Selection Sunday Extravaganza! 32 squads clinch automatic spots in the Big Dance after intense conference tourney battles, leaving the selection committee with 36 at-large invitations to dispense.
Join the ride with FOX Sports’ hoops guru, John Fanta, as he unveils his top picks, dark horses, and bracket breakdowns live during the NCAA Tournament reveal.
🔵 EAST REGION 🔵
1️⃣ UConn (31-3) vs. 1️⃣6️⃣ Stetson (22-12)
8️⃣ Florida Atlantic (25-8) vs. 9️⃣ Northwestern (21-11)
5️⃣ San Diego State (24-10) vs. 1️⃣2️⃣ UAB (23-11)
4️⃣ Auburn (27-7) vs. 1️⃣3️⃣ Yale (22-9)
6️⃣ BYU (23-10) vs. 1️⃣1️⃣ Duquesne (24-11)
3️⃣ Illinois (26-8) vs. 1️⃣4️⃣ Morehead State (26-8)
7️⃣ Washington State (24-9) vs. 1️⃣0️⃣ Drake (28-6)
2️⃣ Iowa State (27-7) vs. 1️⃣5️⃣ South Dakota State (22-12)
🔶 SOUTH REGION 🔶
1️⃣ Houston (30-4) vs. 1️⃣6️⃣ Longwood (21-13)
8️⃣ Nebraska (23-10) vs. 9️⃣ Texas A&M (20-14)
5️⃣ Wisconsin (22-13) vs. 1️⃣2️⃣ James Madison (31-3)
4️⃣ Duke (24-8) vs. 1️⃣3️⃣ Vermont (28-6)
6️⃣ Texas Tech (23-10) vs. 1️⃣1️⃣ NC State (22-14)
3️⃣ Kentucky (23-9) vs. 1️⃣4️⃣ Oakland (23-11)
7️⃣ Florida (24-11) vs. 1️⃣0️⃣ Boise State/Colorado
2️⃣ Marquette (25-9) vs. 1️⃣5️⃣ Western Kentucky (22-11)
🟢 MIDWEST REGION 🟢
1️⃣ Purdue (29-4) vs. 1️⃣6️⃣ Montana State/Grambling State
8️⃣ Utah State (27-6) vs. 9️⃣ TCU (21-12)
5️⃣ Gonzaga (25-7) vs. 1️⃣2️⃣ McNeese (30-3)
4️⃣ Kansas (22-10) vs. 1️⃣3️⃣ Samford (29-5)
6️⃣ South Carolina (26-7) vs. 1️⃣1️⃣ Oregon (23-11)
3️⃣ Creighton (23-9) vs. 1️⃣4️⃣ Akron (24-10)
7️⃣ Texas (20-12) vs. 1️⃣0️⃣ Virginia/Colorado State
2️⃣ Tennessee (24-8) vs. 1️⃣5️⃣ Saint Peter’s (19-13)
🟣 WEST REGION 🟣
1️⃣ North Carolina (27-7) vs. 1️⃣6️⃣ Howard/Wagner
8️⃣ Mississippi State (21-13) vs. 9️⃣ Michigan State (19-14)
5️⃣ Saint Mary’s (26-7) vs. 1️⃣2️⃣ Grand Canyon (29-4)
4️⃣ Alabama (21-11) vs. 1️⃣3️⃣ Charleston (27-7)
6️⃣ Clemson (21-11) vs. 1️⃣1️⃣ New Mexico (26-9)
3️⃣ Baylor (23-10) vs. 1️⃣4️⃣ Colgate (25-9)
7️⃣ Dayton (24-7) vs. 1️⃣0️⃣ Nevada (26-7)
2️⃣ Arizona (25-8) vs. 1️⃣5️⃣ Long Beach State (21-14)
Let the madness commence!
Breaking Down the West Region:
1. The Potential Clash: Keep an eye out for a potential showdown between North Carolina and Michigan State in the second round, right in Charlotte! Tom Izzo’s Spartans have a hurdle to clear with Mississippi State, led by Josh Hubbard and Tolu Smith. Despite their 19-14 record, MSU wasn’t even on the bubble radar. A matchup between Tyson Walker and RJ Davis promises some thrilling basketball, but I’d bank on UNC’s depth to prevail.
2. Former Faces, New Places: Picture this – if the top seeds square off in the regional final, it sets the stage for a reunion between Arizona’s Caleb Love and his old stomping grounds at North Carolina. Talk about a storyline! The Wildcats, on their redemption journey after a disappointing exit last year, face a crucial March ahead. Their path, including a potential second-round clash with Dayton or Nevada, looks manageable.
3. Mid-Major Madness: Keep an eye on the Saint Mary’s vs. Grand Canyon matchup, a classic 5-12 showdown featuring two formidable mid-major teams. And don’t blink during the 4-13 clash between Alabama and Charleston – expect fireworks on offense! Can the Crimson Tide tighten up their defense? Charleston boasts an impressive 20-0 record when hitting the 80-point mark, making this matchup one to watch.