HoopsHysteria > 2024 > March
Sweet Sixteen
I’m trying a new recap format this year. I will post recaps at the Sweet 16, Final 4, before the National Championship and after the National Championship. I welcome your feedback on whether you prefer the old format or the new format.
We have 151 brackets entered this year and pending payment confirmation will set a new record topping last year of 141. Thanks for participating and spreading the word.
East Region
The East Region is relatively chalky in the Sweet 16 stage but first round upsets by Yale over Auburn and Duquesne over BYU provided some early excitement. Defending champion UConn looks the part as the tournament favorite with two impressive wins. The Huskies will face San Diego St. in a rematch of last year’s National Championship game.
The other matchup will be fun one to watch between two very good team in Iowa St and Illinois. Both teams looked impressive in their first two games.
West Region
The West Region played out a lot like the East Region. Three of the top 4 seeds advanced but only saw one upset in the first round with Grand Canyon knocking off St. Mary’s. Clemson upset Baylor in the second round to make it to the Sweet 16 joining North Carolina, Alabama, and Arizona.
North Carolina faces Alabama in what should be a fun high scoring game while Arizona squares off against Clemson.
South Region
The South Region has been the most entertaining region by far. Four first round upsets. An 11/14 seed game in the second round. #1 seed Houston blowing a late lead including a game-tying three by Texas A&M to force overtime then rally and beat the Aggies. The Kentucky Wildcats losing in round one to Oakland and basketball fans getting to know Oakland’s Jack Gohlke. Colorado and Florida combined to score 202 points in their first round epic game. 11-seed NC State making it to the Sweet 16. Thousands of busted brackets. This region is the epitome of March Madness.
Midwest Region
The Midwest Region is the chalk king. Oregon’s upset of South Carolina provided the only upset of note.
Purdue will face Gonzaga while Creighton will take on Tennessee. These should be two very entertaing games.