When it comes to wild and unpredictable NCAA Tournaments, the 2023 edition might take the cake.
On Sunday, No. 5 Miami upset No. 2 Texas in the Elite Eight to secure the first Final Four in NCAA Tournament history not to feature a top-three seed.
Seven of the 12 top-three seeds advanced to the Sweet 16. However, only Texas and three seeds, Kansas State and Gonzaga made it to the Elite Eight, marking the first time in history the Regional Finals lacked a No. 1 seed.
A Final Four without a top-three seed isn’t the only headline heading into Houston.
Three of this year’s semifinalists, No. 5 San Diego State, No. 9 Florida Atlantic and Miami, are making their first trip to the Final Four. When they take the court for the Final Four, they’ll be the first trio to debut since St. Bonaventure, Jacksonville and New Mexico in 1970.
Meanwhile, Miami and Florida Atlantic will become the first pair of schools from the same state to debut at the Final Four since La Salle and Penn State in 1954, per ESPN Stats and Info.
This year’s Final Four will look vastly different than last year’s. In 2022, notorious heavy-hitters Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova fought for the right to play for the National Title. This time, at least one team will play for college basketball’s grand prize for the first time.
The 2023 tournament has busted a lot of brackets, but it’s also provided a number of thrilling and unforgettable moments. With so many potential first-time scenarios left to play out, the madness of March is far from over.
