Monday, April 8, 2019

Championship Game Tidbits

Virginia wins their first National Championship.

Virginia's championship is the 15th for the ACC tying the Pacific Twelve for the most all-time.  It is the ACC's 3rd championship in the last 5 years.

The last Pacific Twelve team to win a National Championship was Arizona in 1997.  Since then the ACC has won 8 National Championships.

Virginia is the first team from the state of Virginia to win a National Championship.

Tony Bennett becomes the 3rd coach to win the championship in his first appearance in the title game since 2014.  Jay Wright (Villanova, 2016) and Kevin Ollie (Connecticut, 2014) won in their first appearance.

With Virginia winning, it is the 3rd straight year that a #1 seed has won a National Championship.

Texas Tech loses to the team that won the championship for the second consecutive tournament.  They lost to Villanova in the Elite Eight last year.  Before last year, the only other time they lost to the eventual champion was 1961 when they lost to Cincinnati in the Sweet Sixteen.

Virginia is the first team to win two overtime games in a single tournament since 2000 (Seton Hall).  They are the first National Champion to win two overtime games in a single tournament since 1997 (Arizona).

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Chris Beard

Chris Beard is 9-2 in the NCAA Tournament.  Here are the 15 coaches that have coached in 11 or more tournament games that won at least 9 of their first 11:

  • Ed Jucker 11 (Cincinnati 11-0)
  • Phil Woolpert 11 (San Francisco 11-0)
  • Steve Fisher 10 (Michigan 10-1)
  • Henry Iba 10 (Oklahoma State 10-1)
  • Fred Taylor 10 (Ohio State 10-1)
  • Phog Allen 9 (Kansas 9-2)
  • Chris Beard 9 (Arkansas-Little Rock 1-1, Texas Tech 8-1)
  • P.J. Carlesimo 9 (Seton Hall 9-2)
  • Tom Izzo 9 (Michigan State 9-2)
  • Doggie Julian 9 (Holy Cross 5-1, Dartmouth 4-1)
  • Bob Knight 9 (Indiana 9-2)
  • Branch McCracken 9 (Indiana 9-2)
  • Frank McGuire 9 (St. John's 5-2, North Carolina 4-0)
  • Pete Newell 9 (California 9-2)
  • Adolph Rupp 9 (Kentucky 9-2)

Final Four Tidbits

Virginia is in the National Championship Game for the first time in tournament history.

Tony Bennett is in his first National Championship Game.

A #1 seed is in the National Championship Game for the 5th consecutive year.

Virginia is the 4th ACC team in the last 5 years to play in the National Championship Game.  Virginia is the 6th school from the ACC to play in the Championship Game.  Duke has played in 11, North Carolina in 10, North Carolina State in 2 and Maryland and Georgia Tech in 1 each.

Virginia is 4-4 vs. the SEC.  The win ends a 4-game tournament losing streak vs. the SEC.

The ACC has won 5 straight National Semifinal Games against non-ACC teams.  The last National Semifinal Game that an ACC team lost to a team from another conference was 2008 when Kansas defeated North Carolina 84-66.

Virginia's Last 3 games were decided by 4 or fewer points or in overtime.  The only other team that to advance to the championship game by doing that was 1992 Michigan.

The SEC has lost 3 straight National Semifinal Games.  The last National Semifinal Game won by an SEC team was 2014 when Kentucky defeated Wisconsin 74-73.

Texas Tech is in the National Championship Game for the first time in tournament history.

Chris Beard is in his first National Championship Game.

The last time that both teams were making their first championship game appearance was 1979 when Michigan State played Indiana State.

The last time that both coaches were making their first championship game appearance was 2008 when Bill Self (Kansas) coached against John Calipari (Memphis)

Texas Tech is the first Big Twelve team in the National Championship Game since 2012 when Kansas played Kentucky.  Texas Tech is the first Big Twelve team other than Kansas to play in a National Championship Game.

Big Twelve teams are now 4-6 in National Semifinal Games.

Texas Tech is 3-0 vs. the Big Ten in the tournament.

Texas Tech is the first team to ever beat Michigan and Michigan State in the same tournament.

Texas Tech is the first team from the state of Texas to play in the National Championship Game since 1984 when Houston played Georgetown.

It is the second consecutive year that a #1 seed will play a #3 seed in the National Championship Game.  #1 Villanova defeated #3 Michigan last year.  Before last year, only one other time did #1 play #3 (1990 - #1 UNLV defeated #3 Duke)

#3 seeds are now 12-7 in National Semifinal Games.

Monday, April 1, 2019

A decade of Final Fours

The last Final Four of the 2010s has been filled.  In the decade, only two schools went to the Final Four more than twice.  Kentucky led with 4 Final Fours.  Michigan State is in their third Final Four of the decade.

