Until you’re an obsessive school basketball fan, you might be wanting to perform a little research concerning the groups earlier than filling out your bracket. We’ve accomplished the give you the results you want with some betting tendencies, key stats and historic info about all 68 groups within the males’s NCAA Match.
We teased out tendencies like which groups are on a run, which groups are ending tourney droughts and which groups have been scorching towards the unfold. Whereas what follows is a completely researched piece with one thing helpful on every staff, that is meant to supply a broad view of the event discipline, with a little bit of a betting slant, in an simply digestible format. This isn’t a brilliant in-depth breakdown of the groups.
Right here’s the deeper stuff from our school basketball writers and specialists:
We even have printable brackets for each the boys’s event and the ladies’s event.
EAST
No. 1 UConn vs. No. 16 Stetson
UConn Huskies (31-3, 18-2 Large East)
It’s simple to say good issues concerning the Huskies, who are usually not solely the defending nationwide champions but additionally the highest general seed on this tourney and the top-rated staff on KenPom. This yr’s staff performs slower than final yr’s, rating outdoors the highest 300 in tempo. The Huskies had been the underdog as soon as this season, for a Dec. 1 loss at Kansas.
Stetson Hatters (22-12, 11-5 ASun)
This can be a debut event look for the Hatters. Coach Donnie Jones was an assistant to Billy Donovan when Florida gained back-to-back nationwide titles in 2006 and 2007. Stetson has gained 9 of its final 11 video games.
No. 8 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 9 Northwestern
Florida Atlantic Owls (25-8, 14-4 AAC)
After making the Last 4 final yr, the Owls are again. All 5 starters from the Last 4 recreation towards San Diego State returned to FAU this season. The report isn’t as fairly as final yr’s, however this staff has wins towards Butler, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Arizona. The Owls had by no means made the NCAA Match till 2022 however have now been thrice in a row.
Northwestern Wildcats (21-11, 12-8 Large Ten)
Northwestern has by no means been to consecutive NCAA Tournaments earlier than. That is solely the third look for the Wildcats ever, all coming since 2017 below Chris Collins. The Wildcats are 2-0 within the first spherical. Graduate guard Boo Buie is this system’s all-time main scorer with greater than 2,000 profession factors.
No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 12 UAB
San Diego State Aztecs (24-10, 11-7 MWC)
Final yr’s runner-up introduced again simply two starters from the nationwide title recreation however is dancing for the fourth straight yr. The Aztecs made the Mountain West remaining however haven’t precisely set the world on fireplace just lately. SDSU is 4-4 in its final eight and 2-6 towards the unfold in that span.
UAB Blazers (23-11, 12-6 AAC)
Since Jan. 14, the Blazers are 15-4 towards the unfold and have lined in 5 straight video games. That is UAB’s fourth-straight season with greater than 20 wins, a run which included a tourney look in 2022, however the Blazers haven’t gained a recreation within the dance since 2005.
No. 4 Auburn vs. No. 13 Yale
Auburn Tigers (27-7, 13-5 SEC)
The Tigers claimed their third SEC event title (1985, 2019) with a dominant displaying in Nashville. Their common margin of victory throughout three video games was 16 factors. Then once more, successful large is nothing new for Bruce Pearl’s staff. Solely certainly one of their 27 victories has come by lower than 11 factors this season. Pearl additionally coached the 2019 staff that adopted up the SEC title with a run to the Last 4.
Yale Bulldogs (22-9, 11-3 Ivy)
The Bulldogs made the NCAA Match thrice from the formation of the event (1939) by way of 2015. Yale has made it 4 occasions since 2016, together with a win towards a No. 5 seed Baylor that yr. This yr’s staff performs at a sluggish tempo, among the many 40 slowest within the nation.
No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 Duquesne
BYU Cougars (23-10, 10-8 Large 12)
It was a stable first yr within the Large 12 for the Cougars, which posted a successful report in arguably one of the best convention within the nation. The Cougars are 6-2 towards the unfold of their final eight video games. BYU hasn’t made it to the Spherical of 32 since 2011 and is 2-11 within the Spherical of 64 since 1995.
