Game thread, NCAA Tournament - Round of 32, Day 1

Today’s matchups feature coaches with a lot of experience. Bill Self. Tom Izzo. Jay Wright. John Beilein. Leonard Hamilton. Bruce Pearl. Mark Few.

With the exception of LSU, where Will Wade is suspended while LSU waits on how the school will handle the report that he was on a wire tap talking about paying an amateur player, today’s games are chock full of coaches who teach good basketball.

Our picks...

Three to watch today

Florida State Seminoles (28-7) vs Murray State Racers (28-4)

When: Friday, March 22, 6:10 PM

TV: CBS | March Madness Online

Odds: Florida State, -5

Announcers: Andrew Catalon / Steve Lappas // Lisa Byington

Preview: Ja Morant may get a baptism in playing against NBA height when the likely top-5 pick faces Mfiondu Kabengele, Terance Mann, Christ Koumandje and the rest of Florida State’s height. Florida State ends the Racers’ run.

Maryland Terrapins (23-10) vs LSU Tigers (27-6)

When: Saturday, March 23, 12:10 PM

TV: CBS | March Madness Online

Odds: LSU, -2.5

Announcers: Ian Eagle / Jim Spanarkel // Jamie Erdahl

Preview: There is going to be some high-level big man play between Bruno Fernando (Maryland) and Naz Reid (LSU). The Terps are inexperienced but talented. LSU ‘s Tremont Waters and Javonte Smart are fun to watch. No idea who to pick here, but LSU is playing pretty well.

Villanova Wildcats (26-9) vs Purdue Boilermakers (24-9)

When: Saturday, March 23, 8:40 PM

TV: CBS | March Madness Online

Odds: Purdue, -5

Announcers: Carter Blackburn / Debbie Antonelli // John Schriffen

Preview: Two good defenses. Two solid programs. The defending national champion. What if Villanova wins? This rebuild year is going well, and I think they can.

Also on Tap

Kentucky vs Wofford, 2:40 PM, CBS

Florida vs Michigan, 5:15 PM, CBS

Baylor vs Gonzaga, 7:10 PM, TBS

Minnesota vs. Michigan State, 7:45 PM, CBS

Auburn vs. Kansas, 9:40 PM, TBS