Raleigh, North Carolina – When discussing the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament, the focus often falls on underdog teams from smaller conferences defeating powerhouses. However, in recent years, the 11th-seeded teams have been the ones causing major upsets in the first round. Over the past 18 tournaments, at least one 11-seed has emerged victorious, with the trend continuing into the 2024 March Madness. Both NC State and Oregon, the 11th seeds in this year’s tournament, secured their spots after winning their respective conference tournaments.
NC State’s remarkable run through the ACC Tournament, which included wins over Duke and North Carolina, has placed them in a challenging matchup against 6th-seeded Texas Tech. The Wolfpack’s success is being closely watched as they aim to extend the streak of 11th-seed upsets in the NCAA Tournament. Analysts are intrigued to see which of the two 11-seeds has the best chance of continuing this trend.
A predictive model, known for accurately forecasting upsets, has already highlighted potential upsets in this year’s tournament. With a track record of correctly predicting first-round upsets, this model has successfully anticipated past surprises in March Madness, including UConn’s memorable run last year. Its insights and analysis provide valuable information for fans looking to make informed bracket selections.
In the Midwest Region, the model predicts a matchup between 11th-seeded Oregon and 6th-seeded South Carolina, with Oregon emerging as the victor. The analysis points to N’Faly Dante’s impressive performances and South Carolina’s defensive challenges as key factors in determining the outcome of the game. Additionally, the model identifies Creighton as a team to watch, projecting their success against higher-seeded opponents on their path to the Final Four.
As the tournament progresses, experts and fans alike will be closely monitoring these potential upsets and Cinderella stories. With the model offering valuable insights into matchups and team performances, it serves as a helpful resource for bracket predictions. The anticipation and excitement surrounding March Madness continue to build as teams vie for a chance to make history with unexpected victories and deep tournament runs.