It’s been 13 years since the First Four was first introduced.
Maybe in another 13 years, I’ll finally be making peace with the monsters who are trying to expand the NCAA Tournament again and make it more difficult for the mid-majors to have their most memorable March performances. You can do it. Having a pool in the kitchen is attractive.
South Region: No. 10 Colorado (-2.5) vs. No. 10 Boise State.
The Broncos have the most undefeated appearances in the NCAA Tournament in history (0-9).
They’ve lost in the First Four twice. They have lost in the first round in each of the past two years.
There is a deadline to claim it, but so does everyone who plays the lottery.
The Broncos’ usual dominance as the nation’s 17th-ranked rebounding team will be negated by the ninth-ranked Buffaloes.
Colorado has an advantage in backcourt and depth, as evidenced by its recent eight-game winning streak, and features three future NBA draft picks (including lottery pick Cody Williams) He deserves more than being in Dayton in the lineup. He was fifth in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (39.4 percent).
Midwest Region: No. 16 Grambling State (+3.5) ahead of No. 16 Montana State.
Analysts do not consider this a fair fight. Vision testing also leans in Montana’s direction.
The Bobcats have better talent, better shooting, and can play in a better conference.
But Grambling brings about something more important: winning.
Do you want to bet on March Madness 2024?
While Montana State entered the Big Sky Tournament three games under .500, the Tigers exploded in 2024, winning nine of their last 10 games (their only losses came in two overtimes), They have won 18 of their past 22 games.
Grambling has been better than its metrics suggest, with six lopsided losses coming against NCAA Tournament teams including Iowa State, Florida State, Dayton and Colorado State, and its strength at the line. A hit could lead to an upset (Montana State ranks 308th in fouls per possession) and on strength on the road, the Tigers have won 11 of their last 12 games.
This season: 10-16
Records from 2011-23: 349-308-12
