On March 17th, Nebraska basketball faces a historic moment in the South Region of the men's NCAA tournament. The coinhischers are a fourth seed and 13 and a half point favorite over 13-seeded Troy in the first round. They started this season 20 and 0, but hold an 0 and 8 record in tournament openers. The only power conference team never to win a game.
Experts see potential upsets shaking things up early. 11-seeded VCU could top 6-seeded North Carolina as underdogs by 2 and a half points, thanks to VCU's 16 and 1 run since January. 10th, 14-seeded Penn might stun third-seeded Illinois, who face a massive 24 and a half point spread that feels too high given Ivy League. Team strong first round showings.
Fan excitement mixes with caution around Nebraska's long drought. The football first school rarely gets this spotlight and a loss could fuel doubts about their tournament breakthrough. Meanwhile, North Carolina struggles without injured freshman Caleb Wilson, going just 5 and 3 after a 19 and 5 stretch with him. Favorite still dominates the match-ups.
Second-seeded Houston should roll past 15th-seeded Idaho by 23 and a half points with their gritty defense. 5th-seeded Vanderbilt looks solid over 12th-seeded McNeese and 7th-seeded St Mary's edges, 10th-seeded Texas A&M. 9th-seeded Iowa also gets the nod over 8th-seeded Clemson in a battle of late-season struggles. These picks highlight a region full of surprises and blowouts, setting the stage for intense bracket battles as the tournament tips off.
Made in the eye.