Duquesne Dukes (24-11, 10-8 A-10)
It’s been 47 years for the reason that Dukes went dancing. It’s been 55 years for the reason that Dukes gained a recreation within the tourney. This staff misplaced 5 in a row in January, however has gained eight straight and 10 of 11. The Dukes are 9-2 towards the unfold of their final 11 video games.
No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 14 Morehead State
Illinois Preventing Illini (26-8, 14-6 Large Ten)
Illinois hasn’t made the Candy 16 since Deron Williams and Dee Brown led the Illini to the nationwide title recreation in 2005. That drought features a No. 1-seeded staff in 2021 and No. 4 seeds in 2006 and 2022. With Terrence Shannon Jr. averaging greater than 22 factors per recreation, the Illini have probably the most environment friendly offenses within the nation (rated third on KenPom) and an opportunity to make the second week.
Morehead State Eagles (26-8, 14-4 OVC)
The Eagles have an honest NCAA Match historical past, with two Candy 16 appearances (1956, 1961) and, most just lately, a win towards a No. 4 seed Louisville in 2011. This yr, the Eagles performed 4 energy convention groups (Alabama, Purdue, Penn State, Indiana), shedding all 4 however having a game-winner buzzer-beater try miss in a one-point loss at Indiana.
No. 7 Washington State vs. No. 10 Drake
Washington State Cougars (24-9, 14-6 Pac-12)
The final time the Cougars made the NCAA Match, Virginia coach Tony Bennett was in cost. The Cougars made the Candy 16 in 2008. Even Klay Thompson didn’t go to the tourney with Wazzu. This yr’s staff not solely ended that drought, however matched the college report for convention wins in a season.
Drake Bulldogs (28-6, 16-4 Missouri Valley)
Drake enters the event having gained 10 of its final 11 video games, however the Bulldogs are additionally on a roll in shut video games. The Bulldogs have gained their final seven video games by single digits. Drake is 4-2 in its opening video games at NCAA Tournaments.
No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 South Dakota State
Iowa State Cyclones (27-7, 13-5 Large 12)
The Cyclones are the top-rated protection on KenPom and confirmed that off by holding Houston to 41 factors on 26.8 p.c capturing within the Large 12 Match remaining. Robust protection and low betting totals go hand-in-hand. The below has hit in seven of the final eight Iowa State video games.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (22-12, 12-4 Summit)
It’s been greater than two months for the reason that Jackrabbits had been underdogs in a recreation, however they enter the event having lined the unfold in seven of their final eight video games (with the below hitting within the final 5). South Dakota State is 0-6 all-time within the Division I event, together with a nine-point loss to a No. 4 seed Windfall two years in the past.
WEST
No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 16 Howard/Wagner
North Carolina Tar Heels (27-7, 17-3 ACC)
The ACC regular-season champions boast ACC Participant of the Yr RJ Davis, one of many nation’s most prolific scorers, however Hubert Davis’ staff has gotten the job accomplished on protection, too. North Carolina is ranked within the high 10 of adjusted defensive effectivity per KenPom, its greatest score for the reason that 2010-11 season, when the Tar Heels misplaced within the Elite Eight.
Howard Bison (18-16, 9-5 MEAC)
It’s two straight tourney appearances for the Bison, who misplaced to No. 1 seed Kansas final yr. The final two occasions Howard made the tourney (1992), a top-seeded Kansas was the first-round opponent. That is the primary time Howard has made it to consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
Wagner Seahawks (16-15, 7-9 NEC)
Don’t count on a excessive level complete in any Wagner video games. The Seahawks common 63.9 factors per recreation and are permitting 63 factors per recreation, making them one of many slowest-tempo groups within the nation (360 out of 362 on KenPom). The below has hit within the final six Wagner video games.