Here is the school that made the most Final Fours each decade:

2010s - Kentucky (4)
2000s - Michigan State, North Carolina (4)
1990s - Duke, North Carolina (5)
1980s - Louisville (4)
1970s - UCLA (7)
1960s - UCLA (6)
1950s - Kansas, San Francisco (3)
1940s - Kentucky, Ohio State, Oklahoma State (3)

25 different schools made it to the Final Four during this decade.  Here is the number of different schools by decade:

2010s - 25
2000s - 25
1990s - 23
1980s - 26
1970s - 28
1960s - 22
1950s - 29
1940s - 30

The Big Ten had the most Final Four appearances with 8.  Here is the number of appearances by conference:

Big Ten - 8
Big East - 7
SEC - 7
ACC - 6
Big Twelve - 4
Horizon - 2
Missouri Valley - 2
American - 1
Colonial - 1
Pacific Twelve - 1
West Coast - 1

The conference with the most Final Four appearances by decade are:

2010s - Big Ten (8)
2000s - ACC (9)
1990s - ACC (11)
1980s - ACC, Big East (8)
1970s - Pacific Ten (7)
1960s - ACC, Big Ten, Pacific Ten (7)
1950s - Big Eight, Big Ten (6)
1940s - Big Ten (6)

The Pacific Twelve had only one Final Four appearance in the 2010s.  That is the fewest in their history.  Here is the number of Final Fours for the Pacific Twelve by Decade:

2010s - 1
2000s - 4
1990s - 4
1980s - 2
1970s - 7
1960s - 7
1950s - 3
1940s - 5

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Elite Eight Tidbits - Sunday

Auburn is in the Final Four for the first time in school history.  It is also Bruce Pearl's first Final Four.

This is the second time in three years where the Final Four has three new coaches.

Auburn becomes the second school to defeat North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky in a single tournament.  Arizona also did in 1997.

Auburn's game was their first ever tournament game against a SEC team.  Kentucky's was their third.  They are now 1-2.  Both of Kentucky's losses are in the Elite Eight.

Bruce Pearl ties Cliff Ellis for 2nd all-time in Auburn history with his 5th tournament win.  Sonny Smith is first in Auburn history with 7 tournament wins.

Auburn now has 2 straight wins over #2 seeds after losing their first 3.

Kentucky is 8-3 vs. #5 seeds, but have lost their last 2.  Kentucky is 0-2 vs. #5 seeds when seeded #2.

Kentucky's loss is only their second ever in the state of Missouri.  They are now 8-2.  Their other loss was to Michigan State in the 1999 Elite Eight.

Kentucky's loss is their 21st all-time in the Elite Eight which is a tournament record.

Auburn is 2-0 in OT games in the tournament.

Kentucky 4-6 in OT games in the tournament.  The 6 losses are 3rd most all-time behind Ohio State and Syracuse who have 7 losses.

The 77-71 Auburn win over Kentucky is 11th time for that score in NCAA Tournament History.  Only 69-67 (15 times) and 75-72 (13 times) have occurred more often

Michigan State is in the Final Four for the first time since 2015 and the 10th time overall.  They are 3-6 in the National Semifinals.  Michigan State lost to Duke 81-61 in the 2015 Final Four.

Michigan State is 7-10 vs. #1 seeds.  The 7 wins vs. #1 seeds is 4th all-time.  Only Duke (9), Kansas (8) and North Carolina (8) have more.

Michigan State is in the Final Four for the 5th time not seeded #1.  They tie Duke, Kansas, Louisville and Syracuse for the most Final Fours when not seeded #1.

Michigan State's win is their 18th all-time vs. a higher seed which is a tournament high.

Duke's loss is their 24th all-time vs. a lower seed which is a tournament high.

Duke is 15-5 vs. the Big Ten.

Duke is 16-6 in the Elite Eight.  Michigan State is 10-4 in the Elite Eight.

The average margin of victory in the Elite Eight was 4.5.  It was the 2nd lowest in history in Elite Eight.  The lowest was 3.75 in 1942. 

The average margin in regulation was 1.75.  It was the 2nd lowest in history in the Elite Eight.  The lowest was 1.5 in 2005.

It is only the 4th time in history that all four Elite Eight games were decided by single digits and only the second time that all four were decided by 6 or less.  Here is the maximum margin of victory in each of those years:

  • 1942 - 6
  • 2019 - 6
  • 2010 - 7
  • 2005 - 8
It is the 4th time that there were multiple overtime games in the Elite Eight.  Here are the number of overtime games in each year:
  • 2005 - 3
  • 1992 - 2
  • 2006 - 2
  • 2019 - 2
It is the second time in 3 years that there are two new teams in the Final Four.  Gonzaga and South Carolina made their first appearance in 2017.

The Final Four has teams from four difference conferences for the 2nd consecutive year.  It is the first time since 2012 that has happened.

It is the 4th consecutive year that the AP #1 team missed the Final Four.  It is the longest streak of the #1 team missing the Final Four in tournament history.

It is the 7th consecutive year that the AP #1 team failed to win the National Championship.  Since the field expanded to 64, the #1 team has won the tournament only 4 times or 11.4% of the time.











