2024 NCAA Tournament: Essential Stats, Betting Trends, and Facts for 68 Men’s Teams
Introduction:
March Madness is here, and college basketball fans everywhere are gearing up to fill out their brackets. But with 68 teams to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which teams to pick. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we’ll provide essential stats, betting trends, and historical facts about all 68 teams in the men’s NCAA Tournament. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to make some smart bets, this article will give you the information you need to make informed decisions.
EAST:
UConn Huskies (No. 1) vs. Stetson Hatters (No. 16):
The Huskies are the defending national champions and the top overall seed in this tournament. They have an impressive record of 31-3 and are rated as the top team on KenPom. However, they play at a slower pace than last year’s team. On the other hand, Stetson is making their debut tournament appearance and has won nine of their last 11 games.
Florida Atlantic Owls (No. 8) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (No. 9):
After making it to the Final Four last year, the Owls are back in the tournament. They have wins against Butler, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and Arizona. Northwestern, on the other hand, has never been to consecutive NCAA Tournaments before. This is only their third appearance ever, with their last two coming since 2017.
San Diego State Aztecs (No. 5) vs. UAB Blazers (No. 12):
The Aztecs were the runner-up in last year’s tournament and are dancing for the fourth straight year. However, they have not been in great form recently, with a 4-4 record in their last eight games. UAB, on the other hand, has been on a hot streak, winning 15 of their last 19 games and covering the spread in their last five.
Auburn Tigers (No. 4) vs. Yale Bulldogs (No. 13):
Auburn claimed their third SEC tournament title this year and has a strong offense, averaging nearly 90 points per game. Yale, on the other hand, has a decent tournament history with two Sweet 16 appearances. They play at a slow tempo and have a win against a No. 5 seed Baylor in 2016.
BYU Cougars (No. 6) vs. Duquesne Dukes (No. 11):
BYU had a solid first year in the Big 12 and has a winning record in one of the toughest conferences in the country. However, they haven’t made it to the Round of 32 since 2011. Duquesne, on the other hand, is making their first tournament appearance in 47 years and has won eight straight games.
Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 3) vs. Morehead State Eagles (No. 14):
Illinois has one of the most efficient offenses in the country and is led by Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages over 22 points per game. They haven’t made it to the Sweet 16 since 2005 and will be looking to make a deep run this year. Morehead State has a decent tournament history with two Sweet 16 appearances.
Washington State Cougars (No. 7) vs. Drake Bulldogs (No. 10):
The Cougars are making their first tournament appearance since 2008 and have matched their school record for conference wins in a season. Drake, on the other hand, is making their third tournament appearance in four years and has won 10 of their last 11 games.
Iowa State Cyclones (No. 2) vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (No. 15):
The Cyclones have the top-rated defense in the country and have been dominating on that end of the floor. They held Houston to just 41 points in the Big 12 Tournament final. South Dakota State, on the other hand, has struggled against NCAA Tournament teams this season, losing all four of their games against power conference opponents.
WEST:
North Carolina Tar Heels (No. 1) vs. Howard Bison/Wagner Seahawks (No. 16):
North Carolina is the ACC regular-season champion and has a top-10 rated defense. They have a strong history in the tournament but haven’t made it to the Sweet 16 since 2011. Howard is making their second straight tournament appearance, while Wagner is making their first-ever tournament appearance.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (No. 8) vs. Michigan State Spartans (No. 9):
Mississippi State is making consecutive tournament appearances for the first time since 2008-09 and has a strong defense. Michigan State has struggled in the second half of the season but has a legendary coach in Tom Izzo, who has over 700 career wins.
Saint Mary’s Gaels (No. 5) vs. Grand Canyon Lopes (No. 12):
Saint Mary’s had a slow start to the season but has been on fire in conference play, including beating Gonzaga twice. Grand Canyon has a strong team this year and has covered the spread in their last five games.
Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 4) vs. Charleston Cougars (No. 13):
Alabama is the top-scoring team in the country and has gone over 100 points in nine different games this season. However, they have struggled against ranked teams, with a 2-7 record. Charleston has a history of being a tough out in the tournament and has won their conference tournament before.
Clemson Tigers (No. 6) vs. New Mexico Lobos (No. 11):
Clemson has had an up-and-down season but has wins over South Carolina and Alabama. They are undefeated when shooting at least 40 percent from 3-point range. New Mexico is making their first tournament appearance in 10 years and won their conference tournament to get here.
Baylor Bears (No. 3) vs. Colgate Raiders (No. 14):
Baylor has the toughest strength of schedule in the country and has been impressive against top teams. They have a strong offense and have covered the spread in 18 of their 32 games. Colgate is making their fifth straight tournament appearance but has never won a game.