No. 8 Mississippi State vs. No. 9 Michigan State
Mississippi State Bulldogs (21-13, 8-10 SEC)
The Bulldogs are making consecutive NCAA Match appearances for the primary time since 2008-09 and for simply the sixth time in program historical past. This staff lives as much as its moniker on protection, which it might want to proceed to do, contemplating its struggles capturing the ball from lengthy vary (32.5 p.c) and the foul line (67.2 p.c).
Michigan State Spartans (19-14, 10-10 Large Ten)
A preseason top-five staff that didn’t win 20 video games within the common season, Michigan State is within the discipline regardless of shedding 5 of its final seven video games, together with dwelling losses to bubble groups Ohio State and Iowa. The below is 2-6 within the final eight Michigan State video games. Coach Tom Izzo, who has greater than 700 profession wins, is making his twenty fifth NCAA Match look.
No. 5 Saint Mary’s vs. No. 12 Grand Canyon
Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7, 15-1 WCC)
After a 3-5 begin to the season that included a loss to Weber State, the Gaels obtained issues getting into a giant means, particularly in convention play. Saint Mary’s beat Gonzaga in two out of three conferences, together with most just lately within the WCC title recreation, and is 12-4 towards the unfold within the final 16 video games.
Grand Canyon Lopes (29-4, 17-3 WAC)
That is the third time within the final 4 years Bryce Drew has guided the Antelopes to the NCAA Match, however that is most likely one of the best staff to make it. Grand Canyon set a brand new program report for wins this season and has a win towards San Diego State on its resume. The Antelopes have lined the unfold of their final 5 video games.
No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Charleston
Alabama Crimson Tide (21-11, 13-5 SEC)
The No. 1 scoring staff within the nation, the Crimson Tide have gone over 100 factors on 9 completely different events this season. They don’t seem to be shy about capturing 3-pointers and this technique is pretty efficient (36.5 p.c) contemplating the quantity (30.3 makes an attempt per recreation). However Bama is simply 2-7 towards ranked groups, so will they should hit their treys to make a deep run.
Charleston Cougars (27-7, 15-3 CAA)
Pat Kelsey is a reputation to observe in case your staff is searching for a head coach. Kelsey, 48, is a former Wake Forest and Xavier assistant who has earned an computerized bid to the event in 5 of the final eight years, together with successful the 2020 Large South event earlier than that NCAA Match was canceled. Kelsey guided the Cougars to the Large Dance final yr and made it thrice throughout his tenure at Winthrop.
No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 11 New Mexico
Clemson Tigers (21-11, 11-9 ACC)
The Tigers are coming off their worst lack of the season, a 21-point defeat to Boston School within the ACC event, however they declare wins over South Carolina and Alabama and on the highway towards North Carolina in convention play. Clemson is also 11-0 this season when capturing at the very least 40 p.c from 3-point vary.
New Mexico Lobos (26-9, 10-8 MWC)
New Mexico went from being squarely on the bubble to in with an computerized bid. The Lobos, who’ve lined in six straight video games, began the yr 18-3 however completed the common season 4-6 earlier than successful 4 video games within the convention event. It’s been 10 years since New Mexico was within the NCAA Match.
No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 Colgate
Baylor Bears (23-10, 11-7 Large 12)
The Bears have the hardest power of schedule within the nation, in response to KenPom. Baylor beat Auburn, Florida and Seton Corridor, however misplaced to Michigan State and Duke earlier than operating by way of the powerful Large 12. The Bears got here out the opposite finish of that schedule with 23 wins and a formidable 18-11-3 report towards the unfold.
Colgate Raiders (25-9, 16-2 Patriot)
That is the fifth-straight NCAA Match look for the Raiders, who stayed inside single digits in losses to No. 2 seed Tennessee in 2019 and No. 3 seed Wisconsin in 2022. The Raiders are the juggernaut within the Patriot League and had been favored in each convention recreation, each common season and event, this season.
