2014 NCAA Tournament: TV Schedule And Predictions For Sweet 16 Games On Thursday

The 2014 NCAA tournament TV schedule for the second weekend kicks off with the Sweet 16 on Thursday. After a thrilling opening three rounds of the NCAA tournament, the March Madness should keep on rolling through the fourth and fifth rounds. With three double digit seeds still playing and the darling number one Wichita State Shockers gone, everyone’s brackets are busted at this point. But now that the delusions of winning a billion dollars is gone, NCAA tournament fans can focus on the point of March Madness, basketball. So here is the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 TV schedule for Thursday’s games (with some predictions).

#11 Dayton Flyers vs. #10 Stanford Cardinal (7:15 pm EST, CBS South Region)

Thursday’s Sweet 16 games kick off with a match up between two Cinderella’s, guaranteeing that NCAA tournament fans will see a double digit seed in the Elite Eight. After Dayton defeated Ohio State in their first game, gaining bragging rights and putting an end to Aaron Craft’s college career, many people thought their run was over. But Dayton took on mid season favorite Syracuse and beat them thanks to a missed buzzer beater by Tyler Ennis.

Stanford also played two close games in their opening weekend of the 2014 NCAA tournament. By defeating New Mexico and Kansas, the Cardinal proved they deserve to be playing deeper into the tournament. Like Dayton, defense earned Stanford their entry into the Sweet 16. By limiting Andrew Wiggins to four points and frustrating him into four turnovers, the Cardinal proved they could take down an elite player.

Expect a close game that ends with the final shot going in for Stanford as they get the win and advance in the 2014 NCAA tournament.

#6 Baylor Bears vs. #2 Wisconsin Badgers (7:47 pm EST, TBS West Region)

The second game on the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 TV schedule should be a high scoring, slug fest. Wisconsin is sporting a much more efficient offense this season and easily took down American and Oregon in their first two games. A popular Final Four prediciton by many, the Badgers hope to keep their offense rolling against Baylor.

Baylor ran all over Nebraska and Creighton, proving that their late season run through the Big 12 was not a fluke. With the success of both Baylor and Iowa State, the Big 12 looks like it may contend for the title of best conference top to bottom. Baylor is more athletic than Wisconsin and this game will go a long way to show the differences between the Big 12 and the Big 10. Can Wisconsin keep up with the Baylor pace?

Baylor’s defense bothered Doug McDermott and should do the same to the Wisconsin offense. Expect the Bears to play on.

#4 UCLA Bruins vs. #1 Florida Gators (9:45 pm EST, CBS South Region)

Both teams have had a pretty easy ride to the Sweet 16. Their next NCAA tournament game should prove more challenging. The Gators have held up under the pressure of being a number one seed, enduring through a poor shooting performance against Albany. With one of the best veteran teams in the tournament, one of the best coaches, and a stingy defense, they will be a tough out.

UCLA is led by NBA prospect Kyle Anderson who is capable of doing a little bit of everything. Anderson is a point guard in a big man’s body and gives defenses fits when it comes to guarding him. Expect the Gators to have serious match up problems with Anderson, as their big men are used to the traditional post game. If Anderson has one flaw, it may be that he is too unselfish and passes up shots.

The Gators will struggle in the first half, but will adjust and barely edge out the Bruins for the win.

#4 San Diego State Aztecs vs. #1 Arizona Wildcats (10:17 pm EST, TBS West Region)

The final game on the TV schedule for Thursday’s Sweet 16 action could go either way. If Arizona is on top of their game, many argue they are the best team in the country. They have looked vulnerable at times this season and could find themselves bothered by the second stingiest defense in the country.

San Diego Sate only allows 56.6 points per game and stay poised while doing so. After a tough first game, overtime win against New Mexico State, the Aztecs settled in against North Dakota State and easily beat them. There is one major problem for the Aztecs. They already have taken a loss against Arizona in their second game of the season.

Arizona’s shooters will be bothered by the San Diego State defense and the Aztecs will get their revenge.

Tomorrow we will share the 2014 NCAA tournament TV schedule for Friday’s Sweet 16 action.

[Image via Kevin Hoffman / USA TODAY Sports]