Every March, we all look at our brackets with the hope that maybe we will make the first ever perfect bracket (I will make a perfect bracket this year). On average, about five upsets happen in the first round every year. While I can’t give away all my secrets, I can give you the three upsets I feel are most likely to happen.
- Kansas (4) vs. Samford (13)
Without their two most vital pieces, Kansas has shown that they are unable to compete against high level opponents. In their last two games, they have lost by a deficit of 15 or more to Houston and Cincinnati. Kansas is also matched up against a red-hot Samford team who averages 86 points per game, ranking eighth highest in the country.
- South Carolina (6) vs. Oregon (11)
Many wrote the Oregon Ducks off early in the year, but with their whole roster finally healthy, an extremely experienced coach in Dana Altman (15 NCAA tournament appearances), and coming off four straight wins to take home the Pac-12 Championship, the Ducks find themselves in a fantastic position to make a run in the tournament. South Carolina, on the other hand, finds themselves coming off of an embarrassing 30-point loss to Auburn and entering the tournament with little to no experience.
- Clemson (6) vs. New Mexico (11)
Clemson has been nothing short of dysfunctional their last two games, including a loss to Boston College in the final game of the year. New Mexico is coming off a Mountain West Championship with a win over San Diego State. Clemson has struggled all season against teams (some who lack defense) who are able to score quickly, like Miami, Pittsburgh, and Alabama.
