Indianapolis, IN – March Madness fans have witnessed an interesting shift in tournament trends over the years. In the span of 30 years from 1985 to 2014, the 12th-seeded teams have been known to cause upsets in the NCAA tournament, often outperforming higher-seeded teams in the first round and even making it to the Sweet 16 more frequently than expected. Historically, picking a 12th-seeded team to win a game or two has been a popular strategy for bracket fillers looking to predict upsets.
However, recent data suggests a change in the reliability of this trend. In the past eight tournaments, 12th-seeded teams have been unsuccessful in winning first-round games three times, marking a decline in their performance compared to previous years. This shift in outcomes may indicate that it’s time for basketball enthusiasts to reconsider their strategy when predicting upsets in the tournament.
While 12th-seeded teams have historically been known for their ability to surprise higher-ranked opponents in the NCAA tournament, the recent lack of success in the first round raises questions about the continued viability of this strategy. With the landscape of college basketball constantly evolving and teams becoming more competitive, March Madness fans may need to reassess their expectations for 12th-seeded teams in the tournament.
This change in the success rate of 12th-seeded teams highlights the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the need for fans to carefully evaluate their bracket selections. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if this shift in trends continues and how it may impact future bracket predictions. Ultimately, March Madness remains full of surprises and upsets, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they watch their predictions play out on the court.