Half of the field of 64 has punched its ticket to the next round during an exciting and upset-filled opening day of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. Now it is time to see who will join them as the second round concludes on Friday with 16 more games. There are plenty of matchups to keep you glued to your TV (or computer screen) for the entire day.
As much fun as it is to watch the NCAA Tournament, it is equally important to keep an up-to-date bracket handy so you know exactly where the field stands.
The printable bracket is updated through Thursday's games.
The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils kick off the day at 12:15 p.m. ET against the No. 14 Mercer Bears. If that game doesn't suit your fancy, No. 6 Baylor takes on No. 11 Nebraska about 30 minutes later.
Kansas was awarded a No. 2 seed, but will be without center Joel Embiid, who is missing at least the first week of the tournament with a bad back. The No. 1 Wichita State Shockers continue their historic undefeated run against the No. 16 Cal Poly Mustangs at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Mustangs entered the NCAA Tournament with a 13-19 record -- not exactly the record of champions -- but put on an impressive offensive display in the First Four to advance.
There are quite a few tantalizing matchups for the No. 1 seeds in the third round. Three of the four No. 8 vs. No. 9 games take place on Friday. Wichita State might face No. 8 Kentucky if the Wildcats can get past No. 9 Kansas State on Friday evening. No. 1 Arizona might face Marcus Smart and the No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys, but only if the Cowboys push past the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Doug McDermott has pretty much done everything in college hoops except for make a deep tournament run. Now is his last chance, and it is probably No. 3 Creighton's best chance as it opens against No. 14 Louisiana-Lafayette.