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March Madness: Prospects to watch for in NCAA Tournament’s second weekend

By Ryan Doyle

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 28: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates his three point shot in the overtime period against the Seton Hall Pirates on February 28, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 69-68 in overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 28: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates his three point shot in the overtime period against the Seton Hall Pirates on February 28, 2018 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 69-68 in overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Wendell Carter Jr., Marvin Bagley III, Duke Blue Devils
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 05: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils prepare for their game against the St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 5, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Wendell Carter & Marvin Bagley, Duke Blue Devils

Friday vs. Syracuse, 9:37 p.m./CBS

Duke Blue Devils’ size has caused chaos throughout the season. Both Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter have played very well through their first two contests. Bagley has solidified his Draft status as a lottery pick by averaging 22 points and eight rebounds per game on 75 percent shooting.

Carter has done well for himself too. But with Bagley playing out of his mind, Carter has taken a back seat.

In two games, he averaged 11 points and seven rebounds per contest. Both forwards have also closed down the paint and allowed Duke to breeze to a pair of victories.

Although the competition may not be up to par with Duke, both have played at the top of their game. With stronger opponents on the horizon, the duo will be tested like they have not been before.

Their next test will be against ACC rival Syracuse on March 23 in Omaha.

Mikal Bridges, Villanova Wildcats

Friday vs. West Virginia, 7:27 p.m./TBS

One of the Villanova Wildcats’ key contributors, Mikal Bridges finally turned it on in the second half against a Collin Sexton-led Alabama Crimson Tide team in the second round. Bridges hit four of five three’s and scored 20 of 23 points in the second half to lead the blowout win.

Like Bagley and Carter, Bridges is premiere prospect for the Draft. A likely lottery pick, Bridges has risen up risen up draft boards as his scoring totals have nearly-doubled in his terrific junior season.

Another player to watch with Mikal Bridges is junior guard Jalen Brunson. Alongside Bridges, he is a Wooden Award candidate and has the chance to help bring home another title for the Wildcats.

Villanova has had resounding success and will face the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Sweet Sixteen and Bob Huggins’ full-court trap defense on March 23.