Reseeding the 2023 males's March madness spherical of 32

properly, our annual custom of reseeding the sphere continues. This effort is each beloved and resented by fan bases throughout the nation. however we’ll proceed to do our biggest both methodology.

There are, per the norm, few essential adjustments for many teams at this level. however some movement is important. Thanks, Princeton, Fairleigh Dickinson and Furman. utterly different seeds which will have appeared safe now warrant further scrutiny based mostly on what we have witnessed in latest days.

sure, Houston‘s Jamal Shead (knee) and Marcus Sasser (groin) are each anticipated to play inside the second spherical. however Sasser hasn’t accomplished a recreation in per week, and Kelvin Sampson said his whole group wants relaxation proper now. If we will not confirm Sasser can current one hundred laptop computer for the Cougars, it is troublesome to name this the identical Houston group.

And our apologies to the Cinderellas. the large wins are typically opposite to their respective our bodies of labor — FDU has losses to Hartford and Sacred coronary heart this season — not an indication that they have been underrated entering into the NCAA match.

it is not a exact science. it is simply an try and make sense of the chaos we have witnessed over the previous 24 hours.

right here is our reseeding of the second-spherical teams.

1-seeds

Alabama Crimson Tide
unique seed: No. 1 complete (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Texas A&M Corpus Christi (No. sixteen), ninety six-seventy five (Thursday)

The cloud of controversy that surrounds Alabama simply isn’t going to vanish, regardless of the success it experiences. The lopsided ninety six-seventy five win over Texas A&M Corpus Christi inside the essential spherical showcased the ceiling of the Crimson Tide, who have been additionally given the reward of the Arizona Wildcats and Virginia Cavaliers being eradicated from the South area in a pair of upsets.

Alabama rolled into the second spherical regardless of SEC participant of the yr Brandon Miller failing to discover and having fun with simply 19 minutes as a outcome of of a groin damage. If this turns into an ongoing concern, Alabama will not attain its ceiling. however when Miller is candy to go, there’s an alternative an Alabama group that scored 132 factors per one hundred possessions with out his contribution might attain the final 4 with restricted opposition.

Up subsequent: vs. Maryland (Saturday, 9:forty p.m. ET, TBS)

Kansas Jayhawks
unique seed: No. 1 (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Howard (No. sixteen), ninety six-sixty eight (Thursday)

invoice Self missed his fourth consecutive recreation on Thursday; he additionally missed the full massive 12 match after he was hospitalized and stents have been positioned in his coronary heart for a blocked artery. Kansas nonetheless managed to beat Howard ninety six-sixty eight, although the Bison had linked on greater than 50% of their pictures early inside the essential half. it is unclear when Self will return, although he informed CBS he might get back for the Jayhawks’ subsequent recreation.

whether or not the coach is current on the sideline or not, it is a group that has misplaced simply two video games (each to Texas) since Feb. 4. Led by Jalen Wilson’s 20-level effort on Thursday, Kansas scored 126 factors per one hundred possessions in opposition to Howard, whereas connecting on fifty seven% of its pictures contained in the arc and forty one% of its three-level makes an try. Kansas is clearly one in all many two or three most dominant teams inside the sphere.

Up subsequent: vs. Arkansas (Saturday, 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS)

Houston Cougars
unique seed: No. 1 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Northern Kentucky (No. sixteen), sixty three-fifty two (Thursday)

Marcus Sasser, who suffered a groin damage inside the AAC match semifinals, tried to assist his group inside the opening spherical on Thursday. however he performed simply 14 minutes earlier than reaggravating the damage and lacking the the rest of the sport. The damage has now impacted Sasser for three consecutive video games over a six-day span. That issues.

There are important, trackable variations inside the Cougars with and with out Sasser this season. right here is a large one: This Houston group has made 36.4% of its three-pointers with Sasser on the floor, and simply 28% with out him, per hooplens.com. The Cougars, who have been 4-for-sixteen from three in opposition to Northern Kentucky, simply aren’t the identical group with out a healthful Sasser. Plus, Kelvin Sampson said Jamal Shead (10.4 PPG) is dealing with a knee damage. The Cougars are nonetheless a great group. however Sasser makes them good.

