shooting, which could present a challenge for Mizzou's defense
Vegas says: Mizzou favored by 6.5. O/U 133.5
Illini 21-12 (6)
Who: Winner of Wednesday's play-in game between Xavier Musketeers or Texas Longhorns (11)
© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) goes up for a basket Friday, March 14, 2025, in a quarterfinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Maryland Terrapins defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini, 88-65.
When: Friday, March 21 at 8:45p on CBS
Where: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
On the call: Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Shehadi
Know your opponent: Xavier and Texas will play at 8:10p in Dayton, OH on Wednesday on TruTV with Xavier currently favored by 2.5
Vegas says: TBD
SIUE 22-11 (16)
Who: Houston Cougars 30-4 (1)
When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1:00p on TBS
Where: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas
On the call: Tom McCarthy, Deb Antonelli, Steve Smith, AJ Ross
Know your opponent: Houston enters the tournament as the #2 team in the country behind Duke, boasting an elite defense and an efficient offense. The Cougars are led by a balanced attack featuring elite perimeter defenders and dominant rebounding. LJ Cryer leads the way with 15.3 ppg with 3 other players averaging double digits.
Vegas says: Houston favored by 28.5. O/U 126.5