Home advantage smaller than ever before, but still a factor
Italian women playing a huge role in host’s success
Familiarity with facilities the main reason for Italy’s strong display
History shows negative spillover possible
From Francesca Lollobrigida setting an Olympic record in the women’s 3,000-meter speed skating for Italy’s first gold to alpine skier Federica Brignone winning her second gold medal in three days, this has been Italy’s Winter Olympics in more ways than one. Their haul of 24 medals* is their best ever at the Winter Olympics, with their previous best of 20 coming in Lillehammer over 30 years ago.
But how much of Italy’s success is because they are at home?
Both the US and Canada enjoyed very successful Games when they hosted in 2002 and 2010 respectively. South Korea and China won more medals as hosts than ever before, but historically speaking the concept of home advantage is more complicated.
Carl Singleton is a senior lecturer in economics at the University of Stirling, Scotland, and has written multiple papers analyzing the idea of home advantage at the Olympics. In 2021, he co-authored one looking at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1896 and 2021 and his findings revealed that over the span of the Olympics, home advantage has gradually reduced.
This is logical given the diversity of sports and events has increased, as has competition and participation. There are over 90 countries competing in Italy this month, whereas there were just 16 at the first Winter Olympics back in 1924.
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“If you just look at that long history of the Olympic Games, home advantage now is possibly as small as it’s ever been, even though it’s still obviously quite there and substantial,” Singleton told DW.
Women playing a major role
Italy collected 17 medals in total in Beijing, with two of those being gold. In 2026, on home snow and ice, the Games are not even finished and they have already won 24, including eight golds. The most striking part of their success is the major role played by women.
Singleton’s data shows that in the Winter Olympics, the home advantage between 1988 and 2016 was “around 50% larger in men’s events but non-existent in women’s events.”
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Italy’s women have changed all that, both this year and last. They have already medaled, either as a single athlete or as part of a team, in 16 events this year (four more than at the last Games).
Federica Brignone is one of the faces and names of the Games after winning two gold medalsImage: Spada/LaPresse/IMAGO
“Women’s sports have become much more competitive, more funding, more access,” Singleton said.
“So now you’re maybe seeing the home advantage amplified through the women’s sports matching the home advantage that you might have always or more commonly seen in men’s sports.”
Facility familiarity the major factor
Singleton’s research points to four major factors that influence home advantage – a supportive home crowd, no travel, familiarity with conditions/tracks and favorable refereeing/umpiring bias. And, in 2026, Italy’s marginal gains have most likely been found in their familiarity with the facilities.
Italy have added just two new venues for these Games, the sliding center and the much discussed Santagiulia ice arena.
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“So they’ve got familiarity with everything else, which is great,” said Singleton, highlighting that Italians likely had a chance to practice at the other facilities before any other athletes.
Growing up on this snow combined with being some of the top athletes in the world has been the perfect nudge for these athletes to get onto the podium.
“They’ve maximized the familiarity factor at these Games,” Singleton said.
Support from the home crowd has been a major factor at these Games, helping Italy over the line in some sportsImage: Eric Bolte/Imagn Images/IMAGO
How long-lasting is this success?
While some things are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, there will always be questions asked about the longevity and legacy of such events, especially when such a large amount has been invested. In other words, will there be a spillover performance at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France?
Singleton’s data reveals significant evidence that in the Summer Games, spillovers are real but on average there wasn’t a spillover for the Winter Games.
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In fact, looking at recent hosts more than anything, there appears to be a tendency towards a sharp decline. After China won 15 medals at home in 2022, they have won just five in Milan and Cortina. South Korea went from 17 at home in 2018 to nine in 2022, and have just six this time around. While medals are not necessarily a barometer of whether a country’s sporting development pathways are healthy, they clearly matter to hosts.
The hope is, as always with major sporting events, that both the act of hosting and the success of home athletes will inspire the next generation. However, Singleton believes there isn’t a lot of strong evidence that the Olympics lead to long-lasting participation changes. Indeed, the cost is a big problem for many. It can though, make a difference beyond the numbers.
“I’m a macro economist by trade, and I tell my students all the time, there are many things that we can’t quantify in GDP, that don’t show up in national accounts, and I think these things are valuable,” Singleton said.
