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March Madness Quick Picks: Friday Game Predictions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew Phelps | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 12:15 AM ET

March Madness rolls on with a packed Friday slate, and the unpredictability is only heating up. More games, more last-second drama, and more chances for underdogs to shake up the bracket. It’s the kind of day where things can flip in a hurry.

Before it all gets going, here’s a quick, straight-to-the-point look at every game on Friday’s schedule. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and let’s see how these picks play out.

No. 10 Santa Clara vs. No. 7 Kentucky

Winner: Santa Clara Broncos

Santa Clara bombs away from 3, crashes the glass and creates chaos — a bad combo for Kentucky. If the Broncos get hot, upset city is very much in play.

No. 12 Akron vs. No. 5 Texas Tech

Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech’s experience and shot-making should carry them here. If they turn this into a half-court game and knock down 3s, Akron could struggle to keep pace.

No. 16 Long Island University vs. No. 1 Arizona

Winner: Arizona Wildcats

Arizona has too much size, talent and firepower. If they dominate the paint like usual, this could get out of hand quickly for LIU.

No. 14 Wright State vs. No. 3 Virginia

Winner: Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia can score from everywhere and doesn’t rely on just one guy. If they get comfortable early, Wright State could be chasing the game all night.

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No. 15 Tennessee State vs. No. 2 Iowa State

Winner: Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State brings size, discipline, and Big 12 toughness. If it can dictate the pace and make Tennessee State play outside its comfort zone, this could get lopsided fast.

No. 13 Hofstra vs. No.4 Alabama

Winner: Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s pace and firepower are a lot to handle. If this turns into a track meet, Hofstra could get run off the floor quickly.

No. 9 Utah State vs. No. 8 Villanova

Winner: Villanova Wildcats

Villanova wants this ugly — slow pace, physical play and clean possessions. If they dictate tempo, they can take Utah State out of rhythm and steal it.

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No. 11 Miami (OH) vs. No. 6 Tennessee

Winner: Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee brings elite SEC defense and locks down the three-point line — exactly what Miami (OH) relies on. If the Vols take away the perimeter, the RedHawks could be in trouble.

No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 8 Clemson

Winner: Clemson Tigers

Clemson defends, slows things down and doesn’t rely on one guy. If they turn this into a grind, Iowa could have a tough time finding any rhythm.

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No. 12 Northern Iowa vs. No. 5 St. John's

Winner: St. John's Red Storm

St. John’s brings size, speed and Pitino in March — that’s a tough combo. If they control the paint and push the pace, Northern Iowa could get overwhelmed.

No. 10 UCF vs. No. 7 UCLA

Winner: UCLA Bruins

UCLA’s shooting, defense and momentum give them the edge. If they control tempo and force turnovers, UCF’s shaky offense could struggle to keep up.

No. 15 Queens NC vs. No. 2 Purdue

Winner: Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue has too much size, experience and offense. Against one of the worst defenses in the country, this could get out of hand fast.

No. 16 Prairie View vs. No. 1 Florida

Winner: Florida Gators

Florida is just bigger, deeper and more efficient. If they own the glass and play inside-out, Prairie View probably won’t have enough to keep up.

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No. 13 California Baptist vs. No. 4 Kansas

Winner: Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas has too much talent and rim protection. If they lock in defensively, Cal Baptist’s offense could struggle to find much rhythm.

No. 15 Furman vs. No. 2 UConn

Winner: UConn Huskies

UConn is bigger, deeper and more physical. If they own the boards and make Furman uncomfortable, this could get away from the Paladins fast.

No. 10 Missouri vs. No. 7 Miami (Fla.)

Winner: Miami Hurricanes

Miami’s offense is rolling and far more consistent. With Missouri struggling defensively and trending down, the Hurricanes have the edge to take control.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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