By David Tulley
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Kansas vs. Eastern Washington (1:15 p.m. on TBS)
Kansas: F J. Wilson, F D. McCormic, G T. Enaruna
Eastern Washington: No injuries to report
Kansas currently has three players in COVID Protocols. They are unlikely to play on Saturday in the Jayhawks' first round matchup against Eastern Washington, as they are all listed as out indefinitely. Kansas will need to replace a lot of production here, as forwards Jalen Wilson and David McCormick lead the team in rebounds and average a combined 22 points and 14 rebounds per game.
Michigan vs. Texas Southern (3 p.m. on CBS)
Michigan: F I. Livers
Texas Southern: No injuries to report
Michigan Forward Isaiah Livers is out indefinitely with a stress fracture to his foot, and his production will be sorely missed. Livers was the Wolverines' starting forward and key leader in the locker room, playing 31.6 minutes a game while averaging 13.1 points, six rebounds and shooting 43.1% from three.
Alabama vs. Iona (4 p.m. on TBS)
Alabama: G J. Primo
Iona: No injuries to report
The Alabama Crimson Tide have just one injury to report, as guard Joshua Primo is listed as doubtful with a knee injury. Primo averages the fifth most minutes on the team (22.6), so head coach Nate Oats and company will look to get more production out of Keon Ellis in his place until he is able to return.
USC vs. Drake (4:30 p.m. on TNT)
USC: No injuries to report
Drake: G Roman Penn, F Shaquan Hemphill
Drake has been without their star guard Roman Penn since February 23rd. He is being replaced by Joseph Yosefu, who is averaging just one more point per game. On the positive side, the Bulldogs are expected to have senior forward Shaquan Hemphill back from his fractured foot surgery. Hemphill was Drake's leading scorer and rebounder before his injury, averaging 14 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Iowa vs. Grand Canyon (6:25 p.m. on TBS)
Iowa: F J. Nunge
Grand Canyon: No injuries to report
Iowa forward Jack Nunge has an injured knee and will be out for the remainder of the season. He was performing well in a backup role, averaging 15.9 minutes, seven points and five rebounds per game.
UConn vs. Maryland (7:10 p.m. on CBS)
UConn: G R. Cole
Maryland No injuries to report
UConn guard R.J. Cole will likely be out the remainder of the year. He's the Huskies' second leading scorer and also their leader in assists and steals. He will be sorely missed and is already reflected in the line.
Oklahoma vs. Missouri (7:25 p.m. on TNT)
Oklahoma: G D. Harmon
Missouri: No injuries to report
Oklahoma Guard De’vion Harmon is expected to miss at least two games as he tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Harmon is Oklahoma’s second leading scorer while averaging 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 33% from three. His production will be sorely missed, and coach Lonnie Kruger will use a bigger line up in his absence, asking senior forward Alondis Williams to step up in a bigger role.
BYU vs. Michigan State/UCLA (9:40 p.m. on CBS)
BYU: No injuries to report
UCLA: G Chris Smith, C Jalen Smith, G J Juzang
UCLA has been without two of their key players for the second half of the season - PG Chris Smith has been out since Jan 2nd with a torn ACL while C Jalen Smith has been out since February 6th for personal reasons. Neither are expected to return for the tournament, and while UCLA won its opening match in the First Four by upsetting Michigan St. in a comeback victory, this win came at a cost as starting guard Johnny Juzang was hobbled with an ankle injury. Juzang is questionable to play on Saturday against the Cougars of BYU, and if he cant suit up then UCLA will be scrambling to make up for his 31.5 minutes left on the court in addition to an average of 14.5 points per game. He also averages 4.1 rebounds and shoots 34.5% behind the arc. Juzang also shoots 92% from the foul line, which make a difference here on the betting line.