SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm looks on against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Duke vs. St. John's Friday matchup headlines Sweet 16 tip times

5 days ago
Jamie Schwaberow / NCAA Photos / Getty

The opening-weekend dust has cleared and a blockbuster Sweet 16 awaits next Thursday and Friday in the NCAA Tournament.

No. 11 Texas looks to continue its run from the First Four in the opener on Thursday against No. 2 Purdue, while an intriguing matchup between No. 3 Illinois and No. 2 Houston caps the evening action.

Friday sees a highly anticipated contest start the action as Rick Pitino and No. 5 St. John's squares off with No. 1 Duke at 7:10 p.m ET. The late-night slate sees some coaching star power with No. 2 UConn getting No. 3 Michigan State at 9:45 p.m.

Here's the full list of tip times for the Sweet 16.

Thursday (all times ET)

11 Texas vs. 2 Purdue - 7:10 p.m.
9 Iowa vs. 4 Nebraska - 7:30 p.m.
4 Arkansas vs. 1 Arizona - 9:45 p.m.
3 Illinois vs. 2 Houston - 10:05 p.m.

Friday (all times ET)

5 St. John's vs. 1 Duke - 7:10 p.m.
4 Alabama vs. 1 Michigan - 7:35 p.m.
2 UConn vs. 3 Michigan State - 9:45 p.m.
6 Tennessee vs. 2 Iowa State - 10:10 p.m.

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