Up subsequent: vs. Auburn (Saturday, 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS)

UCLA Bruins
unique seed: No. 2 (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated UNC Asheville (No. 15), 86-fifty three (Thursday)

Mick Cronin has needed to educate by way of accidents in previous years.

by way of the 2020-21 season that ended with a final 4 run, Johnny Juzang missed 5 video games as a outcome of of damage. final yr, Jaime Jaquez Jr., who scored 17 factors Thursday, had numerous accidents, too.

This season’s accidents — Pac-12 Defensive participant of the yr Jaylen Clark suffered a season-ending Achilles damage inside the league match semifinal whereas Adem Bona has missed the previous two video games with a shoulder damage — did not cease UCLA from placing collectively one in all many first spherical’s most dominant efforts: a 33-level win over a UNC Asheville group that had been 18-1 in its earlier 19 video games. With Jaquez, the regular management of Tyger Campbell (10 assists, two turnovers) and key function gamers (freshman Amari Bailey had 17 factors), UCLA stays a final 4 contender. Clearly.

Up subsequent: vs. Northwestern (Saturday, eight:forty p.m. ET, TNT)

2-seeds

Texas Longhorns
unique seed: No. 2 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Colgate (No. 15), eighty one-sixty one (Thursday)

On Dec. 12, Rodney Terry led Texas to an 87-eighty one win over Rice in further time. It was his first recreation as a outcome of the appearing head coach. He would finish the season inside the identical function after the school fired Chris Beard following home violence allegations. all by way of his interim function, Texas is nineteen-7, after ending second behind Kansas inside the large 12 title race and capturing the large 12 match title — with a win over the Jayhawks.

He has put himself inside the working to land the everlasting function for a Texas group that obtained its fifth consecutive recreation — a run that options two wins over Kansas and a victory over TCU — inside the opening spherical on Thursday. Marcus Carr scored not decrease than 17 factors for the sixteenth time this season. entering into the second spherical, Texas has obtained its previous 5 video games by a imply of 15.2 PPG.

Up subsequent: vs. Penn State (Saturday, 7:forty five p.m. ET, CBS)

Marquette Golden Eagles
unique seed: No. 2 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Vermont (No. 15), seventy eight-sixty one (Friday)

A group’s final 4 potential usually relies upon upon its capacity to climate adversity all by way of basically the most very important chapter of the season. With Tyler Kolek, the all-massive East first-teamer, affected by a thumb damage — he was three-for-eleven with eight factors — and in foul hassle, Shaka good turned to utterly different gamers, resembling Oso Ighodaro (14 factors), inside the win over Vermont on Friday.

good obtained his first NCAA match recreation since 2013 when he was coach at VCU. And it was the large East common-season and match champion’s tenth consecutive victory. that is spectacular.

rather extra spectacular? This was Marquette’s 14th win by not decrease than 14 factors this season. Friday’s win proved this group can nonetheless steamroll a group even when its prime participant struggles.

Up subsequent: vs. Michigan State (Sunday, 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS)

Baylor Bears
unique seed: No. three (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated UC Santa Barbara (No. 14), seventy 4-fifty six (Friday)

the most important question about Scott Drew’s capacity to steer this group to the final 4, two years after the Bears obtained the school’s first nationwide title, has been its defensive challenges (97th in adjusted defensive effectivity on KenPom).

the complete premise has been true for greater than 20 years: teams that are not elite on protection do not win nationwide titles. although the Bears secured the essential-spherical win on Friday, UCSB registered a fifty eight% clip contained in the arc in opposition to them.

The counter, nonetheless, was that Adam Flagler (18 factors) & Co. linked on sixty nine% of their pictures contained in the arc. that is how this Baylor group will both thrive or sink on this NCAA match. sure, the protection is an exact concern, however that may even be one in all America’s most interesting offensive objects (second in adjusted offensive effectivity on KenPom). Is that ample to discover the second weekend? We’ll see.