Saturday, March 30, 2019

Elite Eight Tidbits - Saturday

Texas Tech is in the Final Four for the first time in school history.  It is also Chris Beard's first Final Four appearance.

Chris Beard is 7-1 in the tournament as the coach of Texas Tech.  He is 8-2 overall.

The only coaches that have won 8 or more games in their first 10 in NCAA Tournament history are:

  • Ed Jucker 10 (Cincinnati 10-0)
  • Phil Woolpert 10 (San Francisco 10-0)
  • Steve Fisher 9 (Michigan 9-1)
  • Henry Iba 9 (Oklahoma State 9-1)
  • Ken Loeffler 9 (La Salle 9-1)
  • Fred Taylor 9 (Ohio State 9-1)
  • Phog Allen 8 (Kansas 8-2)
  • Forddy Anderson 8 (Bradley 6-2, Michigan State 2-0)
  • Gene Bartow 8 (Memphis 3-1, UCLA 5-1)
  • Chris Beard 8 (Arkansas-Little Rock 1-1, Texas Tech 7-1)
  • Vic Bubas 8 (Duke 8-2)
  • P.J. Carlesimo 8 (Seton Hall 8-2)
  • Tom Davis 8 (Boston College 5-2, Iowa 3-0)
  • Billy Donovan 8 (Florida 8-2)
  • Bill Guthridge 8 (North Carolina 8-2)
  • Don Haskins 8 (UTEP 8-2)
  • Tom Izzo 8 (Michigan State 8-2)
  • Doggie Julian 8 (Holy Cross 5-1, Dartmouth 3-1)
  • Bob Knight 8 (Indiana 8-2)
  • Branch McCracken 8 (Indiana 8-2)
  • Frank McGuire 8 (St. John's 5-2, North Carolina 3-0)
  • Pete Newell 8 (California 8-2)
  • Adolph Rupp 8 (Kentucky 8-2)

With Texas Tech's appearance in the Final Four, the only current Big Twelve team that has never been to the Final Four is Texas Christian.

Texas Tech is 2-1 vs. the West Coast Conference.  Both wins are vs. Gonzaga.

Texas Tech's win is their first ever vs. a #1 seed.  They previously lost to St. Joseph's in the 2004 Round of 32 and Villanova in the 2018 Elite Eight.

Gonzaga is 3-2 vs. the Big Twelve.  Both of their losses are to Texas Tech.

Gonzaga is 1-3 vs. #3 seeds.

Gonzaga is 1-3 in the Elite Eight.

Virginia is in the Final Four for the first time since 1984 and the 3rd time overall.  They are 0-2 in the National Semifinals.  Virginia lost to Houston 49-47 in the 1984 National Semifinals.

Tony Bennett is in his first Final Four.

Virginia ends a 4-game tournament losing streak vs. the Big Ten.  They are now 2-4 vs. the Big Ten.

Virginia is 3-1 vs. #3 seeds.  This is the first time they were the higher seed.

Virginia is 3-1 when playing in the state of Kentucky.

Purdue is 0-7 vs. #1 seeds.  Only Temple (9), Arkansas (9) and Gonzaga (8) have more losses without a win vs. #1 seeds.

Purdue becomes the second team in the 2019 tournament to win a game and lose a game in overtime.  It is the first time since 2006 that two teams in the same tournament both won a game and lost a game in overtime.



Elite Eight Quick Facts

The sum of seeds for the 2019 Elite Eight is 18.  It is the third lowest in tournament history.  Only 2007 (13) and 2009 (14) had a lower sum of seeds.

Elite Eight Rematches

Duke is 4-1 vs. Michigan State

  • Duke won 85-74 in the 1994 Round of 32
  • Duke won 68-62 in the 1999 National Semifinals
  • Michigan State won 78-68 in the 2005 Sweet Sixteen
  • Duke won 71-61 in the 2013 Sweet Sixteen
  • Duke won 81-61 in the 2015 National Semifinals
Texas Tech defeated Gonzaga 71-69 in the 2005 Round of 32


Teams by Conference
ACC 2
Big Ten 2
SEC 2
Big Twelve 1
West Coast 1

This is the first time since 2012 that no conference has at least 3 teams in the Elite Eight.  The 6-year streak of at least one conference with 3 teams was a tournament record.

Consecutive Elite Eights

Texas Tech and Duke are in the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.

It is the 13th straight year with at least one Elite Eight repeat.

