2024 March Madness predictions: Expert picks against the spread, NCAA odds in Saturday second-round games

A closer look at the second-round games set for Saturday's slate of the NCAA Tournament

By Kyle Boone  & Chip Patterson Mar 23, 2024 at 10:40 pm ET• 4 min read

The second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament has arrived, which means there will be plenty non-stop March Madness action entering the weekend. Games continue Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET, as the field will shrink from 32 to 24 teams ahead of contests being played Sunday to wrap up the second round.

The sun-up to sun-down schedule continues through the weekend, though there will be fewer games played head-to-head, which allows for a more complete viewing experience. While we know you no longer have a perfect bracket (don't lie), hopefully you are still in competition to win your bracket pool. Either way, it never hurts to ensure you have a reason to be tuned into each game other than the friendly competition.

Our CBS Sports experts have convened to provide you further insight into Saturday's second-round games with picks straight up and against the spread. Our expert brackets may offer some help, too, especially if you're considering seed-line upsets.

The NCAA Tournament is all about surviving and advancing, but for those plunking down on their coach or pulling up to their desk to consume as much March Madness content as possible -- especially over the next two days -- which teams cover their spreads will be quite important as well. The CBS Sports college basketball experts have been covering the sport for years and certainly all season since November, and they are not shy with their picks for these games.