Up subsequent: vs. Creighton (Sunday, 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS)

Kansas State Wildcats
unique seed: No. three (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Montana State (No. 14), seventy seven-sixty five (Friday)

Jerome Tang started his time at Kansas State by internet hosting weekly Sunday dinners at his dwelling. He said he used these moments to carry his group collectively. The continuity helped this group beat rival Kansas for the essential time in program historic previous after a seven-recreation dropping streak. It additionally allowed the Wildcats to earn a optimistic seed inside the NCAA match.

With Keyontae Johnson (18 factors) and Markquis Nowell (17 factors, 14 assists) persevering with to steer this group, Kansas State did not have a lot of hassle inside the essential spherical in opposition to Montana State.

Per ESPN Stats & information, Nowell scored or assisted on 60% of Kansas State’s factors inside the win, the essential time KSU has superior to the second spherical since 2018. The Wildcats additionally made 70% of their pictures contained in the arc.

Up subsequent: vs. Kentucky (Sunday, 2:forty p.m. ET, CBS)

three-seeds

Duke Blue Devils
unique seed: No. 5 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Oral Roberts (No. 12), seventy 4-fifty one (Thursday)

overlook the Duke that wrestled with accidents, a mannequin new coach and utterly different rising pains this season. After a seventy 4-fifty one win over Oral Roberts inside the essential spherical — mid-essential star Max Abmas accomplished with simply 12 factors on 4-for-15 taking pictures — the Blue Devils have now obtained 10 in a row. Six of these victories have been double-digit beatdowns.

you may communicate regarding the progress of Kyle Filipowski (9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals in a tough 2-for-7 outing), the management of Jeremy Roach (23 factors) or the maturation of Dereck vigorous II (six blocks) as contributing elements.

the exact story? Duke has been prime 10 in adjusted defensive effectivity all by way of that 10-recreation surge, per barttorvik.com. A assured, imposing Duke group that is defending with one in all of the greater of them? that will not be pleasing for anyone.

Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee (Saturday, 2:forty p.m. ET, CBS)

Gonzaga Bulldogs
unique seed: No. three (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Grand Canyon (No. 14), eighty two-70 (Friday)

for the motive that 1999-2000 season, every of Mark Few’s Gonzaga teams has ended the season with a prime-10 rating in adjusted offensive effectivity on KenPom. that means for greater than 20 years, with numerous teams and gamers, Few has found a methodology to current one in all faculty basketball’s most interesting offensive objects every yr.

This season might want challenged the notion greater than these prior to now. There was confusion and instability in his backcourt early on. In November and December, Gonzaga appeared like a group which will not hit that subsequent gear.

Fools. All of us. inside the Bulldogs’ eighty two-70 win over GCU, Julian Strawther (28 factors) and Drew Timme (21 factors) powered a Gonzaga group that made fifty six% of its pictures contained in the arc and forty six% of its three-level makes an try. And in case you confirm KenPom, you may see a properly-acknowledged mark. Gonzaga has the No. 1 offense in America.

Up subsequent: vs. TCU (Sunday, 9:forty p.m. ET, TBS)

Xavier Musketeers
unique seed: No. three (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Kennesaw State (No. 14), seventy two-sixty seven (Friday)

When Sean Miller arrived for his second stint at Xavier — the place he had his first head-teaching job from 2004 to 2009 — he scored a victory that did not current up inside the area rating. When the majority of a roster that had obtained the NIT final yr decided to maintain and play for Miller, he averted the disruption that new coaches usually expertise, particularly inside the swap portal period. He additionally added Souley Boum (17 factors) from UTEP.

The depth and expertise has helped this group climate the dearth of Zach Freemantle to a season-ending damage. Jerome Hunter, Freemantle’s substitute inside the starting lineup, led the Musketeers with 24 factors in Friday’s win over Kennesaw State — Jack Nunge‘s late block saved the sport — and Xavier superior to the second spherical for the essential time since 2018.

