McNeese State is making waves as it heads to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. After proudly winning its second consecutive Southland Conference championship, the Cowboys look forward to facing off against Clemson in a 5 vs. 12 matchup. Last year, they were seen as a potential upset pick but were ultimately defeated by Gonzaga. However, can head coach Will Wade lead McNeese State to its first-ever tournament victory this time around?
Among the other remarkable 5 vs. 12 matchups this year are Memphis vs. Colorado State, Michigan vs. UC San Diego, and Oregon vs. Liberty. Historically, No. 12 seeds have pulled off surprising wins in the NCAA Tournament, having succeeded multiple times over the past few years. This pattern makes it clear that there is potential for upsets in this year’s bracket.
SportsLine’s computer model has gained a reputation for predicting significant upsets in past tournaments. In 2024, it accurately spotted major upsets, including No. 11 Oregon taking down No. 6 South Carolina and No. 10 Colorado defeating No. 7 Florida. Remarkably, this model has recorded 24 upsets by double-digit seeds since it began tracking tournament outcomes in 2016.
This year, the model has run simulations of the entire 2025 tournament 10,000 times. One anticipated upset involves North Carolina, a First Four winner, poised to beat No. 6 Ole Miss in the opening round. Ole Miss struggled towards the end of the season, losing five of its last eight games and barely scraping by in the victories. The Tar Heels, on the other hand, showed their strength last year by reaching the Sweet 16.
Another intriguing matchup is Yale vs. Texas A&M, where Yale is predicted to secure victory as a No. 13 seed. The Bulldogs’ senior guard, John Poulakidas, delivered an impressive performance against Auburn last year, showcasing his sharp shooting ability. With elite 3-point shooters on the roster, Yale could catch Texas A&M off guard, especially since the Aggies struggle defensively against long-range shots.
Check out SportsLine’s detailed predictions before settling on your bracket this year. The excitement of March Madness often challenges expectations, and by harnessing insights from data-driven models, you can enhance your chances of picking successful upsets.
In conclusion, the 2025 NCAA Tournament promises thrilling matchups and potential surprises. With teams like McNeese State and Yale making headlines, fans can expect a fierce competition filled with unexpected twists. Keep an eye on trending picks and harness the power of statistics to make well-informed bracket choices!
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