Viewing Guide to the NCAA Tournament

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)

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