Up subsequent: vs. Pitt (Sunday, 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS)

UConn Huskies
unique seed: No. 4 (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Iona (No. thirteen), 87-sixty three (Friday)

At halftime, Rick Pitino was smiling whereas being interviewed by a sideline reporter. His Iona group was main UConn 39-37. Neither the smile nor the lead lasted. inside the second half, the Huskies outscored the Gaels — ranked first inside the MAAC in offensive effectivity — 50-24. that is the swap UConn can hit.

The Huskies are eleven-three of their previous 14 video games, and all three losses have been decided by three factors or fewer. They’re the most interesting offensive rebounding group in America, courtesy of Adama Sanogo, who accomplished with 28 factors and thirteen rebounds in Friday’s win. and additionally they’ve wings who can hit massive pictures. Jordan Hawkins & Co. helped UConn join on forty 4% of its three-level makes an try. When Dan Hurley’s squad performs to its potential, it might truly compete with any group inside the sphere.

Up subsequent: vs. Saint Mary’s (Sunday, 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT)

4-seeds

Creighton Bluejays
unique seed: No. 6 (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated NC State (No. eleven), seventy two-sixty three (Friday)

The Bluejays have been making an try to shake the stench of an early-season funk for weeks. Picked to win the large East inside the league’s preseason ballot, Greg McDermott’s group started 6-zero earlier than a three-eight stretch appeared to erase every early evaluation. From there, it felt like faculty basketball moved on and forgot about Creighton.

Per barttorvik.com, nonetheless, Creighton has been a prime-15 group nationally since that rocky three-eight chapter resulted in January. inside the essential-spherical win over NC State Friday, the Bluejays have been good on protection (NC State linked on simply forty two% of its pictures contained in the arc) and adopted Ryan Kalkbrenner (31 factors) for a strong offensive effort, too.

This seems to be extra simply like the Creighton group pollsters assumed they’d see as quickly as they picked the Bluejays to win the large East.

Up subsequent: vs. Baylor (Sunday, 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS)

Tennessee Volunteers
unique seed: No. 4 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated (No. thirteen) Louisiana fifty eight-fifty five (Thursday)

The Vols almost squandered a massive lead on Thursday. With 12:02 to play inside the sport, Tennessee took a forty eight-30 benefit on a Josiah-Jordan James leap shot. From there, one in all many prime three defensive teams in America gave up a 25-10 run that put Louisiana inside placing distance inside the final minutes of the sport.

sure, the Vols superior. nonetheless the win highlighted troubling developments for them. inside the 4 video games since level guard Zakai Zeigler suffered his season-ending ACL damage, they’ve dedicated turnovers on almost 22% of their offensive possessions. Tennessee accomplished with 18 turnovers in opposition to Louisiana, which triggered that rally by the Ragin’ Cajuns. it is one factor to look at going forward after Thursday’s shut name.

Up subsequent: vs. Duke (Saturday, 2:forty p.m. ET, CBS)

Indiana Hoosiers
unique seed: No. 4 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Kent State (No. thirteen), seventy one-60 (Friday)

there have been stretches this season when Race Thompson might not even get by way of a recreation. He missed time as a outcome of of different accidents, collectively with a knee damage he suffered in January. And he by no means appeared one hundred laptop computer even when he did return. On Friday, nonetheless, he was Captain America to Trayce Jackson-Davis‘ Iron Man as a outcome of the two mixed to discover forty 4 factors and seize 20 rebounds.

entering into the sport, Indiana had made fifty three% of its pictures contained in the arc this season with Jackson-Davis and Thompson on the floor collectively, per hooplens.com. That dominance continued in opposition to Kent State. It was the essential time two Indiana gamers had scored 20 factors or extra since 2016, per ESPN Stats & information. The Hoosiers have generated momentum late inside the season and additionally they is at risk of be peaking on the right time.

