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.

Elsewhere in the South Region, a First Four meeting between No. 11 seeds North Carolina and San Diego State will create a difficult first-round matchup for No. 6 seed Ole Miss, which is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 under second-year coach Chris Beard.

No. 13 Yale over No. 4 Texas A&M: Yale was in this exact spot last year, and stunned Auburn. They can do it again to another SEC power. Forward Nick Townsend and guards John Poulakidas and Bez Mbeng are back from that group, and each took significant steps forward this season.