The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments are set to captivate fans with thrilling matchups. The second round of the men's tournament begins on Saturday, overlapping with the first round of the women's games, creating a perfect opportunity for viewers to alternate between the two competitions. With only two men's games starting before 5 p.m. ET and ten women's matches scheduled during the afternoon, spectators can enjoy a variety of competitive games. Highlights include Hall of Fame coach showdowns, potential upsets, and standout players making their mark.

Fascinating Matchups in Men’s and Women’s Afternoon Games

Saturday afternoon promises a series of captivating games in both the men's and women's tournaments. In the men's bracket, Purdue takes on McNeese while St. John’s faces Arkansas. Meanwhile, the women's games feature powerhouse teams like UConn against Arkansas State and NC State versus Vermont. These contests provide opportunities for unexpected outcomes and exceptional performances from key players such as West Virginia’s JJ Quinerly.

A standout game involves legendary coaches Rick Pitino and John Calipari, whose teams, St. John’s and Arkansas respectively, face off in a historic matchup. Both have led three different schools to the Final Four and share a storied rivalry. For those seeking excitement, the clash between Oklahoma and Florida Gulf Coast offers a chance for an upset, given the strong defensive showing by McNeese earlier in the week. On the women's side, JJ Quinerly leads West Virginia into uncharted territory, aiming to break the team's second-round barrier.

Evening Showdowns Set to Ignite Passion Among Fans

As the day progresses, evening games promise more intense competition. Notable men's matchups include Texas A&M versus Michigan and Houston facing Gonzaga. The women's schedule features Illinois against Creighton and LSU playing San Diego State. These games offer a mix of high-stakes action and star player performances that could define the tournament's trajectory.

Houston vs. Gonzaga presents a fascinating contrast of styles: Gonzaga’s fast-paced offense meets Houston’s resilient defense. This game could determine if Houston finally breaks its Sweet 16 streak or if Gonzaga continues its impressive nine-year run in the Sweet 16. Additionally, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow brings her formidable double-double skills to the court, where she averages an impressive 18.5 points and leads all players with 13.6 rebounds per game. While Texas might dominate William & Mary, other closely contested games will keep fans glued to their screens throughout the evening.