And with that, we are on to the round of 32. Day 2 of the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament wasn’t as eventful as the first day, but there were still plenty of top moments. Kentucky’s Otega Oweh hit a buzzer beater to send the Wildcats’ game against 10-seed Santa Clara into overtime. They won, 89–84, and will face No. 2 Iowa State on Sunday. Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. decided the No. 4 Crimson Tide were not ready to go home and took over the game against 13-seeded Hofstra. Purdue’s Braden Smith set the NCAA all-time assists record, surpassing Duke legend Bobby Hurley, in the Boilermakers’ win. As we turn to the second round, here are five bold predictions. Sports Illustrated will be live all weekend with updates throughout the round of 32.