Most Recent Elite Eight

Duke - 2018
Texas Tech - 2018
Gonzaga - 2017
Kentucky - 2017
Virginia - 2016
Michigan State - 2015
Purdue - 2000
Auburn - 1986

Consecutive Years with a Team in Elite Eight - Conference

ACC 5
Big Twelve 4
Big Ten 2

Consecutive Years with a Team in Elite Eight - Team

North Carolina 5
Michigan 2
Texas 2

Elite Eight All-Time Records - Teams


Team             W              L           Pct
Duke 16 5 0.762
Michigan St 9 4 0.692
Purdue 2 2 0.500
Kentucky 17 20 0.459
Virginia 2 4 0.333
Gonzaga 1 2 0.333
Auburn 0 1 0.000
Texas Tech 0 1 0.000

Elite Eight All-Time Records - Coaches

Team             W              L          Pct
Krzyzewski, Mike 12 3 0.800
Izzo, Tom 7 2 0.778
Calipari, John 6 5 0.545
Few, Mark 1 1 0.500
Beard, Chris 0 1 0.000
Bennett, Tony 0 1 0.000
Pearl, Bruce 0 1 0.000
This is the first Elite Eight appearance for Matt Painter (Purdue).

This is the 7th consecutive year with at least one coach  making his first Elite Eight appearance.

Average Margin of Victory in First Three Rounds

1. Gonzaga 21.3
2. Texas Tech 18.0
3. Michigan State 16.0
4. Kentucky 15.0
5. Purdue 14.7
6. Auburn 10.7
7. Virginia 10.3
8. Duke 8.7

Average Points Scored in First Three Rounds

1. Auburn 88.0
2. Purdue 82.3
3. Gonzaga 80.7
4. Duke 79.0
5. Michigan State 75.3
6. Texas Tech 71.0
7. Kentucky 67.7
8. Virginia 62.3

Average Points Allowed in First Three Rounds

1. Virginia 52.0
2. Kentucky 52.7
3. Texas Tech 53.0
4t. Gonzaga 59.3
4t. Michigan State 59.3
6. Purdue 67.7
7. Duke 70.3
8. Auburn 77.3

Since 2015, the team that won the National Championship was either #1 or #2 in scoring in the first three rounds.

Friday, March 29, 2019

Sweet Sixteen Tournament Tidbits - Friday

Michigan State is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 and the 14th time overall.  They are 9-4 in the Elite Eight.  Michigan State defeated Louisville 76-70 in the 2015 Elite Eight before losing to Duke in the Final Four.

Michigan State is 5-0 vs. #3 seeds.  The 5 wins is the most without a loss all-time in the tournament.

Michigan State is 10-1 vs. the SEC.

LSU is 2-9 vs. the Big Ten.

Auburn is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986 and the 2nd time overall.  They are 0-1 in the Elite Eight.  Auburn lost to Louisville 84-76 in the 1986 Elite Eight.

Auburn's 97 points is their most in 25 tournament games.  Their previous high was 90 vs. Indiana in the 1987 Round of 32 and vs. Bradley in the 1988 Round of 64.

Auburn is 2-2 vs. the ACC and 1-1 vs. North Carolina.

Auburn is 5-1 as an automatic bid.

Auburn is 2-2 vs. #1 seeds.  Their other win over a #1 seed was 81-65 vs. St. John's in the Round of 32.  All of the other 3 games vs. #1 seeds were as a #8 seed in the Round of 32.

North Carolina is 12-7 vs. the SEC.

North Carolina is 8-2 vs. #5 seeds.  It is the first time they have ever lost to a #5 seed when seeded #1.

North Carolina is 6-3 playing in the state of Missouri, but have lost 3 of their last 4.

North Carolina is 37-4 on Fridays in the tournament.  The loss snaps a 25-game winning streak by North Carolina on Fridays.

Duke is in the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year and the 22nd time overall.  They are 16-5 in the Elite Eight.  Duke lost to Kansas 85-81 in the 2018 Elite Eight.

Duke is 6-1 vs. #4 seeds.

Duke is 3-0 vs. teams from the ACC.

Virginia Tech is 0-3 vs. #1 seeds.

Virginia Tech is 1-1 in the Sweet Sixteen.

Duke and North Carolina have lost on the same day in the tournament only once.  It was on March 11, 1979 in the Round of 32.  Duke lost to St. John's 80-78 and North Carolina lost to Penn 72-71.

Kentucky is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017 and the 38th time overall.  They are 17-20 in the Elite Eight.  Kentucky lost to North Carolina 75-73 in the 2017 Elite Eight.

Kentucky is 3-1 vs. the American Athletic Conference.  Their only loss was in the 2014 National Championship Game to Connecticut.

Kentucky is 8-2 vs. #3 seeds and have won 4 straight.

Kentucky wins their 31st game of the 2010's.  They are 1 win away from tying the record for the most wins in a decade.  UCLA in the 1970's and Duke in the 1990's won 32 games.

Kentucky is 8-1 playing in the state of Missouri.  This was their first ever tournament game played in Kansas City.  Their previous 8 Missouri games were is St. Louis.

Houston's game against Kentucky was their first ever tournament game against an SEC team.

Houston is 6-1 when playing in the state of Missouri.  Coming into the game, they had the most wins in Missouri without a loss.

