Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Bracket Central series, providing an in-depth analysis leading up to the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, alongside expert picks during the tournaments.
As we approach the heart of the NCAA Tournament, there is a strong possibility that we might witness a chalky men’s NCAA Tournament. This term refers to the scenario where higher-seeded teams dominate the early rounds, leading to predictable outcomes. A notable upset occurred when McNeese State triumphed over Clemson in the opening round, while Colorado State surprised fans by defeating Memphis in a matchup where the No. 12 seed was favored for the first time in recent memory.
In a remarkable turn of events, no teams seeded 13-16 managed to win a game after the First Four for the first time since 2017. This trend could mean that your bracket is looking promising, but remember, the same applies to many others participating in the tournament. The current landscape underscores the significance of accurately predicting the national champion, especially since all key contenders remain in the competition.
During the round of 64, Houston and Duke showcased impressive performances, solidifying their status as top contenders. Other powerhouse teams such as Auburn and Florida, along with several other elite squads, successfully advanced past their mid-major opponents. This strong showing has resulted in minimal fluctuations in our Stock Watch as we head into the weekend, although the narrowing field may still yield unexpected surprises.
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(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: John E. Moore III, Dustin Satloff, Scott Winters / Getty Images)