“Maybe, you can’t say that it was worth the initial money because it’s hard to make that comparison, but the memories, the experiences and the sense of national pride are important things which don’t show up in a country’s balance sheet. And that’s, to some extent, a big factor as to why certain nations bid for these things as well, because there are intangible benefits of hosting these events,” Singleton said.
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“I think if every country can lose itself for three weeks and sport can develop a shared memory, then that is what is important.”
Italy’s athletes at these Winter Olympics have shown that even if home advantage is smaller than ever, it can be turned into special and memorable performances.
* As of 16:45 CET on February 17, 2026 Edited by: Chuck Penfold
NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised Pakistan’s cricket selectors after the national team lost the ODI series 2–1 to Bangladesh national cricket team. The defeat came shortly after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, increasing pressure on the team’s management and decision-makers.Bangladesh sealed the series with an 11-run win in the deciding match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Following the defeat, Afridi publicly blamed the selection committee for the team’s struggles. Speaking in a video shared on social media, he questioned their decisions and leadership. “You saw the performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup, and after that we also lost the Bangladesh series 2–1. In my opinion, the selection committee deserves criticism. All of you in the committee have played so much cricket, yet you still don’t seem to have the idea of who should be the captain for which format,” Afridi said.He also criticised what he called excessive experimentation with young players. “You keep making too many decisions in the name of ‘surgery’. What you are doing is picking youngsters and players who have barely played a few first class matches. Your domestic cricket is not even of that standard that it can consistently produce players ready to secure a place in the Pakistan team,” he added.Afridi further claimed that experienced players with good ODI records had been unfairly pushed aside. While he has not mentioned any names, it is somewhat clear that he was hinting at players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, who were dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the Bangladesh series. “The senior players who actually deserved their place even if they didn’t have strong T20 performances had very good records in ODIs. But in the name of ‘surgery’, you sidelined those experienced players despite their solid ODI performances,” he stated.He concluded by arguing that the selectors’ strategy lacks direction and could destabilise the team. “Instead, you brought in youngsters who have only played a few domestic and first-class matches. The standard of domestic cricket is not high enough, and those players are not ready to come straight into the Pakistan team and cement their place. You keep handing out Pakistan caps again and again, this is not surgery. If anything, the real surgery should be done on the selection committee,” he said.
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Bangladesh beat Pakistan to win three-match series 2-1
Batting first, Bangladesh put up a solid total of 290 for 5 in 50 overs. The innings began strongly with an opening stand between Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan. While Saif scored 36 runs, Tanzid delivered a standout performance with his maiden ODI century, scoring 107 runs with six fours and seven sixes. Later contributions from Litton Das (41) and an unbeaten 48 from Towhid Hridoy helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total.Pakistan’s chase began poorly as both openers were dismissed within the first two overs, leaving the team at 2 for 2. Despite the early setback, Salman Ali Agha fought back with an impressive century, scoring 106 from 98 balls to keep Pakistan in the contest. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added 37 runs, while debutants Saad Masood (38) and Ghazi Ghori (29) showed some promise. Abdul Samad also chipped in with 34, but Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 279, falling short of the target.Bangladesh’s bowling played a key role in sealing the victory. Taskin Ahmed led the attack with four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman took three. Earlier in the match, Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf had been the most successful for his side, claiming three wickets.
Mumbai City FC held off a spirited Inter Kashi fightback to register a 2-1 victory in their Indian Super League match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday.
The Islanders recorded their third win of the campaign to move up to third in the standings with 11 points, while Inter Kashi remained eighth with five points. Islanders’ captain Lallianzuala Chhangte was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Mumbai City FC scored through Noufal PN (45th+6) and Lallianzuala Chhangte (52nd), while Rohit Danu (51st) struck the lone goal for Inter Kashi FC.
Mumbai dominated possession in the opening exchanges, putting the hosts under sustained pressure.
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Left winger Ayush Chhikara produced the first effort in the fourth minute, but his close-range attempt was comfortably saved by Inter Kashi keeper Lluis Tarres. Chhikara came close again in the 18th minute when he dragged a right-footed effort narrowly wide after being set up by Chhangte.
Ortiz also tried his luck from distance in the 20th minute but fired over the bar.
Inter Kashi struggled to create clear opportunities early on, though Sumeet Passi attempted a shot from outside the box in the 22nd minute that was blocked by Mumbai’s defence.