Houston is 1-1 vs. #2 seeds

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Sweet Sixteen Tournament Tidbits - Thursday

Gonzaga is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017 and the 4th time overall.  They are 1-2 in the Elite Eight.  Gonzaga defeated Xavier 83-59 in the 2017 Elite Eight before losing to North Carolina in the National Championship Game.

Gonzaga is 2-1 vs. Florida State.

Gonzaga is 3-6 vs. the ACC.

Florida State is 1-3 vs. #1 Seeds.

Purdue is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2000 and the 5th time overall.  They are 2-2 in the Elite Eight.  Purdue lost to Wisconsin 64-60 in the 2000 Elite Eight.

Purdue's 99 points is the most ever for Purdue with Matt Painter as the Coach.  His previous high was 90 vs. Baylor in the 2008 Round of 64.

Purdue is 3-5 vs. the SEC.

Purdue is 3-1 vs. #2 seeds when seeded lower.

Purdue is 6-2 when playing in the sate of California.

Tennessee is 0-2 vs. #3 seeds.

Tennessee is 1-7 in the Sweet Sixteen.

Tennessee becomes the first team to win and lose a game in overtime in the tournament since 2011.

Texas Tech is in the Elite Eight for the 2nd consecutive year and the 2nd time overall.  They are 0-1 in the Elite Eight.  Texas Tech lost to Villanova 71-59 in the 2018 Elite Eight.

Texas Tech is 2-0 vs. the Big Ten.  They defeated Purdue in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen.

Texas Tech is 2-1 vs. #2 seeds.  All 3 games have been as a #3 seed in the Sweet Sixteen.

Chris Beard of Texas Tech is now 7-2 in the NCAA Tournament.  His only loss was to Villanova last year and Iowa State in 2016 while the coach of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Michigan's 44 points is the fewest that Texas Tech has allowed in 31 tournament games.  Their previous low allowed was 55 vs. Boston College in the 1985 Round of 64.

Michigan's loss ends a 3-game tournament winning streak against the Big Twelve.  They are now 3-2 vs. the Big Twelve.

Michigan's 44 points is the fewest that they have scored in 89 tournament games.  Their previous low was 45 vs. Holy Cross in the 1948 Elite Eight.

Michigan is 3-2 playing in the state of California.  Their other loss was in their highest scoring tournament game when they lost to Loyola Marymount 149-115 in the 1989 Round of 32.

Michigan's 44 points is the fewest ever scored by a #2 seed tied with North Carolina vs. Villanova in the 1985 Elite Eight.

Virginia is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2016 and the 7th time overall.  They are 2-4 in the Elite Eight.  Virginia lost to Syracuse 68-62 in the 2016 Elite Eight.

Virginia is 4-3 vs. #12 seed.

Oregon is 1-6 vs. #1 seeds.

Oregon's 49 points is the fewest they have scored in 31 tournament games in the shot-clock era (since 1986).  Their previous low was 58 vs. Miami, Ohio in the 2007 Round of 64 and vs. Utah in the 2003 Round of 64.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Sweet Sixteen Quick Facts

Sweet Sixteen Rematches

  • Michigan State defeated Louisiana State 87-71 in the 1979 Sweet Sixteen
  • North Carolina defeated Auburn 62-56 in the 1985 Sweet Sixteen
  • Gonzaga is 1-1 vs. Florida State
    • Gonzaga defeated Florida State 67-60 in the 2010 Round of 64
    • Florida State defeated Gonzaga 75-60 in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen

Appearances by Conference
  • ACC 5
  • SEC 4
  • Big Ten 3
  • American 1
  • Big Twelve 1
  • Pacific Twelve 1
  • West Coast 1
Consecutive Years with Sweet Sixteen Team - Team
  • Gonzaga 5
  • Kentucky 3
  • Michigan 3
  • Purdue 3
  • Duke 2
  • Florida State 2
  • Texas Tech 2
Most Recent Sweet Sixteen for non-repeating teams
  • 1967
    • Virginia Tech
  • 1984
    • Houston
  • 2003
    • Auburn
  • 2006
    • Louisiana State
  • 2014
    • Tennessee
  • 2015
    • Michigan State
  • 2016
    • Virginia
  • 2017
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
    Consecutive Year Sweet Sixteen Streaks Snapped - Team
    • Kansas 3
    • West Virginia 2

    Sweet Sixteen Records

    Team           W            L         Pct
    Virginia Tech 1 0 1.000
    Michigan 13 2 0.867
    Oregon 5 1 0.833
    North Carolina 26 7 0.788
    Kentucky 33 11 0.750
    Duke 21 9 0.700
    Michigan State 13 6 0.684
    Louisiana State 6 3 0.667
    Virginia 6 3 0.667
    Florida State 3 2 0.600
    Houston 5 6 0.455
    Purdue 4 7 0.364
    Gonzaga 3 6 0.333
    Auburn 1 3 0.250
    Texas Tech 1 5 0.167
    Tennessee 1 6 0.143

    Sunday, March 24, 2019

    Second Round Tournament Tidbits - Sunday

    Tennessee is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2014 and the 8th time overall.  The are 1-6 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Tennessee lost to Michigan in the 2014 Sweet Sixteen.

