No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 Dayton

Why Oklahoma will win: You don’t get much more experienced as an NCAA Tournament head coach than Lon Kruger. He has won at least once NCAA Tourney game with five different schools, and he knows how to put together a gameplan. Buddy Hield is a special player who can break down anyone off the dribble, and Kruger has his team playing stingy defense. OU is playing with a lot of confidence right now.

Why Dayton will win: The Flyers are playing like a team of destiny. OK, that might be a little ambitious after just two wins, but Dayton’s defense is gritty and doesn’t allow free movement anywhere on the court. This is an unselfish squad that feels it has something to prove. Guard Jordan Sibert and forward Dyshawn Pierre provide the offensive punch.

What will happen: This one will be a defensive-minded fan’s dream. There will be plenty of halfcourt offense with Hield and Sibert battling back and forth, and nothing is going to come easy for anyone. Dayton won’t have anything to lose in this one, and the Flyers will limit their turnovers to return to the Sweet 16.
Prediction:Dayton 51, Oklahoma 47