Up subsequent: vs. TCU (Sunday, eight:forty p.m. ET, TNT)

Saint Mary’s Gaels
unique seed: No. 5 (West)
First-spherical outcome: VCU (No. 12), sixty three-fifty one (Friday)

VCU had obtained 9 consecutive video games earlier than it bumped into Saint Mary’s on Friday. The third-ranked offense inside the A-10 was held to fifty one factors, its lowest tally since a Nov. 20 loss to Memphis, when the Rams scored forty seven factors. Randy Bennett’s Gaels are a legit prime-10 protection nationally, and their suffocating effort in opposition to VCU proved as a lot. Alex Ducas and Mitchell Saxen mixed to discover 34 factors and the Gaels obtained although Aidan Mahaney, the group’s No. 2 scorer this season, did not register some extent. Bennett will not change who he is. The Gaels intention to constrict opposing teams’ offensive movement in a gradual-paced affair, and the approach has consistently labored of their favor this season.

Up subsequent: vs. UConn (Sunday, 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT)

5-seeds

San Diego State Aztecs
unique seed: No. 5 (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Charleston (No. 12), sixty three-fifty seven (Thursday)

SDSU had been a sexy upset decide in its first-spherical matchup in opposition to 12-seed Charleston. It wasn’t straightforward, nonetheless the Aztecs secured their fifth consecutive win, sixty three-fifty seven, and superior to the spherical of 32. Brian Dutcher’s squad has misplaced simply one recreation since Jan. 31. Ranked prime 10 in adjusted defensive effectivity, it is a group which will lock up its opponents and administration any recreation.

however its offensive output might develop proper into a problem. Matt Bradley (17 factors) was the one double-decide scorer in opposition to Charleston. and by way of this 5-recreation worthwhile streak, SDSU has registered greater than one hundred factors per one hundred possessions (the road of demarcation in offensive output for school basketball) simply twice.

Up subsequent: vs. Furman (Saturday, 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS)

Miami Hurricanes
unique seed: No. 5 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Drake (No. 12), sixty three-fifty six (Friday)

The press launch arrived hours earlier than Miami was set to face Drake: Norchad Omier, the All-ACC third-teamer who suffered an ankle damage inside the league match, was obtainable to play.

Miami is definitely a distinctive group when he is obtainable. Omier accomplished with 12 factors and 14 rebounds as a outcome of the Hurricanes turned a seven-level deficit midway by way of the second half proper into a seven-level victory. Nijel Pack (21 factors) steadied this crew. nonetheless the Canes, first inside the ACC this season in offensive effectivity, registered simply ninety one factors per one hundred possessions. It was a unusual offensive slip for Jim Larrañaga’s squad.

Up subsequent: vs. Indiana (Sunday, eight:forty p.m. ET, TNT)

Kentucky Wildcats
unique seed: No. 6 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated windfall (No. eleven), sixty one-fifty three (Friday)

Kentucky followers can breathe. For now. After final yr’s first-spherical loss to Saint Peter’s and the 9-sixteen advertising and marketing campaign from the 2020-21 season, John Calipari entered his first-spherical recreation Friday inside the closest factor to a should-win he has ever expert. And windfall, as a mannequin identify, made the Wildcats an straightforward upset decide. nonetheless the Friars, who accomplished with a 36.2% clip, have not been a great group in months. in the meantime, Kentucky has ample depth and expertise to compete with amongst the numerous prime teams in America.

None of it was straightforward on the eyes. Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning picket Award winner, accomplished 4-for-10 with eight factors — however 25 rebounds. Jacob Toppin (18 factors) and Antonio Reeves (22 factors) had ample juice to assist Kentucky overcome a 36.5% mark from the sphere. which will not suffice for a go to to the second weekend, nonetheless it is ample for Kentucky to shake the picture of final yr’s upset.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas State (Sunday, 2:forty p.m. ET, CBS)

TCU Horned Frogs
unique seed: No. 6 (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Arizona State (No. eleven), seventy two-70 (Friday)

simply earlier than halftime on Friday, Mike Miles Jr. went down with an damage. He’d already been impacted by a knee damage that interrupted his season. midway by way of an NCAA match recreation, he bought harm as quickly as extra. however Miles Jr. (26 factors) performed by way of the ache and led TCU to the second spherical for the second time since 1987. When Arizona State despatched the double-group in the direction of him inside the final seconds, Miles found JaKobe Coles, who scored on a recreation-worthwhile floater. regardless of the again-and-forth movement in opposition to the photo voltaic Devils, TCU by no means unraveled. The Horned Frogs dedicated simply 5 turnovers inside the sport, too. Their journey will proceed inside the second spherical on Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Gonzaga (Sunday, 9:forty p.m. ET, TBS)

