March Madness 2024: A Thrilling Selection Sunday and the Road to the Final Four
| Team | Key Highlights | Matchups and Predictions | Coaching Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina |
Barely made it into March Madness, sparking controversy and explanations from athletic director Bubba Cunningham. Last team in, based on an 8-0 mark against Quad 2 teams and other favorable metrics. |
Playing in the First Four against San Diego State. Predicted to have a tough road ahead but could surprise with strong performances. |
Cunningham emphasized the challenges in bracket creation and the need for transparency. |
| Texas |
Made it into the tournament with 15 losses, contributing to the SEC’s record 14 teams in the bracket. |
Playing in the First Four against Xavier. Expected to face a challenging opponent but could pull off an upset. |
SEC’s strong performance this year, winning 88% of nonconference games, played a significant role in Texas’ inclusion. |
| Auburn |
Top seed in the tournament despite losing three of their last four games. Received higher billing than Duke, largely due to a tougher schedule. |
Facing a strong opponent but expected to advance with a strong performance. Coach Bruce Pearl aims to “get their mojo back.” |
Coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged the need to regain their form after recent losses. |
| Florida |
No. 1 seed and slight favorite to win it all at the Final Four in San Antonio. Captured the SEC tournament with an average margin of 15 points per game. |
Potential second-round game against UConn. Strong contender for the national title. |
Coach Mike White’s strategic prowess and team’s dominant performance in the SEC tournament. |
| St. John’s |
Led by coach Rick Pitino, making an unprecedented sixth program appearance in the tournament. First-round game against Omaha in Providence. |
Potential second-round matchup against Arkansas and John Calipari. Historical significance of returning to Providence where Pitino led the Friars to a Final Four. |
Pitino’s journey back to Providence, where his coaching career took off, adds a layer of nostalgia and excitement. |
| Houston |
Remaining top seed with a potential second-round matchup against No. 8 Gonzaga. Making its 26th straight trip to the tournament. |
Strong contender with a history of deep tournament runs. Gonzaga’s presence adds excitement to the potential matchup. |
Coach Kelvin Sampson’s leadership and the team’s consistent performance. |
| Michigan State |
Led by coaching icon Tom Izzo to its 27th straight tournament appearance. Seeded second and facing America East champion Bryant in its opener. |
Strong contender with a history of deep tournament runs. Izzo’s leadership and the team’s resilience add to the excitement. |
Izzo’s legendary coaching and the team’s gritty play style. |
| UConn |
Seeking the sport’s first threepeat since the early ’70s, seeded eighth. Potential second-round game against Florida next weekend. |
Strong contender with a rich history in the tournament. Coach Dan Hurley’s strategic leadership and the team’s determination. |
Hurley’s strategic approach and the team’s resilience. |
SEC Dominance and Bracket Quirks
The SEC’s dominance is evident with 14 teams in the tournament, leading to several potential second-round matchups between SEC teams. The league’s strong performance this year, winning 88% of nonconference games, has solidified its status as a top hoops conference. The question now is whether the SEC can capture its first national title since 2012, when Kentucky won it all.
Bubble Teams and First Teams Out
Bubble teams that did not make it include West Virginia, Indiana, and Boise State. Had this been a 76-team tournament, these teams would have made the cut, according to the committee’s list of “first teams out.”
Key Matchups and Predictions
The tournament kicks off with the First Four on Tuesday, followed by 32 games on Thursday and Friday at eight sites around the country. Key matchups to watch include North Carolina vs. San Diego State, Texas vs. Xavier, and the potential second-round game between Florida and UConn. The road to the Final Four promises thrilling moments and intense competition.