ANALYSIS: In the Missouri Valley Conference, eyes have been on Drake and Loyola Chicago. A team that is fully capable of contending with both of those teams is Missouri State. On Friday, the Bears will aim to complete a three-game season series sweep over Valparaiso. The prior two wins were by double digits. Expect a third win as the Bears have their sights set on advancing and getting an automatic bid.

ANALYSIS: The Thundering Herd have a dynamic back court with Andrew Taylor and Taevion Kinsey that should be a supreme advantage over Charlotte. The 49ers at times have shown the ability to hang around with opponents, but lack the firepower over 40 minutes. Expect the Herd to resemble the team that won five of six conference games by double-digits in January to mid-February.

ANALYSIS: ACC play has been dreadful for both Miami and Boston College. On Friday, expect a motivated Hurricanes team to aim to avenge a January 84-62 loss against Boston College. Additionally, senior day for starters Kameron McGusty, Nysier Brooks, and Elijah Olaniyi should boost the level of play for the Hurricanes.

ANALYSIS: The Longhorns are playing in their third straight road game, but match up well against the Sooners. Expect their offense to pick up where it left off against Iowa State, as the Longhorns make a late-season push up the polls. Grab Texas.

ANALYSIS: Conference struggles are not customary for Murray State. This year the Racers were .500 in the Ohio Valley at 10-10, including two losses against Jacksonville State. Yet the pressure is now on the Gamecocks to get a third win over Murray. Grab the Racers to get the win that matters most and advance in the tournament.