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Elite 8 Data for Completing March Madness Brackets

In the Elite 8 teams are one win away from advancing to the Final 4. At this point, every team alive can win a national title.

Cinderella stories can be cemented into March Madness history with a win in the Elite 8, reaching the Final 4. For example, the No. 11 seeds VCU and Loyola-Chicago did it within the last 12 years.

Elite 8 Data for Completing March Madness Brackets
Elite 8 Data for Completing March Madness Brackets

Powerhouse programs, like Duke or Kentucky, can finally meet their vast expectations by winning in the Elite 8. For most programs across college basketball, simply being in the Elite 8 is a win itself.

As the name of the round suggests, this is the round where the best of the best clash as national title hopes continue to look more and more attainable.

When completing March Madness brackets, how can we identify who is an elite team that will advance to the Elite 8?

Well, you’re in luck, BetUS’ March Madness data series is back. Just like any round, the Elite 8 has plenty of history and trends that can guide you along in selecting the correct teams.

Here is a notable collection of data for the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8.

Elite 8 Data

Elite 8 Data for Completing March Madness Brackets
Elite 8 Data for Completing March Madness Brackets

The continued data for the Elite 8:

  • Before the Elite 8, the team with a higher Kenpom defensive efficiency won their matchup about 75% of the time since 2016. This defensive stat finally loses its value in the Elite 8.
    • Since 2016, the team with the better defensive efficiency is exactly 10-10 in the Elite 8.
    • In 2021’s tournament, the worst defense won 3 of 4 games in the Elite 8.
  • Since 2010, an average of 2.5 No. 1 seeds make the Elite 8.
    • Only one No. 1 seed in the Elite 8 has only happened in 2 of the past 11 tournaments.
    • All four No. 1 seeds in the Elite 8 happened only once in the past 11 tournaments (2016).
  • Since 2010, an average of 1.7 No. 2 seeds make the Elite 8.
    • From 2009 to 2016, two No. 2 seeds played in the Elite 8 in every tournament.
    • Since 2017, an average of 1.3 No. 2 seeds have played in the Elite 8.
  • Since 2010, an average of 1.1 No. 3 seeds made the Elite 8.
    • At least one No. 3 seed has appeared in an Elite 8 in 4 straight tournaments.
  • Only one No. 4 seed has made the Elite 8 in the last 5 tournaments (Florida in 2017).
  • Since 2000, 12 double-digit seeds have made the Elite 8.
    • This is an average of 0.6 double-digit seeds making the Elite 8 since 2000.
  • Since 2000, every double-digit seed in the Elite 8 has been a 10,11, or 12 seed.
    • Of the 12 double-digit seeds in the Elite 8 since 2000: 3 were 10 seeds, 7 were 11 seeds, and 2 were 12 seeds.
  • Since 2010, a 6 seed or lower has been in every Elite 8 except in 2019.

Once we reach the later rounds in the tournament, the average for seeds appearing in each round becomes helpful. At times, the average for seeds in the Round of 32 or Sweet 16 is presented. However, are these that helpful when so many teams are alive?

If we know the data says to pick 2 No. 1 seeds, 1 or 2 No. 2 seeds, and 1 No. 3 seed, that takes care of potentially 4 or 5 of the Elite 8 teams. Plus, we know about 25% of Elite 8 games are usually No. 1 seeds vs. No. 2 seeds, so that is one matchup to shoot for.

Overall, the data for the later rounds is extremely helpful for giving an outline of what kind of seeds to have as the tournament progresses.

The last data article of the series will look at the Final 4 and provide data for picking your national champion. Pop back in for the finale of the March Madness data series!

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