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Despite the Islanders’ dominance in possession, Inter Kashi remained organised in defense and looked to threaten on the counter. Llamas forced a save from Lachenpa in the 42nd minute with a strike from the right.
The breakthrough arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. From a corner delivered by Chhangte, midfielder Noufal PN slotted the ball into the net to give Mumbai City FC a lead at the interval.
Inter Kashi began the second half with renewed intent and found the equaliser soon. In the 51st minute, Sandip Mandi delivered a peach of a cross from the left flank which Rohit Danu met with a close-range header to level the scores at 1-1.
However, just a minute later, Ortiz threaded a through ball from the left flank into the penalty area, which found Chhangte, who finished calmly with his left foot to restore Mumbai’s lead in the 52nd minute.
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The match opened up thereafter as both sides pushed forward in search of further goals. Petkevicius tested Lachenpa with a close-range effort before Danu attempted a long-range strike that forced another save from the Mumbai goalkeeper. Noufal also threatened at the other end but saw his shot denied by Tarres.
Suryakumar Yadav, who recently led the India national cricket team to a historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has admitted that while he dreams of playing Test cricket, the shortest format remains where he feels most comfortable.Speaking in an interview with PTI, the Indian captain reflected on his journey across formats, his love for red-ball cricket, and why T20 cricket has ultimately become his natural space.
Still dreams of playing Test cricket
“…what is written in your life, you get that only. I started with red-ball cricket itself, played Ranji Trophy for 10-12 years. I played a lot of red-ball cricket in Bombay because if you grow up in Bombay, you start with red ball itself, so everything is around red ball,” he said.
Sanju Samson opens up on T20 World Cup journey, and title win
“But gradually, when we started playing white ball cricket, the inclination shifted a bit towards that. And after that, I came to this format (T20). I also tried a lot in One-Day cricket to play well in it, but nothing happened there,” he said.“T20 mein jaisa chal raha tha, usme apna haath set ho gaya hai, aisa bol sakte hain” (The way T20 was working out for me, I had become good at it; you can say that),” he said.
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ODI cricket never worked for him
While Suryakumar has thrived in T20 cricket, he admitted that the 50-over format never quite suited his game.“I feel that as much as I have experienced ODI cricket closely and I have seen it, it is a format where you have to bat in three different ways. Sometimes if you go in early, if wickets fall quickly, then you have to bat like Test cricket.“Then you have to bat with a good strike rate like a One Day and then later at the end of the innings, you have to bat like (you do in) T20 format. So, that is one format that I never understood. I tried my best to play it. But then it’s a challenging format,” he said.Suryakumar last featured in an ODI during the 2023 Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he scored 18 runs off 28 balls. India lost the final, and he has not played an ODI since then.
ODI cricket still has its charm
The Indian captain recalled the incredible atmosphere during the 2023 ODI World Cup, saying the tournament showed that the format still holds a unique appeal.Suryakumar also recalled the emotion that the format managed to stir during the 2023 World Cup.“…when I was with the team for the 2023 ODI World Cup and I played, then that vibe, the whole atmosphere of that format, the build-up going into the final. That was completely different than what we played in 2026 and 2024 T20 World Cup.“So, it’s charm is different, ODI cricket also has a different charm, T20 has a different one,” he explained.
Regis Prograis looks to hand Conor Benn his second defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.
Benn fights at the 63,000 capacity venue for the third time in a row next month, having first suffered a close defeat to Chris Eubank Jr there in April 2024 but returning to beat his rival convincingly in their rematch seven months later.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Prograis said he took the fight, even at a disadvantage with the weight, because he simply ‘knows’ he is better than the Brit.
“I just feel like I’m better. That’s it. I know I’m better than Conor Benn. Listen, if he didn’t have the last name from his dad, who is a legend, he wouldn’t be where he is right now. I didn’t have no daddy that boxed. I’ve been a world champion, at the top twice already, doing out the mud. He had a big old push. I know I’m better skill-wise, and don’t be surprised if I’m stronger than him.”
Asked specifically about the fact that Benn – who is reportedly being paid close to $15 million for the bout – is dropping down and he is moving up, Prograis believes he can match, and even surpass, the bigger man when it comes down to raw power.