6-seeds

Michigan State Spartans
unique seed: No. 7 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated USC (No. 10), seventy two-sixty two (Friday)

Tom Izzo has openly admitted that that simply isn’t one in all his most proficient teams. there might even be not a Draymond inexperienced, a Jaren Jackson Jr. or a Mateen Cleaves on this roster. however by way of sheer grit and hustle, the Spartans have been nonetheless aggressive inside the large Ten. the identical precept fueled Michigan State’s first-spherical win. Joey Hauser (17 factors, 4-for-6 from the three-level line) led the methodology by which as MSU reached the second spherical underneath Izzo for the nineteenth time in his profession. The Spartans — who personal wins over Kentucky, Indiana and Maryland — can’t shut the expertise hole they might face inside the subsequent spherical, however they will not get outworked.

Up subsequent: vs. Marquette (Sunday, 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS)

Missouri Tigers
unique seed: No. 7 (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Utah State (No. 10), seventy six-sixty five (Thursday)

With 10:forty 4 to go on Thursday, Dennis Gates acknowledged as a timeout after the Aggies took a forty nine-forty seven lead on a Dan Akin dunk. The Tigers wouldn’t be on the ropes for prolonged. All-SEC first-teamer Kobe Brown and D’Moi Hodge mixed to go on a 20-7 run by themselves after the timeout, giving Missouri administration of the sport and the seventy six-sixty five win.

A Tigers offense ranked prime 10 in offensive effectivity can hit that swap and alter issues in its favor. Missouri has obtained a lot of gritty matchups this season, which is why it wasn’t rattled. To advance to the subsequent spherical, nonetheless, the Tigers ought to be a greater defensive group. Utah State was the third group in Missouri’s previous 4 matchups to make not decrease than sixty six% of its pictures contained in the arc.

Up subsequent: vs. Princeton (Saturday, 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT)

Northwestern Wildcats
unique seed: No. 7 (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Boise State (No. 10), seventy five-sixty seven (Thursday)

For 5 prolonged years, Chris Collins did not put collectively a worthwhile season. that is proper. After he’d made historic previous by main Northwestern to the NCAA match in 2017, a essential for the school, he adopted up with again-to-again-to-again-to-again-to-again dropping campaigns. nonetheless the Northwestern brass continued to ponder in him. And after defeating Boise State inside the essential spherical in Sacramento, he has now led the Wildcats to their second NCAA match win as a program.

They did it with the traits that helped them beat Indiana (twice) and Purdue this season. They have been cautious ball handlers (simply seven turnovers in opposition to BSU) and star Boo Buie (22 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) carried the group.

Northwestern’s simply isn’t solely a pleasing story. it is a great defensive group (prime 20 in adjusted defensive effectivity) with the vitality to place collectively offensive bursts in opposition to good teams (fifty six% contained in the arc, 38% from the three-level line on Thursday).

Up subsequent: vs. UCLA (Saturday, eight:forty p.m. ET, TNT)

Arkansas Razorbacks
unique seed: No. eight (West)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Illinois (No. 9), seventy three-sixty three (Thursday)

The story of Arkansas this season has largely centered on its ceiling and its struggles to discover it. Per ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, each Nick Smith Jr. (No. 7) and Anthony Black (No. 10) are projected lottery picks, whereas Ricky Council IV is a projected second-rounder. Council (18 factors), Black (12 factors) and Smith (6 factors) mixed to discover 36 factors inside the seventy three-sixty three win over Illinois on Thursday.

