First round upsets that I like at first glance:
- New Mexico over Clemson - I just think New Mexico is plain a better team right now, the seeds could be swapped.
- Oregon over South Carolina - South Carolina did nothing in non-conference, overachieved in the SEC, then got blown out in the SEC tournament once the other teams got serious. Oregon isn't the best 11 seed (put James Madison here and I like it even more), but the teams are close enough and going in opposite directions that this looks attractive.
- McNeese over Gonzaga - Gonzaga has played better of late, but a 5 seed is way too high for them. McNeese was going to be the toughest 12 anyway (well, now James Madison is the toughest 12 by virtue of being a 10 seeded too low), I like this matchup
- Grand Canyon over Saint Mary's - Another 5-12 matchup that should probably be a 6-11 matchup. GCU has been tough this season, and St. Mary's really only turned it on in conference play after a disappointing non-con slate.