5 College Basketball Conference Tournament Upsets to Watch on Friday

Grant White
Host · Writer
(10) Clemson Tigers vs (13) Louisville Cardinals
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The Clemson Tigers and Louisville Cardinals both earned gut-wrenching wins on Thursday night. One of those teams must replicate that performance to secure a berth in the ACC Final. These teams are evenly matched at both ends of the court, but the Tigers enter Friday's tilt as short favorites. Louisville needs to get Chucky Hepburn going. Hepburn could put the Cardinals on his back again if he heats up. This is a last-possession game, and in Chucky, we trust.
(24) Illinois Fighting Illini vs (11) Maryland Terrapins
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The Big Ten Tournament is a war of attrition. Seven of the eight remaining teams are ranked in the top 25, and there is no way through to the championship without pulling off an upset. The Illinois Fighting Illini must do just that to get past the Maryland Terrapins. Illinois needs to find its range early and get its offense in rhythm. If they can force Maryland to try and keep pace, the Fighting Illini may be able to stun the 11th-ranked Terrapins.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs (1) Duke Blue Devils
The North Carolina Tar Heels are fighting for their tournament lives. A marquee win over the Duke Blue Devils could be the only thing keeping them out of the big dance on Selection Sunday. In that regard, their path to victory got a little easier. Cooper Flagg went down with an ankle injury in the quarterfinals, leaving the door open for a UNC upset. The Tar Heels kept it close against Duke last weekend before the Blue Devils pulled away in the second half. A more complete effort against an inferior lineup could be the difference.
(17) BYU Cougars vs (2) Houston Cougars
The BYU Cougars are doing whatever it takes to win. They have dialed up the offensive intensity, forcing opponents to try and keep pace along their eight-game winning streak. That will be put to the test as they try to get past the defensively astute Houston Cougars in the Big 12 semis. Few teams have been able to penetrate Houston's defense this season. Still, BYU has proven more than capable of that in their recent outings. Like it or not, Houston's on upset watch.
Boise State Broncos vs New Mexico Lobos
Last week, the Boise State Broncos appeared destined for a tournament berth. Then, a late-season loss to the Colorado State Rams cast doubt on their inclusion in the field of 68. Now, the Broncos have a chance to earn a marquee win over the Mountain West champs in the conference semifinals. Boise State plays efficiently at both ends of the court, and they'll need to operate at peak capacity to pull off the upset. After Thursday's come-from-behind win, we have faith in their ability to do just that.
(10) Clemson Tigers vs (13) Louisville Cardinals
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
The Clemson Tigers and Louisville Cardinals both earned gut-wrenching wins on Thursday night. One of those teams must replicate that performance to secure a berth in the ACC Final. These teams are evenly matched at both ends of the court, but the Tigers enter Friday's tilt as short favorites. Louisville needs to get Chucky Hepburn going. Hepburn could put the Cardinals on his back again if he heats up. This is a last-possession game, and in Chucky, we trust.
(24) Illinois Fighting Illini vs (11) Maryland Terrapins
Level up your college hoops bets with SportsGrid’s free CBB Picks & CBB Player Props.
The Big Ten Tournament is a war of attrition. Seven of the eight remaining teams are ranked in the top 25, and there is no way through to the championship without pulling off an upset. The Illinois Fighting Illini must do just that to get past the Maryland Terrapins. Illinois needs to find its range early and get its offense in rhythm. If they can force Maryland to try and keep pace, the Fighting Illini may be able to stun the 11th-ranked Terrapins.

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