It wasn’t all pretty for a group that made forty% of its pictures contained in the arc and simply 27% of its three-level makes an try. however these elite athletes can defend as quickly as they want to defend. And that was the lesson right here. Arkansas has been prime 30 in adjusted defensive effectivity and prime forty in adjusted offensive effectivity since Feb. 1, per barttorvik.com.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas (Saturday, 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS)

7-seeds

Florida Atlantic Owls
unique seed: No. 9 (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Memphis (No. eight), sixty six-sixty five (Friday)

With Memphis unraveling as a outcome of of inside drama and Kendric Davis dealing with an ankle damage, the Owls secured the essential NCAA match win at school historic previous on Friday. Nick Boyd’s go-forward shot with seconds on the sport clock sealed the win. however this bought here all of the methodology down to FAU, 32-three this season, showcasing the good, fixed effort it has employed all season. The poise, too.

The Owls are prime forty in adjusted offensive and defensive effectivity this season. A usually astute three-level taking pictures group (37% this season) accomplished eight-for-28 in opposition to Memphis. however FAU’s 18 offensive rebounds — a forty 4% offensive rebounding cost — secured second-probability alternatives as Memphis wrestled with its personal inside conflicts down the stretch. Now, the Owls (4 of whose gamers scored 10 factors or extra) will face the most interesting Cinderella of all time, Fairleigh Dickinson, with a go to to the candy sixteen on the road.

Up subsequent: vs. Fairleigh Dickinson (Sunday, 7:forty five p.m. ET, truTV)

Maryland Terrapins
unique seed: No. eight (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated West Virginia (No. 9), sixty seven-sixty five (Thursday)

Most teams encounter hurdles on the road. however Maryland’s scorching-and-chilly act, between the Xfinity coronary heart in faculty Park and in each place else, was troublesome to course of this season. entering into the NCAA match, Maryland had a three-eleven file this season exterior its dwelling flooring. And when West Virginia took a 19-6 lead inside the essential half on Thursday, it appeared that the turbulence would proceed for the Terps. An early sixteen-zero run by the Mountaineers at first of the second half appeared to seal Maryland’s destiny.

however Julian Reese — the brother of LSU ladies’s basketball star Angel Reese — scored 17 factors and compelled WVU massive man Jimmy Bell Jr. into foul hassle, limiting his time on the floor. All of that helped the Terps bounce again and advance.

Up subsequent: vs. Alabama (Saturday, 9:forty p.m. ET, TBS)

Auburn Tigers
unique seed: No. 9 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Iowa (No. eight), eighty three-seventy five (Thursday)

the place was this Auburn group for the previous two months? entering into the NCAA match, Bruce Pearl’s squad had amassed a 4-9 file in its previous thirteen video games. It was seen as a group that in a roundabout methodology bought tossed a lifeboat from the selection committee and likely wouldn’t final prolonged. however Pearl’s enchancment of worthwhile NCAA match video games continued. that is the ninth time in Pearl’s previous eleven NCAA match appearances by which he superior to the second spherical.

So how do you clarify the resurgence? properly, the Tigers have the objects to compete with one in all of the most interesting teams in America. Johni Broome (19 factors, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks) & Co. overwhelmed Iowa with their vitality and protection. however that may even be an Auburn group with six losses decided by three factors or fewer — or by way of further time. Pearl’s squad has performed in some tight circumstances this season. This time, the outcome resulted in its favor.

Up subsequent: vs. Houston (Saturday, 7:10 p.m. ET, TBS)

Penn State Nittany Lions
unique seed: No. 10 (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Texas A&M (No. 7), seventy six-fifty nine (Thursday)

one in all many widespread selection Sunday reactions centered on a Texas A&M squad that obtained a 7-seed from the selection committee after ending second inside the SEC. Penn State had been an afterthought that accomplished sturdy inside the large Ten’s common season and barely earned an invite. Jalen Pickett did not care regarding the dialog. The Penn State star accomplished with 19 factors, 7 rebounds and eight assists inside the seventy six-fifty nine shutdown of the Aggies. Andrew Funk had a season-extreme 27 factors for the Nittany Lions, who’re 9-2 of their previous eleven video games — a stretch that options wins over Illinois (twice), Northwestern (twice), Maryland, Indiana and, now, Texas A&M. it is a great event of a group that did not impress for tons of of of the season (14-eleven, 5-9 in massive Ten play on Feb. eleven) however accomplished sturdy to enter the NCAA match with bracket-breaking intentions.

