2022 PK85 Invitational matchups, bracket set: Villanova opens against Iowa State

The stage is set for the PK85 Invitational in November. While the participating teams were announced earlier, the matchups and tournament bracket are now finalized.

The Wildcats open up against Iowa State. The Cyclones finished 22-13 last season. They went undefeated against non-conference opponents, and went 7-11 against Big 12 foes. After getting bounced out in their Big 12 Tournament opener, they strung together a run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, where they fell to Miami.

The winner of Villanova-Iowa State will play either North Carolina or Portland. Barring a November stunner, the Tar Heels will likely be waiting in that semifinal matchup. It’ll be an opportunity to face the NCAA Tournament runner-ups, who will be slated to return plenty of key pieces from that deep run. Should the Wildcats advance, it’ll be their first time officially meeting North Carolina since the 2016 National Championship.

The Tar Heels and ‘Cats did face off in a 2018 secret pre-season scrimmage, where Phil Booth led the way with 41 points. Booth, Eric Paschall and Saddiq Bey also reportedly combined for 88 of Villanova’s 89 points.

Here is the official PK85 Invitational schedule and bracket (all times ET):

Thursday, Nov. 24

Quarterfinals

North Carolina vs. Portland, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Villanova vs. Iowa State, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
UConn vs. Oregon, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
Alabama vs. Michigan State, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, Nov. 25

Semifinals

North Carolina/Portland winner vs. Villanova/Iowa State winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
UConn/Oregon winner vs. Alabama/Michigan State winner, 10 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPNU)

Consolation bracket

UNC/Portland loser vs. Villanova/Iowa State loser, 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
UConn/Oregon loser vs. Alabama/Michigan State loser, 12:30 a.m. (ESPN/ESPN2) — Technically, Saturday, Nov. 26 at this point

Sunday, Nov. 27

Third-place game, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Championship game, 10 p.m. (ESPN)

Game times and broadcast information for the fifth and seventh-place games are still to be determined.