On Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio, the NCAA Tournament will open its doors wider with two critical games settling the final spots in the 64-team bracket. This is the second night of the First Four, kicking off an exhilarating lead-up to the heart of March Madness that starts on Thursday. This exciting time means hours of nail-biting basketball, where anything can happen from tip-off to buzzer-beater.
The evening will kick off with a clash between No. 16 seeds: Patriot League champion American University versus MAAC champion Mount St. Mary’s. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a golden chance for both teams to shine on a national stage. Even if victory leads them to face powerhouse Duke in the next round, making it this far is an achievement in itself.
Later, the night features a showdown between two No. 11 seeds, Texas and Xavier, vying for a spot in the Midwest Region. Both teams had rocky paths to this moment, illustrated by Texas’ challenging conference record of 6-12 and Xavier’s struggles with stringing together wins. However, now the slate is clean, and it’s a winner-takes-all situation. Interestingly, history is on their side: in the past 13 seasons, at least one team from the First Four has reached the Round of 32, showcasing the potential for a thrilling upset.
American vs. Mount St. Mary’s
This matchup is special due to the close proximity of the schools—just 62 miles apart—and their shared basketball history, having faced each other 70 times. American has recently dominated, winning four consecutive games since 2018, and leads their all-time series 37-33. However, Mount St. Mary’s comes into this game with momentum, guided by first-year coach Donny Lind, who has led them to a record-setting 22 wins this season. They’ve often outperformed expectations, especially as underdogs, and boast a solid defensive record in their conference tournament. Given this, I think Mount St. Mary’s has a good chance to keep it close or even pull off the win, especially with a recent ability to hold opponents under 60 points. Pick: Mount St. Mary’s +2.5
Xavier vs. Texas
Texas, despite their shaky season, has shown glimpses of brilliance, with several wins against high-seeded teams. Their greatest challenge lies in consistency, which has often haunted them. On the flip side, Xavier has found its rhythm, especially after the return of star forward Zach Freemantle. They’ve been playing at a swift pace, with standout players contributing heavily to their offensive strategy. Recent performances show that Ryan Conwell has been exceptionally accurate from deep, which could be key against Texas’s defense. This matchup promises to be high-scoring and thrilling. Pick: Xavier -2.5
As we gear up for these exciting matchups, fans are buzzing with anticipation on social media. The atmosphere is electric, with many speculating about potential upsets and breakout performances. The First Four sets the stage not just for the games themselves, but for the entire tournament frenzy that engulfs fans and players alike.
For those keeping track of trends, recent statistics indicate that teams emerging from the First Four have a higher success rate than ever, proving that these games are more than just a formality. With the excitement building, there’s no doubt that every dribble, three-pointer, and defensive stop will be surveyed closely by both fans and analysts alike.
For more insights and updates on tournament stats and predictions, check out CBS Sports’ March Madness coverage.
Check out this related article: Tar Heels Dominate Aztecs and Dismiss Critics in Thrilling First Four Showdown
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