10 vs. 7 Upset Rankings: Saint Mary's Least Likely NCAA Tournament No. 7 Seed to Lose A No. 10 seed has defeated a No. 7 seed in every NCAA Tournament since 2005, but only two teams have advanced past the first round in the past eight years. This year’s No. 10 seeds—Missouri, Santa Clara, Texas A&M, and UCF—face the challenge of overcoming the odds to beat their higher-seeded opponents. The matchups between these teams and the No. 7 seeds will determine which upsets are most likely to occur. The rankings of potential upsets are based on statistical analysis and team performance. Saint Mary’s, the No. 7 seed, is considered the least likely to lose to a No. 10 seed, according to the rankings. The Gaels, ranked fourth in rebounding margin and 12th in height, have a strong defensive presence. Their slower tempo and efficient offense, which averages 120.4 points per 100 possessions, could neutralize the faster-paced attacks of teams like Texas A&M. Saint Mary’s also benefits from a favorable matchup against the Aggies, who rank 325th in fouls per game and struggle to contain opponents with strong free-throw shooting. Texas A&M, the No. 10 seed, faces a tough test against Saint Mary’s. The Aggies, despite a strong start to the season, have struggled in recent games, losing seven of their last 11. Their high-tempo style, which averages 87.7 points per game, may not be enough to overcome Saint Mary’s rebounding dominance and defensive efficiency. However, the Aggies’ depth and experience could provide a challenge, especially if they can force turnovers and capitalize on Saint Mary’s slower pace. Santa Clara, another No. 10 seed, is ranked second in the upset likelihood rankings against Kentucky. The Broncos, led by Christian Hammond, have a strong ability to force turnovers, which could disrupt Kentucky’s offensive rhythm.#kentucky #missouri #texas_am #saint_marys #santa_clara
Red-hot Sooners face huge opportunity against Arkansas The Oklahoma Sooners are on a roll, securing their first multi-game conference tournament victory since 2003 by defeating 6-seed Texas A&M 83-63 in Nashville. This win extends Oklahoma’s winning streak to six games and marks their eighth victory in the last 10 contests. Nijel Pack led the charge with 20 points on 4-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, building an early 20-point lead in the first half. Xzayvier Brown added 16 points, while Derrion Reid and Tae Davis contributed 15 and 14 points respectively. Oklahoma’s defensive performance against Texas A&M was their best of the season, with an adjusted defensive efficiency rating of 86.0. This marks the first time all year the Sooners have posted a rating in the 80s. The team now sits on the edge of the NCAA Tournament bubble, with recent wins and losses from other teams shaping their fate. While Auburn’s loss boosted Oklahoma’s chances, Miami (OH)’s loss could threaten their bid. Despite a nine-game losing streak to start conference play, the Sooners have gone 8-2 since February 7, positioning them for a potential NCAA Tournament berth. Coach Porter Moser and his staff have kept the team focused, turning around a struggling squad into a contender. Since February 24, Oklahoma is undefeated at 6-0 and ranks No. 7 in the country per Torvik. Their offense ranks No. 10 nationally, while their defense has improved significantly, ranking No. 35 in that span. The Sooners are now a team to watch in March, facing 3-seed Arkansas in the SEC Tournament. A win against Arkansas would increase their NCAA Tournament chances from 55.9% to 81.0%, effectively securing a bid. The matchup is significant, as the two teams last met on January 27, when Oklahoma led by 13 points before losing 83-79.#arkansas_razorbacks #darius_acuff #ncaa_tournament #oklahoma_sooners #texas_am