No. 7 Dayton vs. No. 10 Nevada
Dayton Flyers (24-7, 14-4 A-10)
The Flyers went undefeated at dwelling this season and don’t have any dangerous losses on the resume, however they enter the event with a 5-4 report within the final 9 video games and a stunning one-and-done within the Atlantic 10 event. Dayton final gained an NCAA Match recreation in 2015. The over is 6-1 in Dayton’s final seven video games.
Nevada Wolf Pack (26-7, 13-5 MWC)
After a 15-1 begin to the season, the Wolf Pack have struggled a bit extra within the final couple of months. Nonetheless, Nevada is 6-2 towards the unfold in its final eight video games, and the over has hit within the final six.
No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 15 Lengthy Seashore State
Arizona Wildcats (25-8, 15-5 Pac-12)
The Wildcats picked up wins towards Duke, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Alabama in non-conference play after which gained the Pac-12 common season title. Nevertheless, Arizona has bizarre losses to Stanford and Oregon State and enters the tourney having misplaced two of three. Arizona has been dependable towards the unfold with a 21-11-1 mark.
Lengthy Seashore State Seashore (21-14, 10-10 Large West)
Coming into the Large West event, the Seashore had misplaced 5 straight video games. Bizarre issues occur in March, although, and right here LBSU is. The Seashore gained three in a row to get the automated bid and picked up wins towards two groups they misplaced to earlier this month. The Seashore final made the NCAA Match in 2012, and final gained a recreation within the tourney in 1973.
SOUTH
No. 1 Houston vs. No. 16 Longwood
Houston Cougars (30-4, 15-3 Large 12)
Factors are often at a premium when taking part in the Cougars. They’ve the No. 2-rated protection on KenPom and play at a sluggish tempo on high of that. The 28-point loss to Iowa State within the Large 12 Match remaining was stunning as a result of the Cougars’ earlier three losses had been by a mixed 18 factors. Houston has been favored in each recreation this season.
Longwood Lancers (21-13, 6-10 Large South)
Since shifting as much as Division 1 within the 2004-05 season, Longwood is making its second event look. The Lancers misplaced 88-56 to Tennessee two years in the past. This yr’s staff began 12-1, then misplaced 10 of 12 earlier than rallying to win seven of eight to make the sector of 68. At 6-10, the Lancers have the fewest convention wins of any staff within the discipline.
No. 8 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Texas A&M
Nebraska Cornhuskers (23-10, 12-8 Large Ten)
Nebraska’s well-known soccer staff hasn’t made a bowl recreation since 2016, however its notorious basketball staff is making its first NCAA Match since 2014. A part of the Cornhuskers’ hardwood infamy is because of the program being the one energy convention college to have by no means gained an NCAA Match recreation. The 23 wins is Nebraska’s most since 1991.
Texas A&M Aggies (20-14, 9-9 SEC)
Regardless of that includes common size, Texas A&M is the No. 1 staff within the nation in each offensive rebounds per recreation and share. The Aggies even have made a behavior of beating the entire, hitting the over in 5 straight video games and 11 of their final 13.
No. 5 Wisconsin vs. No. 12 James Madison
Wisconsin Badgers (22-13, 11-9 Large Ten)
Tendencies and this Wisconsin staff are fleeting. The Badgers began the season 16-4 and had been ranked within the high 10. Wisconsin misplaced its subsequent 4 video games and completed the common season 3-8. Immediately, early season Wisconsin reemerged on the Large Ten event, the place the Badgers beat Purdue and made the ultimate.
James Madison Dukes (31-3, 15-3 Solar Belt)
After the soccer staff began 10-0, the basketball Dukes began the season 14-0, together with a season-opening win at Michigan State. The Dukes enter the tourney on a 13-game successful streak however are solely 6-7 towards the unfold throughout that streak. James Madison has been an underdog in simply three video games this season and has gained two of them.