    Tennessee is 3-5 vs. the Big Ten.  Two of the three wins are against Iowa.

    Tennessee defeats Iowa in overtime for the second time in tournament history.  They also defeated Iowa in overtime in the 2014 First Four.  They are the first team to defeat the same opponent in overtime twice in the history of the tournament.

    Iowa is 1-6 vs. #2 seeds.

    North Carolina is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2017 and the 34th time overall.  They are 26-7 in the Sweet Sixteen.  North Carolina defeated Butler in the 2017 Sweet Sixteen en route to the National Championship.

    North Carolina is 12-2 vs. #9 seeds.

    North Carolina is 8-3 vs. the Pacific Twelve.

    Duke and North Carolina both win their record 20th tournament game on a Sunday.

    Washington is 0-2 vs. #1 seeds.

    Duke is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 2nd consecutive year and the 31st time overall.  They are 21-9 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Duke defeated Syracuse in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Kansas in the Elite Eight.

    Duke's win over Central Florida was their first ever against the American Athletic Conference.

    Duke is 5-1 vs. #9 seeds.

    Duke is 5-1 playing in the state of South Carolina.  Their only loss was against South Carolina.

    Virginia Tech is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1967 and the 2nd time overall.  They are 1-0 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Virginia Tech defeated Indiana in the 1967 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Dayton in the Elite Eight.

    Virginia Tech is 2-0 vs. #12 seeds.

    Virginia Tech's win is their first ever tournament win on a Sunday.  They are now 1-3.

    Virginia is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2016 and the 10th time overall.  They are 6-3 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Virginia defeated Iowa State in the 2016 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Syracuse in the Elite Eight.

    Virginia is 2-0 vs. the Big Twelve.

    Virginia is 4-0 vs. #9 seeds.

    Oklahoma is 0-4 vs. the ACC.

    Oklahoma is 2-4 vs. #1 seeds.

    Texas Tech is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 2nd consecutive year and the 7th time overall.  They are 1-5 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Texas Tech defeated Purdue in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Villanova in the Elite Eight.

    Texas Tech is 3-0 vs. #3 seeds.

    Buffalo is 0-2 vs. the Big Twelve.

    Buffalo is 0-2 vs. #3 seeds.

    Houston is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1984 and the 12th time overall.  They are 5-6 in the Sweet Sixteen, but have won their last 3.  Houston defeated Memphis in the 1984 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Georgetown in the National Championship Game.

    Houston's win is their first ever tournament win vs. the Big Ten.  They are now 1-2.

    Houston is 4-1 playing in the state of Oklahoma.  They have won their last 4.

    Houston is 3-0 vs. #11 seeds.

    Of the 16 #1 through #4 seeds, 14 have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.  That ties a record set in 2009.  All #1 through #3 seeds advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.  The only other time that happened was in 2009.

    This is the first year that the Big Twelve has not had multiple teams in the Sweet Sixteen since 2013.  It is the first time since 2006 that the Big Twelve has had exactly one team in the Sweet Sixteen without it being Kansas.

    Oregon is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2017 and the 7th time overall.  They are 5-1 in the Sweet Sixteen.  They defeated Michigan in the 2017 Sweet Sixteen before losing to North Carolina in the Final Four.

    Oregon is 11-1 when playing in the state of California.

    Oregon becomes the first team to advance to the Sweet Sixteen as a #12 seed two times.  They also were in the Sweet Sixteen as a #12 seed in 2013.  They tie Richmond for the most wins all-time as a #12 seed with 4.









    Saturday, March 23, 2019

    Second Round Tournament Tidbits - Saturday

    LSU is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2006 and the 10th time overall.  They are 6-3 in the Sweet Sixteen.  LSU defeated Duke in 2006 Sweet Sixteen before losing to UCLA in the Final Four.

    LSU's win over Maryland ends a 4-game tournament losing streak vs. the Big Ten.  They are now 2-8 vs. the Big Ten.

    LSU is 4-0 playing in the state of Florida.  The are tied with North Carolina and Western Kentucky for the most wins without a loss in Florida.

    Maryland is now 1-5 vs. #3 seeds.

    Kentucky is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 3rd consecutive year and the 45th time overall.  They are 33-11 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Kentucky lost to Kansas State in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen.

    Kentucky is 3-0 vs. the Southern Conference.

    Kentucky is 8-1 playing in the state of Florida.

    Michigan is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 3rd consecutive year and the 16th time overall.  They are 13-2 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Michigan defeated Texas A&M in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Villanova in the National Championship Game.

    Michigan is 8-3 vs. the SEC

    Florida State is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 2nd consecutive year and the 6th time overall.  They are 3-2 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Florida State defeated Gonzaga in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Michigan in the Elite Eight.

    Murray State is 1-4 vs. the ACC.

