NCAA Tournament Predictions – What No. 1 Seed Will Lose First


With the NCAA Tournament heading into its second weekend, here’s a prediction of what No. 1 seed will lose first.


There were a bevy of upsets and thrillers in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. And yes, while excitement was at an historic high during the first weekend, one look at the Sweet 16 matchups illustrates that there’s a healthy amount of chalk remaining – namely with the No. 1 seeds. Outside some sluggish starts and a feisty St. Joe’s squad, none of this year’s No. 1 seeds have been challenged all that much.

When playing prognosticator and trying to figure out which No. 1 team will lose first, there are several factors to consider: playing styles, team matchups, potential Elite Eight draws and locations.

Virginia, for example, has a tough matchup in against Iowa State in the Sweet 16. Should they win that, however, you can pretty much pencil them in to the Final Four. A regional final would feature either the Gonzaga Bulldogs or Syracuse Orange – two flawed clubs, and one of whom the Cavaliers already own a win over.

Then there’s a club like North Carolina that, when motivated, is the best team in the country. However, they’re matched up against a bothersome Indiana club whose seed belies its talent. Or No. 1 Oregon who must square off against the defending champions, Duke.

Given all these variables, just how confident should you feel in your bracket and this crop of No. 1 seeds? Campus Insiders’ Jordan Cornette runs down the list.

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