No. 4 Duke vs. No. 13 Vermont
Duke Blue Devils (24-8, 15-5 ACC)
The Blue Devils misplaced their final two video games however are as gifted as any staff within the nation. Duke is among the high perimeter capturing groups (37.7 p.c for the season), however this additionally has been their downfall. Jon Scheyer’s staff shot 33.5 p.c on 3-pointers in its eight losses in comparison with 39.1 p.c in wins. Duke additionally has related on at the very least one 3-pointer in 1,220 straight video games. That’s the second-longest streak within the nation.
Vermont Catamounts (28-6, 15-1 Am. East)
The Catamounts not solely have a novel nickname, however a historical past of being a tricky out within the NCAA Match. As a No. 13 seed in 2005, Vermont knocked off Syracuse. Additionally they misplaced by seven to Florida State in 2019 and by 4 to Arkansas in 2022, each as a No. 13 seed. That is Vermont’s third straight look.
No. 6 Texas Tech vs. No. 11 NC State
Texas Tech Crimson Raiders (23-10, 11-7 Large 12)
Coach Grant McCasland turned North Texas right into a perennially harmful staff and has Texas Tech again within the NCAA Match in his first yr in cost. He has the Crimson Raiders taking part in a slower tempo, however additionally they rank within the high 50 in each offensive and defensive effectivity. Tech shouldn’t be shy about capturing 3-pointers and makes them 36.5 p.c of the time.
NC State Wolfpack (22-14, Sept. 11 ACC)
The Wolfpack utterly flipped the script in March, going from shedding 4 in a row to finish the common season to reeling off 5 straight victories to win their first ACC event title in practically 40 years (1987). NC State had one Quad 1 win earlier than its ACC tourney run. Is that this a sign of a veteran staff peaking on the actual proper time, or only a tease?
No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Oakland
Kentucky Wildcats (23-9, 13-5 SEC)
Scoring shouldn’t be an issue for the Wildcats, which is partially why the over has hit in 23 of 32 video games. UK averages practically 90 factors per recreation. The ‘Cats shoot 41.2 p.c on 3-pointers and aren’t afraid to jack them up. The issues come when the photographs aren’t falling as a result of Kentucky doesn’t shoot a big quantity of free throws, and this isn’t a staff recognized for its protection.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies (23-11, 15-5 Horizon)
The Golden Grizzlies have been an underdog in simply two video games in 2024 however had been examined in non-conference play with a schedule that included Ohio State, Illinois, Drake, Xavier (a win), Michigan State and Dayton. Coach Greg Kampe is in his fortieth yr on the helm, making him the longest-tenured coach in males’s school basketball.
No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 Boise State/Colorado
Florida Gators (24-11, 11-7 SEC)
The Gators fell to Auburn within the SEC Match remaining however are again within the Large Dance for the primary time in three years. Florida is among the nation’s top-scoring groups, averaging 85.1 factors per recreation, and has gone over 100 on three completely different events. Opponents may have their work minimize out for them on the glass too. One of many taller groups within the nation, the Gators rank within the high 5 nationally in rebounding.
Boise State Broncos (22-10, 13-5 MWC)
That is the third consecutive look for the Broncos, however Boise State has nonetheless by no means gained an NCAA Match recreation on the Division I degree. The Broncos are 0-9 within the tourney all-time. The final 4 appearances have featured a winnable recreation too. Boise was within the First 4 in 2013 and 2015, was a No. 8 seed in 2022 and a No. 10 seed final yr.
Colorado Buffaloes (24-10, 13-7 Pac-12)
For the reason that NCAA Match expanded to 64 groups in 1985, Colorado has not made the Candy 16. The Buffaloes have simply three tourney wins within the final 54 years. Tad Boyle has taken Colorado to 6 tourneys since he took over in 2010, and yet one more win would give him 25 wins in a season for the primary time throughout his tenure.
