Most years, a team that wins in the First Four also wins a first-round game. This isn't just an overreaction to UNC's dominant win over San Diego State; the Tar Heels match up pretty well with Ole Miss. UNC didn't deserve an at-large spot but that never meant it couldn't get hot and win multiple games.

Danny Wolf, Michigan: Wolf is the definition of a unicorn with impressive skill at 7-foot. He played some of his best basketball in Big Ten tournament wins over Maryland and Purdue. A storyline to know: Wolf, a Yale transfer, could play his old team in the second round.

Here’s how Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks can now turn March Madness success into payouts for the SEC and for USC.

What time does Lady Vols basketball play South Florida in March Madness? Here’s the game time for 2025 NCAA Tournament opener.