Each game day during the NCAA tournament, the Post’s Marc Raimondi, Anthony Sulla-Heffinger and Justin Terranova will be providing you with their input for that day’s games.
For the afternoon session of Friday’s second round, Terranova is picking a lot of chalk, but does see mini-upsets with Temple and Cincinnati.
MIDWEST REGION
(15) Albany vs. (2) Duke: 12:15 p.m.
Another early exit for the Blue Devils? I think not. Duke has too much offense with Ryan Kelly back in the lineup and Albany does not have a player the caliber of C.J. McCollum, who led Lehigh to the upset of Duke last season.
Prediction: Duke 71-48
(10) Cincinnati vs. (7) Creighton; 2:45 p.m.
Look for Cincinnati to impose their will on Creighton and this will lead to an incredibly low-scoring affair, and a frustrating day for Blue Jays star Doug McDermott.
Prediction: Cincinnati 53-49
WEST REGION
(12) Ole Miss vs. (5) Wisconsin: 12:40 p.m.
Wisconsin will frustrate Ole Miss free-spirit Marshall Henderson, and the Badgers will pull away late to make their way through to the next round.
Prediction: Wisconsin 55-46
(4) Kansas State vs. (13) LaSalle: 3:10 p.m.
LaSalle was very impressive in their win over Boise State in the First Four and will give Kansas State more than they want in this matchup. But in the end, the Wildcats will be too much for the Explorers.
Prediction: Kansas State 67-65
EAST REGION
(9) Temple vs. (8) N.C. State: 1:40 p.m.
N.C. State has been overrated all year and continues to be so as Vegas made them 5-point favorites against a quality Temple team. I give the coaching advantage to the Owls in a close game.
Prediction: Temple 72-68
(1) Indiana vs. (16) James Madison: 4:10 p.m.
Indiana is an extremely athletic and team that will wash away any chance of an upset here.
Prediction: Indiana 94-53
EAST REGION — AUSTIN
(15) Pacific vs. (2) Miami: 2:10 p.m.
If you’ve been following the other postseason tournaments, and I know you have, the Big West has looked dreadful. Miami’s experience will prove to be way too much and the Hurricanes will cruise into the third round.
Prediction: Miami 89-60
(10) Colorado vs. (7) Illinois: 4:40 p.m.
Very surprised that Illinois got a No. 7 seed. They have some big wins, including over Indiana, but they also have a lot of bad losses. Colorado plays a Big 10 style of basketball so both teams will be comfortable in a rock fight, and in this case it will be too much Buffaloes.
Prediction: Colorado 59-57