No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Western Kentucky
Marquette Golden Eagles (25-9, 14-6 Large East)
Shaka Good has led the Golden Eagles to 54 wins up to now two seasons, which already matches essentially the most in program historical past. That is Good’s tenth time making the NCAA Match, however he hasn’t made the Candy 16 since that well-known Last 4 run with VCU in 2011, his first tourney look.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-11, 8-8 C-USA)
Prepare for a excessive level complete in Western Kentucky video games. The Hilltoppers play the quickest tempo within the nation and common simply over 80 factors per recreation. WKU misplaced its final 4 video games earlier than the Convention USA event however cruised to the title after the highest two seeds misplaced earlier than the Hilltoppers needed to play them.
MIDWEST
No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 16 Montana State/Grambling State
Purdue Boilermakers (29-4, 17-3 Large Ten)
Match losses to Little Rock, North Texas, Saint Peter’s and Fairleigh Dickinson, all since 2016, have given the Boilermakers a popularity for being susceptible to upsets. Nevertheless, Purdue has made the second weekend in 4 of the final six tournaments. That is the second straight yr Purdue has been a No. 1 seed and the fifth time ever.
Montana State Bobcats (17-17, 9-9 Large Sky)
The Bobcats make their third straight NCAA Match look however are 0-5 within the dance. This yr’s staff hadn’t gained three in a row all season however obtained three consecutive wins within the Large Sky event to get right here. The Bobcats are 6-2 of their final eight, each general and towards the unfold. Montana State is the one staff within the discipline and not using a successful report.
Grambling State Tigers (20-14, 14-4 SWAC)
That is Grambling State’s first time within the NCAA Match on the Division I degree. The SWAC is much from a powerful convention, however the Tigers did see high quality competitors in non-conference play (Colorado, Iowa State, Dayton, Drake, Florida) even when none of these video games towards tourney groups had been all that aggressive. The Tigers have gained 9 of their final 10 and the one loss got here on the highway in time beyond regulation.
No. 8 Utah State vs. No. 9 TCU
Utah State Aggies (27-6, 14-4 MWC)
Don’t be shocked if the Aggies play a detailed recreation or two within the tourney. Utah State performed 4 time beyond regulation video games, successful three. The Aggies performed eight extra video games determined by 5 factors or fewer determined in regulation and gained all eight.
TCU Horned Frogs (21-12, 9-9 Large 12)
That is the primary time TCU has made it to a few consecutive tournaments in program historical past. The Horned Frogs haven’t made it to the Candy 16 since an Elite Eight run in 1968, however have been near breaking that streak. Final yr they misplaced by three to Gonzaga within the second spherical and the yr earlier than Arizona knocked them out in time beyond regulation in the identical spherical.
No. 5 Gonzaga vs. No. 12 McNeese
Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-7, 14-2 WCC)
This isn’t the juggernaut Gonzaga groups of latest years, however the Bulldogs nonetheless have a top-10 rated offense on KenPom. The Bulldogs had been favored in all however 4 video games this season: impartial courtroom losses to Purdue and UConn earlier than the calendar turned to 2024 and wins at Kentucky and Saint Mary’s later within the season. Even with that one win towards Saint Mary’s, the Gaels are the one staff to beat Gonzaga within the final two months, and did so twice.
McNeese Cowboys (30-3, 17-1 Southland)
LSU continues to be down a scholarship because of sanctions from when Will Wade was the Tigers’ coach, however Wade is within the event with the Cowboys in his first yr at McNeese. The Cowboys have 30 wins, however solely certainly one of them is towards a NCAA Match staff (UAB). McNeese’s greatest wins got here on the highway towards VCU and Michigan.
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Samford
Kansas Jayhawks (22-10, 10-8 Large 12)
The Jayhawks haven’t been one-and-done within the Large Dance since 2006 (upset by No. 13 Bradley) however they enter the event with losses in 4 of their final 5 video games. KU desperately must get main scorers Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. again within the lineup, or a season that began with nationwide championship aspirations may finish with a whimper. Invoice Self’s staff can also be simply 13-19 towards the unfold.
Samford Bulldogs (29-5, 15-3 SoCon)
Samford misplaced by 43 at Purdue in its season opener after which misplaced at VCU earlier than rattling off 17 straight wins for a streak that lasted greater than two months. That is the third NCAA Match look for the Bulldogs, which misplaced by double figures in each of the earlier two (1999, 2000).