    Gonzaga is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 5th consecutive year and the 10th time overall.  They are 3-6 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Gonzaga lost to Florida State in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen.

    Florida State and Gonzaga will be playing each other in the Sweet Sixteen for the second consecutive year.  It is the 8th time that two teams have played each other in back to back  years in the Sweet Sixteen.  Here are the other times:

    1968 and 1969: Kentucky vs. Marquette
    1968 and 1969: New Mexico State vs. UCLA
    1972 and 1973: Long Beach State vs. San Francisco
    1983 and 1984: Houston vs. Memphis
    1988 and 1989: Michigan vs. North Carolina
    1996 and 1997: Arizona vs. Kansas
    2001 and 2002: Illinois vs. Kansas

    Baylor is 0-3 vs. #1 seeds.

    Baylor loses in the Round of 32 for the first time in tournament history.  They are now 4-1.  They came into the game with the most wins without a loss in the round.  Canisius and New York now hold the record at 3-0.

    Michigan State is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2015 and the 20th time overall.  They are 13-6 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Michigan State defeated Oklahoma in the 2015 Sweet Sixteen before losing to Duke in the Final Four.

    Michigan State is 2-0 vs. the Big Ten in the tournament.  They also defeated Wisconsin 53-41 in the 2000 Final Four.

    Purdue is in the Sweet Sixteen for the 3rd consecutive year and the 12th overall.  They are 4-7 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Purdue lost to Texas Tech in the 2018 Sweet Sixteen.  Purdue has lost four consecutive Sweet Sixteens.

    Villanova becomes the 3rd consecutive defending champion that fails to make the Sweet Sixteen.  With the loss, it is the 12th consecutive year that the defending champion has failed to make the Elite Eight.  The last defending champion that advanced to the Elite Eight was Florida in 2007 when they won their second consecutive championship.

    The Big East has no teams in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2014 and only the second time since 1993.

    Auburn is in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2003 and the 5th time overall.  They are 1-3 in the Sweet Sixteen.  Auburn lost to Syracuse in the 2003 Sweet Sixteen.

    Kansas's 14-point loss is their largest in a Round of 32 game.  Their previous high was 13 to Wichita State in 2015.

    Kansas loses by 10 or more points in the tournament for the third straight year.  That has only happened 5 other times in history to a top four seed:

    • Texas - 2006 to 2008
    • UCLA - 2006 to 2008
    • Maryland - 1999 to 2001
    • Utah - 1995 to 1997
    • LSU - 1979 to 1981

    Round of 32 Quick Facts

    Round of 32 Rematches

    • Virginia defeated Oklahoma 86-80 in the 1989 Sweet Sixteen
    • Tennessee defeated Iowa 78-65 in the 2014 First Four
    • North Carolina defeated Washington 86-83 in the 2011 Round of 32
    • Auburn defeated Kansas 66-64 in the 1985 Round of 32
    • Ohio State defeated Houston 89-85 in the 1968 National Third Place Game
    • Michigan is 2-0 vs. Florida
      • Michigan won 108-85 in the 1988 Round of 32
      • Michigan won 79-59 in the 2013 Elite Eight

    Teams by Conference
    • Big Ten 7
    • ACC 5
    • SEC 5
    • Big Twelve 4
    • American 2
    • Pac Twelve 2
    • Atlantic Sun 1
    • Big East 1
    • Big West 1
    • Mid American 1
    • Ohio Valley 1
    • Southern 1
    • West Coast 1
    Consecutive Round of 32 Appearances:
    • Kansas 13
    • Gonzaga 11
    • North Carolina 9
    • Kentucky 6
    • Villanova 6
    • Duke 5
    • Florida 3
    • Florida State 3
    • Michigan 3
    • Michigan State 3
    • Purdue 3
    • Auburn 2
    • Buffalo 2
    • Houston 2
    • Ohio State 2
    • Tennessee 2
    • Texas Tech 2
    Most recent Round of 32 Appearance for non-repeat teams:
    • Never
      • California-Irvine
      • Central Florida
      • Liberty
      • Wofford
    • 2007
        • Virginia Tech
      • 2009
        • Louisiana State
      • 2011
        • Washington
      • 2012
        • Murray State
      • 2013
        • Minnesota
      • 2016
        • Maryland
        • Oklahoma
        • Iowa
      • 2017
        • Baylor
        • Oregon
        • Virginia
      Round of 32 Streaks Snapped
      • Butler 4
      • Xavier 4
      • Cincinnati 2
      • Rhode Island 2
      • West Virginia 2

      Friday, March 22, 2019

      First Round Tournament Tidbits - Friday Evening

      Duke wins in the Round of 64 for the 5th consecutive year.  They are now 30-4 in the Round of 64. 

      Central Florida wins their 1st ever tournament game in their 5th tournament.

      Liberty wins their 1st ever tournament game in their 4th tournament.

      Virginia Tech wins their 1st tournament game since 2007.

      North Carolina wins their 17th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are now 31-1 in the Round of 64.

