The 2026 edition of March Madness continues on Saturday with eight games on the NCAA Tournament schedule.
We’ve already seen our share of upsets, and my second-round college basketball predictions are looking at three potential Round of 32 underdog wins.
Read on for my March Madness picks for Saturday, March 21.
March Madness moneyline picks on Saturday, March 21
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Saint Louisvs  Michigan |
-900 |
 Louisvillevs  Michigan State |
-170 |
 TCUvs  Duke |
+400 |
 Texas A&Mvs  Houston |
-550 |
 Texasvs  Gonzaga |
-225 |
 VCUvs  Illinois |
-600 |
 Vanderbiltvs  Nebraska |
+120 |
 High Pointvs  Arkansas |
+500 |
Lines courtesy of bet365.
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Expert March Madness Round 2 moneyline picks for Saturday
No. 9 Saint Louis vs No. 1 Michigan: Michigan (-900)
The Michigan Wolverines' elite defense faces a lethal test against the Saint Louis Billikens' second-ranked effective field goal percentage. But while the Billikens’ perimeter spacing and Robbie Avila’s playmaking present "giant-killer" potential, Michigan’s Top-10 efficiency on both ends and massive interior size advantage should secure the victory.
No. 6 Louisville vs No. 3 Michigan State: Michigan State (-170)
The Michigan State Spartans' top-ranked defensive rebounding faces the Louisville Cardinals' high-volume perimeter attack. With Cardinals star Mikel Brown Jr. potentially sidelined, the Spartans’ interior strength and Jeremy Fears Jr.'s scoring and leadership should neutralize Louisville’s spacing enough to sneak out with a victory.
No. 9 TCU vs No. 1 Duke: TCU (+400)
The Duke Blue Devils' narrow escape against Siena exposed a team rattled by injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II. The TCU Horned Frogs shot 39% from deep against Ohio State, and if they shoot like that again — and they can — they’ll beat the short-handed Blue Devils.
No. 10 Texas A&M vs No. 2 Houston: Houston (-550)
The Houston Cougars' fourth-ranked defense faces a physical, veteran Texas A&M Aggies squad. While the Aggies’ rebounding presents a challenge, the Cougars’ disciplined perimeter defense should stifle A&M’s high-tempo attack. Expect Kelvin Sampson’s squad to lean on its defensive identity to advance.
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No. 11 Texas vs No. 3 Gonzaga: Gonzaga (-225)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs' elite defensive group meets a somewhat fatigued Texas Longhorns squad playing its third tournament game in five days. While the Longhorns possess a Top 20 offense, their 348th-ranked turnover defense won't disrupt the Bulldogs' offense. Gonzaga advances to the Sweet 16.
No. 11 VCU vs No. 3 Illinois: Illinois (-600)
The Illinois Fighting Illini enter with the nation’s top-ranked offensive efficiency and a massive size advantage. While the VCU Rams are defensive-minded, they lack the interior depth to stop an Illini squad that ranks third in offensive rebounding. Expect Illinois’ elite offense to secure the victory.
No. 5 Vanderbilt vs No. 4 Nebraska: Nebraska (+120)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers' seventh-ranked defense presents a tactical nightmare for the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Cornhuskers’ elite perimeter stop unit and Sam Hoiberg’s ball-pressure should slow the Commodores’ sharpshooters. Nebraska was the Big Ten runner-up for a reason and will advance to the Sweet 16.
No. 12 High Point vs No. 5 Arkansas: High Point (+500)
The High Point Panthers enter on a 15-game winning streak, and a coach who has his team convinced they are the best in the building. They boast a Top 5 offense and face a thin, freshman-led Arkansas Razorbacks rotation hampered by injuries. High Point has the momentum and can beat Arkansas.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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