TDG presents the (TDG) NCAA Sweet 16 Open Thread

The results are in. The (fake) tears have been shed. Minnesota is moving on to the Sweet 16 and Wisconsin has lost so all is right in the imaginary world of the TDG NCAA Tournament simulation. The results are below.

A few interesting upsets in the Round of 32 to note as two 7 seeds knocked off two 2 seeds. Houston defeated Villanova and Texas Tech knocked off Creighton. The TDG simulation is basing much of its starting parameters on KenPom rankings, and KenPom LOVED Houston and Texas Tech this year. As a result, while Bracket Matrix put both of those teams on the 7 line, they were hot upset picks, and came through. Florida State just barely knocked off Arizona for similar reasons in a pick em game.

Second, the Big Ten remains strong heading into the Sweet 16 with five teams represented (Minnesota, Michigan State, Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan). Michigan upset Maryland, which is probably the most accurate part of this simulation because it involves Maryland fans howling about firing Turgeon. In the clash of societal views on alcohol, BYU defeated Wisconsin, preventing that horror from occurring and making six teams in the Sweet 16.

Third, Kansas is absolutely throttling its competition after two rounds. Based on the results so far, they are by far and away the favorite to win the tournament.

This thread also serves as Monday’s open thread to discuss whatever is on your mind.