March Madness Quick Picks: Thursday Game Predictions
March Madness Quick Picks: Thursday Game Predictions
Andrew PhelpsThu, March 19, 2026 at 5:14 AM UTC
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March Madness is finally here, and Thursday is all about wall-to-wall hoops, buzzer beaters, and bracket chaos. It’s the best time of year—nonstop games, Cinderella stories, and those moments that have everyone glued to the TV. Before the madness fully takes over, this article gives you quick, straight-up picks for every game on Thursday’s slate. Sit back, enjoy the action, and see how the predictions stack up as the tournament tips off.
No. 9 TCU vs. No. 8 Ohio State
Winner: TCU Horn Frogs
TCU brings the chaos — forcing turnovers, crashing the glass, and playing physical. Add in Ohio State’s weak rim protection and the Frogs’ momentum, and upset vibes are real.
No. 13 Troy vs. No. 4 Nebraska
Winner: Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska’s elite defense and clean play (low turnovers, fewer fouls) give them the edge, while their 3-point shooting can stretch Troy and control the game.
No. 11 South Florida vs. No. 6 Louisville
Winner: South Florida Bulls
South Florida is rolling with an 11-game win streak, dominates the glass and now faces a Louisville team without its star guard — upset alert is very real.
No. 12 High Point vs. No. 5 Wisconsin
Winner: Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin’s size edge and efficient offense should wear High Point down. Add in strong 3-point shooting and a lack of mistakes, and the Badgers have a clear path to advance.
No. 16 Siena vs. No. 1 Duke
Winner: Duke Blue Devils
Duke has too much talent, size and firepower here. If they control the paint and play their game, this one could get out of hand quickly.
No. 12 McNeese State vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt
Winner: Vanderbilt Commodores
Vandy’s balanced offense, strong guard play and ability to protect the ball should neutralize McNeese’s pressure and take control down the stretch.
No. 14 North Dakota State vs. No. 3 Michigan State
Winner: Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State owns the glass, brings elite defense and has Tom Izzo — a certified March killer. That combo should be too much for North Dakota State to handle.
No. 13 Hawai'i vs. No. 4 Arkansas
Winner: Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas brings pace, firepower and Darius Acuff Jr. — that’s a lot for Hawaii to handle. If the Razorbacks speed this up, it could get out of hand quickly.
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No. 11 VCU vs. No. 6 North Carolina
Winner: VCU Rams
VCU brings pressure, depth, and momentum — a tough combo for a thin UNC squad. If the Rams get rolling from 3, upset alert is on.
No. 16 Howard vs. No. 1 Michigan
Winner: Michigan Wolverines
Michigan’s size and depth are overwhelming — this has all the makings of a long day for Howard if the Wolverines control the paint and tempo.
No. 11 Texas vs. No. 6 BYU
Winner: Texas Longhorns
Texas brings momentum, toughness and that First Four edge. With BYU stumbling late, the Longhorns can grind this out and steal one.
No. 10 Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Saint Mary's
Winner: Saint Mary's
Saint Mary’s slows it down, defends at a high level and dominates the glass. If they control the tempo, Texas A&M could get dragged into a grind they don’t want.
No. 14 Pennsylvania vs. No. 3 Illinois
Winner: Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois brings a big size edge and plenty of scoring punch. If they control the paint and stay physical, this one could get out of reach quickly for Penn.
No. 9 Saint Louis vs. No. 8 Georgia
Winner: Saint Louis Billikens
Saint Louis can light it up and rebound at a high level — a tough combo. If they control the glass and stay hot from deep, they can outgun Georgia.
No. 14 Kennesaw State vs. No. 3 Gonzaga
Winner: Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga’s size, defense and experience are just too much. If they control the boards and limit easy looks, this could be a long night for Kennesaw State.
No. 15 Idaho vs. No. 2 Houston
Winner: Houston Cougars
Houston’s defense is suffocating and built for this. If they lock in like usual, Idaho’s offense won’t get much going — expect the Cougars to control this one from start to finish.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Sports”