“Let him come with that charging s**t. I got power, and, like I said, don’t be surprised if I’m stronger. Conor Benn fought on my undercard in 2019 when I fought Josh Taylor. I watch his videos. I know he likes to be on the weights and that type of s**t. They think that weight transfers to the ring, and maybe it does, but I know I’ve got power. We’re gonna see if he can take those same shots with me … My coaches got the confidence, I got the confidence, I know it’s gonna be a real good night.
“If he want to come and slug it out, we can do it. I’m with it that too. Then we’re gonna have to see who’s more of a dog. And I don’t back down.”
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes recorded two assists in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes wants to contribute more at Manchester United after breaking David Beckham’s 26-year assist record. Fernandes recorded two assists against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, meaning he moved past Beckham’s previous club record of 15 in a season.
The midfielder delivered a cross into the box from a corner for Casemiro’s headed goal, and played a superb pass to set up Matheus Cunha to restore the advantage in the 71st minute.
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Fernandes has 16 assists in the Premier League this term. He is now four shy of equalling the top-flight assist record, which is shared between Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.
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Speaking to MUTV, Fernandes said of beating Beckham’s assist tally in 1999/2000. “Obviously, it’s very nice. It’s a very good achievement. We’re talking about one of the best players, certainly [the best] strikers of anyone in the box. So I’m very pleased to do that.
“It’s not going to change anything for what I want, but being there with a name who, obviously, was one of the players everyone looks up to, in the way of crossing and the way of passing.
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“Like everyone in their own garden tried to do it like Beckham and was doing it, even if you’re just swinging your arm, like he used to do it, not as much the ball! I’m very happy to do that.”
Fernandes has now recorded 100 assists for United and added: “Obviously, it’s not something I dream about or thought about but I always want to help the team to get [what we want] in most of the games.
“Scoring goals and assisting is a big part of my game. I’m very pleased today worked out and made us win the game. Until the end of the season, I want to try to keep helping the team and improving on that, results-wise.”
Michael Carrick was asked about Fernandes’ future during his post-match press conference. “Bruno’s definitely not someone we’d want to lose, I can say that. He’s important for us and he’s definitely one we wouldn’t want to lose,” he said.
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“Bruno has done it for a long period of time now, in the big moments and making the difference, whether scoring or creating he’s normally around it. Two very different [assists] today.
“He has a really good understanding with Case and working with Jonny [Evans] on the set plays. There’s also the bit you can coach and then there’s a little bit of the players and the understanding. They’ve got a great connection there with that and have done it a few times before, so that was good.
“Then the passing around it, getting in positions where you can play that final pass, and it was one we’ve seen before and then he plays Ben in as well I think after that, so there’s not a lot else to say that I’ve not sat here and said before about Bruno.”
Fernandes is contracted until the summer of 2027, with the option of another year.
Bruno Fernandes is well on track to break the all-time record for most assists in a single PL season
1 min read Last Updated : Mar 16 2026 | 12:50 PM IST
Bruno Fernandes moved closer to breaking the Premier League ‘s assists record as Manchester United tightened its grip on Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Fernandes provided assists for two of United’s goals to take his tally for the season to 16. The record for a single Premier League campaign is 20, with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne both reaching that mark.
Fernandes has up to eight more games to set a new record in English soccer’s top division.
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Of more importance to United was a seventh win in nine games under head coach Michael Carrick. United is third – three points clear of Villa in fourth.
At the other end of the standings Nottingham Forest climbed out of the relegation zone with a 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Crystal Palace and Leeds also drew 0-0.
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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As they walked toward the 17th green, you could hear it. U-S-A. U-S-A. U-S-A. “It does have a little feeling of a Ryder Cup,” announcer Dan Hicks said on NBC’s broadcast. On the 18th tee, you heard things again, though this time it was a few boos in the direction of Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who was all squared with American Cameron Young on the 72nd hole of the Players Championship played at TPC Sawgrass in, yes, U-S-A.
But there, Fitzpatrick laughed.
After all, he said afterward, all of it was just noise. He said he’s used to it — though he did say that you probably wouldn’t hear it back in his home.
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But did it influence play?
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Notably, on 17, Fitzpatrick had led by a stroke over Young, then Young made a birdie to Fitzpatrick’s par on the famed island-green par-3. Then, following the boos on 18, Fitzpatrick pushed his tee shot to the right and into pinestraw, and he bogeyed the hole while Young parred, giving the Players crown to Young.