No. 6 South Carolina vs. No. 11 Oregon
South Carolina Gamecocks (26-7, 13-5 SEC)
The Gamecocks feasted on a cupcake-filled non-conference schedule that ranks within the 330s nationally. However additionally they held their very own towards high quality competitors (5-5 vs. Quad 1 groups) and have fared properly in shut video games with a 13-4 report in contests determined by eight factors or much less. South Carolina additionally has a formidable 23-10 report towards the unfold.
Oregon Geese (23-11, 12-8 Pac-12)
When the Geese had been 13-3 and 5-0 in Pac-12 play in mid-January, it didn’t look like a stretch Oregon can be within the discipline of 68. Then the Geese went 7-8 within the subsequent 15 video games. Oregon rediscovered its early season kind on the Pac-12 event. The Geese beat UCLA, Arizona and Colorado after going 1-5 towards these groups within the common season. Oregon has made at the very least the Candy 16 in its final 4 tourneys (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021).
No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 14 Akron
Creighton Bluejays (23-9, 14-6 Large East)
The Bluejays have made the NCAA Match eight occasions since 2012 and are 6-2 within the Spherical of 64 throughout that span, together with an Elite Eight run final yr. Creighton is 7-2 towards the unfold in its final 9 video games and has a 19-point win towards UConn throughout that run.
Akron Zips (24-10, 13-5 MAC)
The Zips are 0-5 within the NCAA Match all-time, though they gave UCLA a scare in a four-point loss as a No. 13 seed two years in the past. Akron was 3-5 within the eight video games earlier than the MAC event and is simply 2-7-1 towards the unfold in its final 10 video games, however escaped two shut finishes to earn the auto bid.
No. 7 Texas vs. No. 10 Virginia/Colorado State
Texas Longhorns (20-12, 9-9 Large 12)
Taking part in within the stacked Large 12 and with non-conference video games towards UConn and Marquette (each losses), Texas has seen loads of powerful opponents this season. Nevertheless, the Longhorns had been simply 2-7 towards groups with successful data within the Large 12. Texas can also be 12-19-1 towards the unfold this season.
Virginia Cavaliers (23-10, 13-7 ACC)
The Cavaliers are a staff of maximum contrasts. They rank close to the highest of the leaderboard in scoring protection (59.6 factors per recreation allowed) however sit close to the underside relating to their level manufacturing (63.6 per recreation). That is largely a byproduct of taking part in the nation’s slowest tempo, however it doesn’t assist that UVA struggles capturing the ball, particularly from the free-throw line (63.7 p.c).
Colorado State Rams (24-10, 10-8 MWC)
The Rams began the season 13-1 with wins towards Creighton, Colorado and New Mexico, however had been up and down in Mountain West play. They sneak into the event for the second time in three years, however haven’t gained an NCAA Match recreation since 2013. CSU is 1-6 towards the unfold in its final seven video games.
No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Saint Peter’s
Tennessee Volunteers (24-8, 14-4 SEC)
Tennessee’s success within the Large Dance will seemingly come all the way down to how properly senior guard Dalton Knecht performs. The All-American and SEC Participant of the Yr ranks among the many nationwide leaders with 21.1 factors per recreation. Extra importantly, Knecht has been answerable for greater than 1 / 4 of UT’s scoring (26.6 p.c) this season. Talking of scoring, seven of Tennessee’s previous eight video games have hit the below.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks (19-13, 12-8 MAAC)
It’s been simply two years for the reason that Peacocks’ stunning run to the Elite Eight as a No. 15 seed. 4 gamers from that staff (Latrell Reid, Brent Bland, Oumar Diahame, Mouhamed Sow) are on this yr’s roster. None of them had been main contributors two years in the past, though Reid is the second-leading scorer on this yr’s staff.
(Picture of Tristen Newton: Sarah Stier / Getty Pictures)