Dayton Flyers (No. 7) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (No. 10):
Dayton is undefeated at home this season and has been strong against quality competition. They haven’t won a tournament game since 2015 but have a strong record against the spread. Nevada started the season strong but struggled in the second half. However, they have covered the spread in six of their last eight games.
Arizona Wildcats (No. 2) vs. Long Beach State Beach (No. 15):
Arizona has wins against top teams like Duke, Michigan State, and Alabama but has struggled against lesser competition. Long Beach State has had an up-and-down season but has wins over VCU and Michigan.
SOUTH:
Houston Cougars (No. 1) vs. Longwood Lancers (No. 16):
Houston has a strong defense and plays at a slow pace. They have been favored in every game this season. Longwood is making their second straight tournament appearance but hasn’t won a game in the tournament.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (No. 8) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (No. 9):
Nebraska is making their first tournament appearance since 2014 and is looking for their first tournament win. Texas A&M has a strong offensive rebounding game and has covered the spread in their last five games.
Wisconsin Badgers (No. 5) vs. James Madison Dukes (No. 12):
Wisconsin has had an up-and-down season but has shown flashes of their early-season form. James Madison made a shocking run to the Elite Eight as a No. 15 seed two years ago and has covered the spread in their last six games.
Duke Blue Devils (No. 4) vs. Vermont Catamounts (No. 13):
Duke has a talented team but has struggled when their shots aren’t falling. Vermont has a history of being a tough out in the tournament and has wins against power conference opponents.
Texas Tech Red Raiders (No. 6) vs. NC State Wolfpack (No. 11):
Texas Tech has a strong defense and plays at a slower tempo. They have a winning record in one of the toughest conferences in the country. NC State won their conference tournament after a poor end to the regular season.
Illinois Fighting Illini (No. 3) vs. Akron Zips (No. 14):
Illinois has one of the most efficient offenses in the country and is led by Terrence Shannon Jr., who averages over 22 points per game. Akron is making their first tournament appearance at the Division I level.
Florida Gators (No. 7) vs. Boise State Broncos/Colorado Buffaloes (No. 10):
Florida is one of the top-scoring teams in the country and has a strong rebounding game. Boise State is making their third straight tournament appearance but has never won a game. Colorado has struggled in the tournament in recent years but has a strong coach in Tad Boyle.
Marquette Golden Eagles (No. 2) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (No. 15):
Marquette has a talented team and has been successful in recent tournaments. Western Kentucky has a fast-paced offense and averages over 80 points per game.
MIDWEST:
Purdue Boilermakers (No. 1) vs. Montana State Bobcats/Grambling State Tigers (No. 16):
Purdue is the top seed in the Midwest and has a strong history in the tournament. They have made the second weekend in four of the last six tournaments. Montana State is making their third straight tournament appearance but is 0-5 in the tournament.
Utah State Aggies (No. 8) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (No. 9):
Utah State has played in several close games this season and has been successful in overtime. TCU is making their third consecutive tournament appearance and hasn’t made it to the Sweet 16 since 1968.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (No. 5) vs. McNeese Cowboys (No. 12):
Gonzaga is a perennial powerhouse and has only lost to one team in the last two months. McNeese has a strong record but hasn’t faced many tournament teams this season.
Kansas Jayhawks (No. 4) vs. Samford Bulldogs (No. 13):
Kansas has a strong tournament history but has struggled in their last few games. Samford had a strong start to the season but struggled in conference play.
South Carolina Gamecocks (No. 6) vs. Oregon Ducks (No. 11):
South Carolina has had success against quality opponents and has been strong in close games. Oregon struggled in the middle of the season but has shown improvement in the Pac-12 tournament.
Creighton Bluejays (No. 3) vs. Akron Zips (No. 14):
Creighton has been successful in recent tournaments and has covered the spread in their last nine games. Akron is making their first tournament appearance at the Division I level.
Texas Longhorns (No. 7) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (No. 10) or Colorado State Rams (No. 10):
Texas has seen tough competition this season and has a strong record against the spread. Virginia has a strong defense but struggles on offense. Colorado State had a strong start to the season but struggled in conference play.
Tennessee Volunteers (No. 2) vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks (No. 15):
Tennessee’s success in the tournament will likely depend on the performance of Dalton Knecht, their leading scorer. Saint Peter’s made a surprising run to the Elite Eight two years ago but hasn’t been as successful since then.
Conclusion:
As March Madness approaches, it’s important to have all the information you need to make informed decisions when filling out your bracket or placing bets. We’ve provided essential stats, betting trends, and historical facts for all 68 teams in the men’s NCAA Tournament. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to make some smart bets, this article will give you the edge you need to come out on top. So grab your bracket and get ready for an exciting tournament!