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But when asked for his thoughts on the crowd and whether it affected him at the end, Fitzpatrick said he has heard things before — and heard worse things. He named the unruly crowds at last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, along with what sounded like his 2023 RBC Heritage victory, which was won in a playoff over American Jordan Spieth.
Below is Fitzpatrick’s complete answer:
“Listen, the crowd, that was literally child’s play compared to Bethpage. If they think that was anything, then they need to reassess. Get yourself up to New York.
“Listen, that’s how it is. That’s how it is. I would hope it’s the exact same if — well, it probably wouldn’t be because we’re a little bit more polite in Europe, I would say, but I would hope it would be of similar intensity in Europe.
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“I knew it was coming. I had it with Jordan Spieth in 2023. Yeah, it’s funny to me. I find it hilarious.”
As for the tee shot on 18, Fitzpatrick said he believed he pushed it slightly, but thought it would be good. He’d seen Young just hit a draw with some wind coming from the right and thought his ball would do the same — but “just gone dead straight” and into the rough.
“Once you’re out of position,” Fitzpatrick said, “it’s difficult to make your par.”
Still, the bogey was one of two he made on the day, against six birdies. His circle on 13 gave him the lead, then another one on 15 helped him recover from a bogey on 14. Added all together, Fitzpatrick said he’s encouraged. There has been progress with coach Mark Blackburn.
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Soon, he said, he thinks he’ll make his own noise.
“I was saying last night to my psychologist,” Fitzpatrick said, “I feel like I’m very good at getting myself into position between 15 and five. I don’t feel like — I don’t feel like I get in enough positions between five and first. I feel like if I can do that, obviously it’s easier said than done, then I believe I will win more.
Bjorn Baker has his Golden Slipper duo on distinct trajectories toward the $5 million prize, with Paradoxium facing a demanding session Tuesday and Warwoven opting for a relaxed schedule.
The colt Warwoven punched his ticket to the two-year-old crown via a powerful triumph in Saturday’s Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), entering the March 21 contest after a mere seven days’ rest.
This backup scenario deviated from Baker’s preferred plan, though the colt needed the extra stakes to secure entry, leaving the trainer no alternative.
“You never quite know on the back up. It’s always a tricky business,” Baker said.
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“But he couldn’t have done much more (on Saturday).
“It’s good to see him back and win that way. He had to do a fair bit early. Obviously, we will be very interested to see how he recovers and comes through and hopefully he can be there with Paradoxium, in the same (Cunningham family) colours, next week.”
Warwoven prioritizes rest, but Paradoxium wraps his prep with a firm hit-out Tuesday, as per Baker.
“Paradoxium will have a good gallop on Tuesday. He galloped on Thursday, and I was thrilled with him. He has definitely improved,” Baker said.
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“(Warwoven) will be able to have a very easy week and relax, unlike his trainer and connections.”
Late entry deadline hits Monday, paving the way for the official Golden Slipper (1200m) field and draws on Tuesday.
No juvenile has asserted dominance beforehand, rendering this year’s event unpredictable and the gates pivotal, Baker noted.
“So important. You can’t worry about it, but it definitely has a big impact,” he said.
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The rides stay consistent: Rachel King on Warwoven, Jason Collett with Paradoxium.
“And I’d say there’s probably not too much between them on what we’re seeing at the moment,” Baker said.
Head to the racing odds at top sports betting platforms for Golden Slipper action.
MIAMI — Ten days later, the United States and the Dominican Republic would have kept on playing.
Geraldo Perdomo watched Mason Miller’s full-count slider appear to drop just under the strike zone and took a step toward his team’s dugout on the third-base side, thinking he walked to put runners at the corners.
Then plate umpire Cory Blaser emphatically signalled strike three, stranding the potential tying run at third base and giving the United States a 2-1 win Sunday night that advanced the Americans to the World Baseball Classic championship game against Venezuela or Italy.
“He knew he was wrong,” Perdomo said. “I knew it was 100 per cent wrong.”
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Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System will launch when the season starts March 25, and it likely will be adopted for future editions of the WBC. The Dominicans would have been able to appeal to the so-called robot umpire if they had a challenge remaining.
“It looked a little down. Yes, I’m glad we had no ABS,” U.S. outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said. “I’m happy that the human element was in full effect.”
