The March Madness Maths

The 2025 college basketball tournament is now in full swing, with only 32 teams left standing after the first round. The top seeds in each region managed to avoid major upsets, setting the stage for an exciting second round. Teams like Colorado State, Drake, and McNeese are hoping to pull off surprises and advance to the Sweet 16. But how do these teams really measure up? To understand this, it's helpful to look at the KenPom ratings. These ratings are a bit different from the usual stats you might see. They focus on how well teams score and defend on a per-possession basis. This gives a clearer picture of a team's true strength. Ken Pomeroy created these metrics to provide a deeper analysis of college basketball teams. They help predict game outcomes and assess overall team performance. So, where do the remaining 32 teams stand according to KenPom? It's important to note that these ratings can change quickly in March Madness, as teams face off against new opponents and adapt to different playing conditions. But as of March 21, these ratings give a good snapshot of where each team stands. The tournament is all about upsets and surprises. Teams that might not have been expected to go far can suddenly find themselves in the Sweet 16. This is what makes March Madness so exciting. It's not just about the top seeds; it's about the underdogs and the Cinderella stories. As the second round kicks off, fans will be watching closely to see which teams can pull off upsets and advance to the next round. The KenPom ratings can provide some insight into which teams might have an edge, but ultimately, anything can happen on the court. That's the beauty of March Madness.