The 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket has been set, with the Iowa State Cyclones securing a No. 2 seed after their impressive victory over Houston in the Big 12 championship game. Despite this defeat, Houston still earned a No. 1 seed in the South Region of the 2024 March Madness bracket, maintaining a strong track record of reaching the Sweet 16 or better in their last four tournament appearances. Notably, the Big 12 conference secured eight bids in the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket, matching the SEC’s total.
As millions gear up to fill out their 2024 NCAA brackets ahead of Thursday’s first-round games, the burning question is: which teams are primed for a deep tournament run and could potentially become the Cinderella stories of the 2024 March Madness? Before making any predictions, it’s prudent to consider the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket selections provided by the esteemed computer model at SportsLine.
Notably, in the upset-laden 2023 NCAA Tournament, the model accurately forecasted UConn’s surprising Final Four run as a 4-seed. Moreover, it achieved an impressive 23-9 record in the first round, including an outstanding 12-4 performance in the Midwest and West regions.
Furthermore, the model has a knack for identifying potential upsets, accurately predicting 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016. With such a strong track record, relying on this established technology presents a strategic approach to improving one’s chances of success in making 2024 March Madness picks, thereby minimizing the reliance on luck alone. With the unveiling of the 2024 NCAA bracket, the model has initiated the simulation of matchups, with results exclusively accessible on SportsLine.
Here are three 2024 March Madness bracket matchups of notable interest:
1-No. 8 seed Florida Atlantic VS No. 9 seed Northwestern in the East Region
One particularly captivating 2024 March Madness matchup features No. 8 seed Florida Atlantic against No. 9 seed Northwestern in the East Region. Florida Atlantic, a Final Four contender last season, preserved 90% of its production and clinched 25 wins in its debut season in the AAC. Johnell Davis, a fourth-year guard, demonstrated exceptional performance during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, averaging 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Conversely, Northwestern, with a 21-11 overall record and 12-8 conference play, boasts four Quad 1 victories. Boo Buie, with 2,156 career points for the Wildcats, aims to assert himself as one of the nation’s top guards against last year’s standout tournament team.
2-No. 5 seed San Diego State VS No. 12 seed UAB
Another significant 2024 March Madness matchup to watch is between No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 12 seed UAB in the East Region. San Diego State, the national runners-up last season, has undergone substantial roster changes, replacing over half of its scoring output. Jaedon Ledee, averaging 21.1 points and 8.4 rebounds as a bench player last year, now assumes a pivotal role. Meanwhile, UAB, coming off postseason success with a trip to the NIT final and 29 wins last season, is led by coach Andy Kennedy, guiding the Blazers to their second NCAA tournament appearance in the last three seasons.
3-No. 4 seed Auburn squaring off VS No. 13 seed Yale
Another compelling matchup to monitor in the 2024 March Madness tournament features No. 4 seed Auburn squaring off against No. 13 seed Yale in the East Region. Despite securing the 2024 SEC Tournament title and ranking fifth in the NCAA’s NET rankings, Auburn earned a No. 4 seed primarily due to a 3-7 record in Quad 1 games. Although their top four scorers consist of upperclassmen, two of them are newcomers to the program this season. Conversely, Yale captured the 2024 Ivy League Tournament championship and was guided by 7-foot sophomore Danny Wolf, who posted impressive averages of 14.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game throughout the season. For the model’s 2024 NCAA bracket forecasts, please refer here.
The NCAA model’s unveiling of the surprising 2024 March Madness picks has sparked anticipation and excitement among basketball fans everywhere. With unexpected matchups and potential Cinderella stories on the horizon, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle. As fans eagerly await the unfolding drama on the court, the model’s insights provide valuable guidance for navigating the unpredictability of March Madness. With each game poised to deliver excitement and intrigue, the stage is set for another unforgettable tournament experience.
ALSO READ:
- Chicago Bulls Select 6’5″ Guard in 2024 NBA Mock Draft
- Damian Lillard of Bucks awarded 2024 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- LeBron James Subject to Warriors Trade Bid Rejected by Lakers
