Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

What ESPN's March Madness experts got right and wrong in Final Four picks

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Tuesday, 30 March 2021 23:17

When March Madness comes around, millions of brackets are filled out every year and everyone probably thinks they are an NCAA tournament expert.

However, ESPN does have its very own experts. Does that mean they all picked a completely perfect Final Four?

Not exactly.

ESPN's group of college basketball writers, commentators and analysts made their predictions shortly after the NCAA tournament field was announced on Selection Sunday. Here's how the 38 respondents did -- what they got right and what they missed:

0-for-38 Part 1

None of our experts picked the UCLA Bruins to reach the Final Four. It's hard to blame them. The Bruins entered the tournament on a four-game losing streak. They are only the second team to play in the First Four and reach the Final Four. The last was VCU in 2011.

However, it's not outrageous to think a team with a double-digit seed could reach the Final Four.

It has happened recently too. Loyola Chicago's magical run to the Final Four in 2018 came with the Ramblers as a No. 11 seed. In 2016, Syracuse was a No. 10 seed and reached the Final Four.

0-for-38 Part 2

play
1:36

Houston holds off Oregon State's comeback to reach first Final Four since 1984

Houston sees its big lead evaporate, but Quentin Grimes hits a trey late as the Cougars beat Oregon State in the Elite Eight.

Where was the love for the Houston Cougars? Not here. The Cougars, with 20 points from Marcus Sasser, are back in the Final Four for the first time since 1984.

In the Midwest Region, it was the Illinois Fighting Illini who were picked by 34 of 38 people to win the region. But Houston had the better BPI chances (39.3% to 32.4%) compared to Illinois. So, good job computers!

Illinois was upset by Sister Jean's prayers and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in the Round of 32.

If you're an expert looking for solace, Houston, according to ESPN Stats & Information, is the first team to play four double-digit seeds en route to the Final Four. The 48 seed total (No. 15 Cleveland State, No. 10 Rutgers, No. 11 Syracuse and No. 12 Oregon State) is tied with 2001 Michigan State as the highest total.

Who was (mostly) right?

None of ESPN's experts got more than two Final Four picks correct -- 25 chose the Baylor Bears and Gonzaga.

Only one of our experts missed all four Final Four selections.

Will the Zags love pay off?

A whopping 94.7% of experts had Gonzaga in the Final Four. Of those, 27 have the Bulldogs winning the national title. Baylor and Illinois were the second-most popular choice with five selections each.

If you picked Baylor, you're still alive. The Bears are in their first Final Four since 1950 and will face Houston.

If you picked Illinois, so sorry to hear it.

Read 254 times

Soccer

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNoni Madueke believes Chelsea are starting to "take shape" under Ma...

Ange: City game my worst experience as manager

Ange: City game my worst experience as manager

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou said he suffered cold sw...

What the heck is going on with the Portland Thorns? Their wild season so far explained

What the heck is going on with the Portland Thorns? Their wild season so far explained

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Portland Thorns are two victories away from tying the NWSL reco...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- When the Indiana Pacers fell behind 2-0 in their se...

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain side...

Baseball

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Following a one-run loss, Minnesota manager Rocco Bald...

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsComparisons to Tony Gwynn began to follow Luis Arráez when he first...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated