1. Gonzaga (36-1) vs. 7. South Carolina (26-10), 6:09 p.m., CBS: Gonzaga played its best game against Xavier in the West Regional final and will need to at least equal that effort against South Carolina, which is not playing like a No. 7 seed, especially on the defensive end. Gonzaga needs to find a way to penetrate the Gamecocks’ tough defense and use its superior size to its advantage. The Zags are underrated defensively, and their top effort will give the Gamecocks — who are not a great offensive team — problems.

1. North Carolina (31-7) vs. 3. Oregon (33-5), 8:49 p.m., CBS: I’ve said this before: North Carolina plays a portion of a game well enough to win, and also plays poorly at times but not enough to lose. I see the same scenario happening here. The Tar Heels have a size and depth advantage on every opponent. Oregon cannot afford to get pounded on the boards. UNC will get a lead, give it back, then prevail in the end.

JOE SULLIVAN

Joe Sullivan can be reached at joseph.sullivan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeSullivan.