The second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament promises to bring intense action and nail-biting matchups this Saturday. With eight games scheduled, the winning teams will secure a spot in next week's Sweet 16. Our sports experts at The Athletic have made their predictions for each game, providing valuable insights for bracket enthusiasts.

Kicking off the day's proceedings will be a clash between No. 7 Dayton and No. 2 Arizona, starting at 12:45 p.m. ET on CBS. Despite the early start time of 10:45 a.m. local time in Salt Lake City, both teams are expected to bring their A-game.

Next up, No. 4 Kansas will take on No. 5 Gonzaga at 3:15 p.m. ET, in what promises to be a thrilling battle of two powerhouse teams. The match will be televised on CBS.

At 5:30 p.m. ET, fans will witness a clash between No. 1 North Carolina and No. 9 Michigan State in Charlotte. This blueblood showdown has garnered significant attention, with both teams boasting impressive resumes and a fierce determination to advance further in the tournament.

No. 7 Washington State will face No. 2 Iowa State at 6:10 p.m. ET on TNT, as both teams fight tooth and nail to secure their place in the Sweet 16. Expect a fast-paced and intense matchup between these teams.

The tournament's Cinderella story, No. 14 Oakland, will take on No. 11 NC State at 7:10 p.m. ET on TBS. This game has an intriguing twist, ensuring that at least one double-digit seed will make it to the Sweet 16. Basketball fans can anticipate an exciting and unpredictable clash.

In an intriguing reunion, former Texas coach Rick Barnes, now with Tennessee, will face his former team at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. This matchup holds sentimental value as Barnes spent 15 years coaching the Texas team before joining Tennessee.

Following that, No. 3 Illinois will go head-to-head with No. 11 Duquesne at 8:40 p.m. ET on TNT. Fans will be treated to a battle between these two teams, with both sides eager to prove themselves.

The last game of the day will feature another fascinating coach-team reunion, as former Creighton coach Dana Altman and his Oregon Ducks take on the Bluejays at 9:40 p.m. ET on TBS.

Basketball enthusiasts will not want to miss these thrilling matchups, with each game holding the potential for upsets and unforgettable moments. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action as teams fight for their spot in the Sweet 16.

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Andrew DeWitt, The Athletic's senior editor for sports betting, brings his expertise to the tournament coverage. With experience at CBSSports.com, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the St. Joseph News-Press, DeWitt provides valuable insights and analysis for basketball enthusiasts. Hailing from Kansas City and a graduate of the University of Missouri, DeWitt's expertise adds depth to the coverage.