There’s a more-than-viable argument that 11-seed New Mexico is outright a greater workforce than 6-seed Clemson.

The metrics paint a reasonably clear image: New Mexico is twenty first in KenPom’s adjusted effectivity margin, forward of Clemson at 35. With a borderline elite protection, New Mexico’s offensive deficiencies — they rank thirty eighth in adjusted offensive effectivity — won’t matter an entire lot in opposition to a Clemson workforce with the nation’s 66th most effective protection.

New Mexico’s protection ought to give Clemson suits on Friday. The Lobos enable the nation’s thirtieth lowest subject objective share (45 p.c) amongst 362 qualifying groups. Clemson hasn’t confronted a lot in the best way of defensive powerhouses: They’re exterior the highest 70 in opponents’ defensive effectivity ranking.

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Clemson not being geared up to beat New Mexico’s protection and the Lobos’ general workforce effectivity makes the upset greater than seemingly on this one.

Not typically does an 8-9 seed matchup seem so lopsided on the spreadsheet. But that’s what now we have with 8-seeded Florida Atlantic taking up 9-seed Northwestern.

There must be actual concern about Northwestern’s energy of schedule this season. Northwestern ranked 355th within the nation in non-conference energy of schedule ranking; amongst NCAA Tournament groups, solely TCU had a neater out-of-conference schedule in 2023-24.

Florida Atlantic can have a definite benefit on the boards. They ranked forty second within the nation in rebounding charge throughout the common season, significantly larger than their first-round opponent.

Offensive effectivity ranking issues (so much) this time of yr, and FAU enters the event seventeenth in that class, forward of two 1 seeds and three 2 seeds. Their rebounding prowess and offensive firepower must be greater than sufficient to place away Northwestern on Friday.

Enjoy Day 2 of the Madness and let’s money a pair tickets.