As we edge closer to March Madness, some of the season's most thrilling NCAA matchups are set to tip-off on February 28, 2026. With powerhouse teams like Kansas, Arizona, Virginia, and Duke all hitting the court, fans and bettors alike are in for a treat. Let's dive into what makes these games must-watch events.
Kansas at Arizona
The Kansas Jayhawks, ranked #13, are set to challenge the formidable #3 Arizona Wildcats in a clash that promises fireworks. Kansas is looking to prove its mettle against a top-tier opponent, and with key players like Darryn Peterson, who is projected to score 16.9 points, they have the firepower to do so. Meanwhile, Arizona's Brayden Burries and Anthony Dell'Orso are set to anchor their team with solid performances.
Our model gives the Wildcats a slight edge with a predicted score of 77-74.5, translating to a 53% win probability in favor of Arizona. Despite the close prediction, the Vegas spread is -9.5, suggesting a more comfortable win for Arizona according to the oddsmakers. For a deeper dive into the numbers, check out our detailed game prediction.
Virginia at Duke
Over in Durham, the #1 Duke Blue Devils are set to host the #18 Virginia Cavaliers in another high-stakes matchup. Duke's Cameron Boozer is the player to watch, with our simulations predicting a monster game of 22 points and 11.1 rebounds. Virginia will counter with Thijs De Ridder, who is expected to lead his team with 14 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Duke is favored with a 64% chance to win and a predicted final score of 78.4 to 67.3. This aligns closely with the -10.5 spread set by Vegas. For those who believe in the underdog spirit, Virginia's resilience could make this a tighter contest than expected. Explore our full game analysis for more insights.
Arkansas at Florida
Finally, the #20 Arkansas Razorbacks travel to face the #4 Florida Gators in what promises to be an offensive showcase. With a GameSim predicted score of 84.5 to 80.1 in favor of Florida, this contest is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with an over/under of 168.5 reflecting plenty of action on the scoreboard.
Florida holds a 56% probability of victory according to our simulations, suggesting a competitive matchup despite the Gators' higher ranking and home-court advantage. For a more comprehensive breakdown, don't miss our in-depth prediction.
Remember, detailed projected player stats for all games are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Discover more about our premium features and how to subscribe by visiting our GameSim+ page.
