Andy Katz went 4-1 with his picks last week to bring his overall record to 64-36 this season. This week, Katz is back with a loaded slate of must-watch games.
You can read Katz’s picks below and listen to him make them on this week’s episode of the March Madness 365 podcast. This edition of March Madness 365 also features interviews with Big Ten Network’s Michael Decourcy, Wichita State’s Isaac Brown and Oklahoma State’s head coach Mike Boynton.
No. 5 Illinois at Michigan State | 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 | FS1
Ayo Dosunmu is making a late bid for national player of the year. Katz likes Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn and the Illini to keep rolling.
Katz’s pick: Illinois
Result: Incorrect. Michigan State, 81-72
No. 17 Kansas at No. 14 Texas | 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 | ESPN
Although Kansas is surging and Texas is struggling, Katz likes the Longhorns to turn things around and get the win at home.
Katz’s pick: Texas
Result: Correct! Texas, 75-72
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No. 6 Alabama at No. 20 Arkansas | 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 24 | ESPN2
Arkansas has been on a tear — the Razorbacks have won four straight and are now No. 2 in the SEC standings. Katz thinks they’ll continue their hot streak and grab the upset at home.
Katz’s pick: Arkansas
Result: Correct! Arkansas, 81-66
No. 10 West Virginia at No. 2 Baylor | 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25
Since Baylor is coming off of a COVID pause Katz thinks they could struggle, but thinks Baylor is the overall better team and will find a way to get the job done at home.
Katz’s pick: Baylor
Result: Postponed
No. 9 Iowa at No. 3 Michigan | 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 | ESPN
Katz thinks if Iowa can get some of their players not named Luka Garza going they may have a shot, but he favors Michigan’s defense at home.
Katz’s pick: Michigan
Result: Correct! Michigan, 79-57
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No. 19 Southern Cal at Colorado | 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25
Katz favors Southern Cal and, according to him, the best player in the Pac-12 — USC’s Evan Mobley.
Katz’s pick: Southern Cal
Result: Wrong. Colorado, 80-62
Boise State at No. 22 San Diego State | 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 & 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | FS1 & CBSSN
In a huge Mountain West series where Boise State will play SDSU in back-to-back games on Thursday and Saturday, Katz likes the split — the Aztecs on Thursday and the Broncos on Saturday.
Katz’s pick: San Diego State on Feb. 25 and Boise State on Feb. 27
Result: Correct! San Diego State, 78-66 (OT).
No. 14 Texas at No. 18 Texas Tech | 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | CBS
Katz thinks the Red Raiders need a win and likes them to get one at home.
Katz’s pick: Texas Tech
No. 11 Florida State at North Carolina | 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN
Although North Carolina is looking for a key win to get off the tournament bubble, Katz like the Noles to continue rolling through the ACC.
Katz’s pick: Florida State
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LSU at No. 20 Arkansas | 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27
Katz thinks the Razorbacks will keep rolling and grab their second win of the week.
Katz’s pick: Arkansas
No. 5 Illinois at No. 23 Wisconsin | 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN
Katz thinks Wisconsin won’t be able to handle the star power Illinois will put on the floor. Another win for Illini this week.
Katz’s pick: Illinois
No. 13 Creighton at Xavier | 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | FOX
Katz likes Creighton to keep up the offensive intensity and beat Xavier. He thinks the Bluejays could challenge Villanova for the Big East crown.
Katz’s pick: Creighton
No. 2 Baylor at No. 17 Kansas | 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 | ESPN
Another ranked matchup for Baylor means another ranked win as Katz remains bullish on the Bears.
Katz’s pick: Baylor
2021 BRACKET: March Madness predictions by Andy Katz
No. 9 Iowa at No. 4 Ohio State | 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 28
In the last game picked before the best month of the year for college basketball fans, Katz goes with the Buckeyes. It’ll be a tough week for Iowa if Katz’s predictions are right, but that’s just life in an extremely crowded Big Ten conference this season.
Katz’s pick: Ohio State
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