Perdomo heard the call, found it hard to believe and while still holding his bat, lurched it overhead in an arc, nearly tapping the wood against his butt.
“We didn’t lose the game there,” the Arizona star said.
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MLB announced in September that ABS will be used during the regular season and post-season in 2026, following testing that started in the minor leagues in 2019.
“I don’t want to focus on the last pitch,” Dominican manager Albert Pujols said. “I’m disappointed about the way that the game ends, but I don’t want to criticize any of that. It just wasn’t meant to be for us.”
Miller threw 13 of 22 pitches at 100 m.p.h. or higher. He gave up a one-out walk to Julio Rodríguez, who advanced to third on a wild pitch and Oneil Cruz’s groundout.
Perdomo fell behind 1-2, worked the count full, then fouled out a pair of triple-digit heaters. Miller followed with his second slider of the at-bat.
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“He called strike three. That’s all I care,” American first baseman Bryce Harper said.
With 11 teams from the West or aligned with conferences in the region making the Big Dance, there’s plenty to discuss.
The issues include controversy surrounding seeding, brackets, and placement within the four regions.
I break down each team’s position below and give a short preview of each program’s outlook.
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Arizona 1 seed — West Region
The Wildcats face a challenging path to the Final Four. Receiving the No. 1 seed in the West was expected, but the top half of the bracket is tough.
A Second-Round matchup against either Villanova or Utah State won’t be easy. The Aggies are better than a 9-seed and would have a decent fan presence in San Diego.
After that, the most likely matchup is Wisconsin or Arkansas in the Sweet 16. There’s history with the Badgers and the Razorbacks, who just won the SEC Tournament.
If Tommy Lloyd gets his team all the way to the Elite 8, the potential matchups are Purdue, Gonzaga, or BYU.
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Tommy Lloyd | Ed Zurga/Getty Images
That’s a moderately tough draw for the No. 2 overall seed. But in some ways, it doesn’t matter who Arizona plays.
In 1997, the Wildcats beat three 1-seeds and won the National Championship. And in 2001, the Cats beat two 1-seeds before losing to 1-seed Duke in the finals.
If this team is going to do something special, they must beat all the lower seeds they play, regardless of how good those teams actually are.
The perception around Arizona is that it always underperforms in March. It’s up to Lloyd and this year’s team to prove that reputation wrong.
Gonzaga 3 Seed – West Region
Gonzaga is the 3-seed in the West and has a somewhat favorable path to the Sweet 16. Landing in the West region was key because it put the Zags in Portland for the first two rounds.
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The Bulldogs should take care of Kennesaw State and will probably face BYU in the Round of 32. The Cougar fans travel well, though, and will likely show out for the game.
Michigan State and Illinois are the other 3-seeds that might have easier paths. But Virginia arguably has a tougher draw than Gonzaga.
At the end of the day, the placement is roughly in line with expectations and might even be a seed higher than some were predicting.
Staying out West could turn out to be a deciding factor. Purdue seems like a vulnerable 2-seed, and there’s potential for an Elite 8 matchup with Arizona.
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The knock on Gonzaga, however, is that they haven’t beaten any great teams this year.
Many might pick them to be upset in the Second Round, and a run deeper than the Sweet 16 would be unexpected.
BYU 6 Seed – West Region
Staying out West might be the reason BYU ends up in the Sweet 16.
The only other option was the South Region, where the winner of the 6-seed vs. 11-seed game is likely to get a matchup with Illinois.
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Instead, the Cougars get a potential showdown with Gonzaga. From an objective standpoint, Gonzaga is an easier opponent than Illinois this year.
Avoiding the South Region also prevented a potential matchup with Houston in the Sweet 16. But that’s where the good news ends.
The 6-seeds have not performed well against 11-seeds. It’s one of the most common upsets in the entire tournament.
And to make matters worse, the Cougars have to face one of the teams from the First Four, a group that’s known to make runs.
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All that without even mentioning the potential opponents: NC State or Texas. Most are surprised that the Wolfpack were forced into the First Four, and the Longhorns are capable.
It might be a trendy upset pick to have BYU losing in the First Round. But if the Cougars can avoid the stumble, they are good enough to beat Gonzaga and reach the Sweet 16.
Then, who knows?
