From 68 to 16: March Madness 2017 First Weekend Primer

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Feb 18, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino talks with forward Jaylen Johnson (10) during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Virginia Tech 94-90. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

Pod #4 – Indianapolis, Indiana

		Colors	Location	Record	RPI
#2	Louisville Cardinals	Red, Black	Louisville, KY	24-8	7
#7	Michigan Wolverines	Maize, Blue	Ann Arbor, MI	24-11	30
#10	Oklahoma State Cowboys	Orange, Black	Stillwater, OK	20-12	39
#15	Jacksonville State Gamecocks	Red, White	Jacksonville, AL	20-14	150

#7 Michigan vs. #10 Oklahoma State — Friday, 12:15 p.m., CBS

Line: Michigan (-3)

FiveThirtyEight: Michigan (63%)

Michigan clinched a tournament berth on Sunday after a whirlwind Big Ten tournament that started with a plane crash and ended with a tournament championship. Derrick Walton has emerged, averaging 15.2 points per game this season. Michigan rebounds poorly but defends well, conceding 65.5 points per game. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has decided that defense is not important—giving up 78 points per game—and instead scores 85.5 points per game and shoots 40.1% from the three-point line. Basically if Oklahoma State can score, they will win. If Michigan’s defense can slow down the Cowboys, the Wolverines will win.

#2 Louisville vs. #15 Jacksonville State — Friday, 2:45 p.m., CBS

Line: Louisville (-19)

FiveThirtyEight: Louisville (97%)

Jacksonville State won the Ohio Valley tournament to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth, but will face Louisville in the first round. The Cardinals have not been consistent on defense, but simply have too much talent and Rick Pitino is one of the tournament’s best coaches.

Second Round Outlook

The potential Michigan/Louisville matchup could be a critical one for many brackets, as both teams could make a deep run if they can get to the Sweet 16. Michigan is playing its best basketball, but Louisville rarely fails to make it to the second weekend. If the Wolverines and Cardinals face off, it could be one of the best games of the tournament. If Oklahoma State wins, their ability to score makes them a tough matchup for anyone, and they could derail a lot of brackets by winning this pod.

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