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In the last 12 tournaments, top-seeded teams have little trouble winning their first two games with 43 of 48 (87.5%) one-seeds reaching the Sweet Sixteen. But after that, things drop-off quickly as only 18 (37.5%) reached the Final Four.
You can also see below why it is better to be a 10-, 11-, or 12-seed than an 8-, or 9-seed. While 8- and 9-seeds have an easier first round matchup (each other), the winners must face the top-seeded teams in the second round.
If the lower seeds can pull off the first round upset, their second round match-ups are much easier, as 24 double-digit seeds have reached the Sweet Sixteen since 2001...
 Data via NCAA.org |