Up subsequent: vs. Texas (Sunday, 7:forty five p.m. ET, CBS)

eight-seeds

Pittsburgh Panthers
unique seed: No. eleven (Midwest)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Iowa State (No. 6), fifty nine-forty one (Friday)

entering into the season, Jeff Capel hadn’t been to the NCAA match in his first 4 years at Pitt. in exact fact, he hadn’t been to the NCAA match as a head coach for the motive that 2008-09 season at Oklahoma. How methodology again was that? Blake Griffin was a sophomore on that group.

however Capel responded to the strain this season by ending third inside the ACC and securing an NCAA match berth. Pitt squeezed by Mississippi State 60-fifty nine inside the essential 4, earlier than thumping Iowa State in a single in all its worst video games (34% clip from the sphere). nonetheless, Capel’s squad has superior. that is what issues.

Up subsequent: vs. Xavier (Sunday, 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS)

Furman Paladins
unique seed: No. thirteen (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Virginia (No. 4), sixty eight-sixty seven (Thursday)

do not name Furman’s win a fluke that occurred solely as a outcome of Kihei Clark threw a misguided cross that was intercepted and subsequently transformed proper into a JP Pegues recreation-worthwhile three inside the final seconds of the sixty eight-sixty seven win.

Nah, Bob Richey switched his group to a zone look as a outcome of it outscored Virginia, which had a double-digit lead, 30-17 inside the final eleven minutes of the sport. The Paladins additionally made 50% of their pictures all by way of that stretch. And now 6-foot-7 Jalen Slawson, who continued to steer his group when prime scorer Mike Bothwell fouled out inside the second half, can assist Furman lengthen this magical story with one other win and this approach’s second journey to the candy sixteen. all of it seems attainable for the Southern convention’s computerized bid.

Up subsequent: vs. San Diego State (Saturday, 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS)

Princeton Tigers
unique seed: No. 15 (South)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Arizona (No. 2), fifty nine-fifty five (Thursday)

What. On. Earth. simply. occurred! Saint Peter’s, please welcome the latest member of the “15 Seeds That Destroy Brackets membership.” Princeton simply achieved and shattered desires in a fifty nine-fifty five win over the two-seed Wildcats. Whoa. Welcome to March.

Tosan Evbuomwan (15 factors, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) led Princeton to the upset after the Tigers have been down by double digits in opposition to the Pac-12 match champs with eleven minutes to play. Coach Mitch Henderson was strategic inside the methodology by which he slowed the sport and disrupted the rhythm of Arizona’s extreme-powered offense. How do you measure this? properly, Arizona accomplished three-for-sixteen from the three-level line.

So maybe it was a chilly evening time for a group that made 38% of its three-pointers — a prime-20 mark nationally — this season. nonetheless the willpower of a Princeton group that is sub-one hundred in adjusted offensive and defensive effectivity on KenPom led to the most important upset we have seen since … final yr.

Up subsequent: vs. Missouri (Saturday, 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT)

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
unique seed: No. sixteen (East)
First-spherical outcome: Defeated Purdue (No. 1), sixty three-fifty eight (Friday)

do not try and decide this out. do not search for something that predicted this. Nothing predicted this. earlier to its sixty three-fifty eight win over Purdue — simply the second time a sixteen-seed has obtained a recreation in males’s NCAA match historic previous — FDU was 298th on KenPom. 298th. it is a group that had 12 — 12! — losses to sub-200 KenPom teams. it is a group that ought to not even be inside the match.

after which, basically the most superb upset in NCAA historic previous occurred. (Sorry, UMBC.) Zach Edey accomplished 7-for-eleven with 21 factors. however Tobin Anderson strategized to restrict the projected picket Award winner’s touches by sending every who had ever attended FDU on the 7-foot-4 star. the the rest of Purdue’s group accomplished 12-for-forty two. The gamble labored and now Sean Moore (19 factors) and the Knights will seemingly be legends with out finish.

Up subsequent: vs. Florida Atlantic (Sunday, 7:forty five p.m. ET, truTV)

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