The first round of the NCAA Tournament is all wrapped up, and what a couple of days it was — both from an entertainment perspective and for my own picks.
I was able to successfully predict the Abilene Christian and Ohio upsets over Texas and Virginia, and also picked Oral Roberts to beat Ohio State on Friday. There’s a reason they call me Yoda!
Those kinds of picks have seen my climb to the top of the leaderboard in the Pickswise $10,000 Capper Contest and that is exactly where I intend to stay. Let’s dive into my picks for today’s eight second-round matchups, but make sure you check out the Pickswise team’s picks on the side and total for every game throughout the tournament.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. Florida Gators
Now that the world has finally awakened and recognizes how dangerous this Oral Roberts team is, I’m predicting Florida to be the next casualty. I love the play of Florida’s Tre Mann as of late — this kid has NBA fabric about him and I’m a huge supporter of Mike White, but who’s going to take on the responsibility of stopping Max Abmas? Scottie Lewis possibly could slow him down but Oral Roberts isn’t just a one-man show. This team is well equipped to keep marching. Talk soon.
LOCK: Oral Roberts +8
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. Florida Gators.
Oregon State Beavers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
I really love how scrappy Oregon State plays — they’re not afraid of you, they punch you in the mouth first, and they convert on your mistakes. With an impressive win over Tennessee, Oregon State proved how resilient they really were but Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham will be the best player on the floor and I think that’ll be a bit much for the Beavers. Cade has a chance to be this year‘s Carmelo Anthony for the Cowboys. I don’t think Cade is ready to turn in his college jersey just yet.
PICK: Oklahoma State -6
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Oregon State Beavers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Check out college basketball analyst and insider Jon Rothstein’s best picks for today’s action!
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Houston Cougars
I personally love how Rutgers slows down the game and forces teams to play ugly and ultimately they beat you with that style. I don’t think Houston will fall for it and therefore I’ve got the Coogs winning this one.
PICK: Houston -8
Be sure to check out the full game preview for Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Houston Cougars.
Rashad Phillips’ picks and predictions for the other 2021 March Madness Second Round games
Illinois Fighting Illini -7 to beat Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
Baylor Bears -6 to beat Wisconsin Badgers
West Virginia Mountaineers -3.5 to beat Syracuse Orange
Arkansas Razorbacks +1 to beat Texas Tech Red Raiders
North Texas Mean Green +6.5 to beat Villanova Wildcats
Want more of Rashad Phillips’ March Madness thoughts? Check out our huge NCAA Tournament preview show, which also features Jon Rothstein and Aaron Torres!
Pickswise is the home of March Madness Predictions. Check out all of our March Madness Picks, including daily March Madness Parlays throughout the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