      Roy Williams is 29-0 in the Round of 64.

      Iona loses their 11th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are 1-12 in the Round of 64.

      Washington wins in the Round of 64 for the 6th consecutive time.  They are 8-4 in the Round of 64.

      With Utah State's loss, Mountain West automatic qualifiers are 4-15 in the Round of 64.  It is the 7th consecutive year that the Mountain West tournament champion has lost in the first round.

      The Big Ten ties the Big East from 2008 and 2011 for the most teams in the Round of 32 with 7.

      Houston wins tournament games in back-to-back years for the first time since 1984 when they went to three consecutive final fours.

      There were 12 upsets in the first round.  Only 2001 and 2016 had more upsets with 13.




      First Round Tournament Tidbits - Friday Afternoon

      Iowa's win over Cincinnati is the 4th consecutive for a Big Ten team vs. the American.  The Big Ten is now 4-2 vs. the American.

      Three #10 seeds won Round of 64 games vs. #7 seeds.  It is the first time since 2010 and the 5th time overall that at least 3 #10 seeds have won first round games.

      Oklahoma becomes the first Big Twelve school to win two tournament games over SEC opponents in tournament history.  They also defeated Texas A&M 77-63 in 2016 Sweet Sixteen.

      With Iowa's win, the Big Ten sends 6 teams to the Round of 32 for the third time in tournament history.  They have never had 7 teams in the Round of 32.

      UC-Irvine wins their first ever tournament game in the 2nd tournament.  They previously lost to Louisville 57-55 in the 2015 Round of 64.

      UC-Irvine's win is the first in the Round of 64 for the Big West since Hawaii defeated California 77-66 in 2016.

      The Big Twelve loses to a Big West team for the first time in tournament history.  It was the first time that a team other than Kansas faced a Big West opponent.

      With the win, Tennessee is now tied with Alabama and Arkansas for the 4th most tournament wins by an SEC team with 21.  Only Kentucky (129), Florida (47) and LSU (25) have won more.

      Buffalo wins a first round game for the second consecutive year.  Both wins are against Arizona schools from the Pacific Twelve.  They defeated Arizona 89-68 last year and Arizona State xx-xx this year.

      Buffalo is the only team without a #1 seed to win Round of 64 games each of the last two years by 15 or more points.

      Wisconsin snaps a 4-game winning streak in the Round of 64.  Their last loss in the first round was to Mississippi 57-46 in 2013.  They are now 16-6 in the Round of 64.

      Wisconsin is now 1-3 as a #5 seed in the Round of 64.

      Oregon has won 6 consecutive Round of 64 games.  They are 8-4 in the Round of 64.

      Oregon is now 2-0 as a #12 seed in the Round of 64.

      With #12 Oregon and #13 UC-Irvine both winning and playing each other in the Round of 32, we are guaranteed to have a double-digit seed in the Sweet Sixteen for the 12th consecutive year.


      First Round Tournament Tidbits - Thursday

      Wofford wins their first tournament game in 5 tries.  In the previous four tournaments they were a double-digit seed.  This was their first game as the higher seeded team.

      The Big Ten Conference won 5 games on Thursday.  It ties a record for the most wins by a conference on a single day.  The Big East Conference also had 5 wins on 3/17/2006.

      Syracuse's loss to Baylor snaps an 8-game winning streak in the Round of 64.  Their last loss in the First Round was 66-58 to Texas A&M in 2006.  They are now 24-5 in the Round of 64.

      Old Dominion loses their 6th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are now 3-9 in the Round of 64.

      Montana loses their 5th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are now 1-10 in the Round of 64.

      Gonzaga advances to the Second Round for the 11th consecutive year.  They are now 18-4 in the Round of 64.

      Kansas advances to the Second Round for the 13th consecutive year.  They are now 34-2 in the Round of 64.

      Kentucky wins their 9th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are now 28-3 in the Round of 64.

      Florida State wins their 5th consecutive Round of 64 game.  Their last loss in the First Round was 67-60 to Gonzaga in 2010.  They are now 10-4 in the Round of 64.

      Auburn wins their 9th consecutive Round of 64 game.  Their last loss in the First Round was 72-71 to Richmond in 1984.  They are now 9-1 in the Round of 64. 

      New Mexico State loses their 11th consecutive Round of 64 game.  Their last win in the First Round was 93-79 to Nebraska in 1993.  They are now 2-14 in the Round of 64.  Their 14 losses is the record for the most losses in the Round of 64.

      Belmont is now tied for a tournament-worst 0-8 in the Round of 64.  North Carolina A&T and Robert Morris are also 0-8 in the Round of 64.

      Florida wins their 7th consecutive Round of 64 game.  They are now 17-5 in the Round of 64.

      Villanova wins their 6th consecutive Round 64 game.  They are now 20-6 in the Round of 64.

      Louisville's loss snaps a 5-game winning streak in the first round.  They are now 21-6 in the Round of 64.