Purdue is a tough second-weekend opponent, and BYU was swept by Arizona during the regular season.
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UCLA 7 Seed – East Region
The seeding is not as much of an issue for UCLA. It’s the region. Getting shipped off to the East was the worst-case scenario.
The Bruins have struggled outside the Pacific Time Zone and would have much preferred to be out West.
The matchup with UCF is one of the more difficult 10-seeds, too. Santa Clara would certainly have been an easier draw, and even Missouri or Texas A&M might have been preferable.
The Second-Round matchup would be even worse. Playing UConn in Philadelphia is a nightmare. If the matchup were to be played in San Diego or Portland, the Bruins would have a stronger chance.
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Donovan Dent in Big Ten Tournament | Michael Reeves/Getty Images
But facing Dan Hurley in the Eastern Time Zone is a problem. That could be where UCLA’s season comes to an end.
There may be an argument that the Bruins should have been as high as a 6-seed. UCLA has several respectable Big Ten wins over Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
There are some injury concerns, but that’s not enough to justify the 7-seed. And definitely not in the East bracket.
It’s hard to see UCLA getting to the Sweet 16. But if it does get passed UConn, then it’s good enough to get to the Elite 8.
Saint Mary’s 7 Seed – South Region
After losing to Santa Clara in the Semifinals of the WCC Tournament, it’s not much of a surprise to see Saint Mary’s as a 7-seed.
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There’s no doubt that avoiding the 8 or 9-seed line was a positive outcome. The opening matchup against Texas A&M is not the worst, either.
The SEC is perpetually overrated, and the Gaels are favored to win the game. The fact that the contest is in Oklahoma City does slightly favor the Aggies, though.
But looking past the first game, Houston is looming in the Round of 32.
Of all the 7-seeds, the Gaels might have the toughest path to the Sweet 16. UConn and Purdue are both more vulnerable than Kelvin Sampson’s team.
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UCLA and Miami each received more favorable draws than Saint Mary’s. Yet, that’s what happens when you don’t take care of business in a mid-major conference and have no marquee nonconference wins.
Utah State 9 Seed – West Region
The Aggies are under-seeded. The Committee messed up. Plain and simple.
The Regular Season and Tournament Champions of the Mountain West are not a 9-seed under any objective measuring stick. The Committee viewed Saint Mary’s as worthy of being two seed lines higher.
The difference shows just how little the Mountain West was respected this year. Blame that on the league’s horrible nonconference results.
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But falling to the 9-seed might be the price that was paid to stay in the West. Yet, getting matched up with Villanova was no favor.
TCU and Saint Louis both received more favorable opening round games than Utah State did. And that’s without even mentioning Arizona, the No. 2 overall seed that looms in the Round of 32.
Maybe the only positive outcome is the location of the opening round. Getting to play in San Diego should give Utah State an advantage over Villanova.
If the Aggies advance to face Arizona, it will be a different story. But the Vegas oddsmakers like USU in the First Round.
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Regardless, the Aggies should have been a 7-seed.
It’s hard to see Utah State getting to the second weekend with this much of an unfavorable draw.
Santa Clara 10 Seed – Midwest Region
Santa Clara got a good draw with a matchup against Kentucky in the First Round. The Wildcats are not the same program that they used to be, and the game might be the most common upset pick of the Tournament.
The contest is in St. Louis, which does moderately favor Kentucky. Yet, the 10-seed line is not bad considering that some were predicting that Santa Clara would end up in the First Four.
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Santa Clara basketball celebrates selection | Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group
The potential Second-Round matchup with Iowa State is a problem, though. The Cyclones have Final Four potential and won’t overlook the Broncos if they beat Kentucky.
Even so, out of all the 10-seeds, Santa Clara got one of the better draws. Kentucky is an easier opponent than UCLA or Miami. The SEC is mostly hype and the Broncos have a reasonable chance to advance to the Second Round.
Then, Santa Clara will likely need to play its best game in several years to upset Iowa State in the Round of 32.
Hawai’i 13 Seed – West Region
The Warriors received the auto-bid from the Big West in their final year in the Conference. Staying in the West region was a great outcome, even if the opening game is a tough draw.
Arkansas just won the SEC Tournament and is coached by the legendary Jim Calipari. It’s not impossible for a 13-seed to pull off an upset, but it seems unlikely considering the opponent.
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The game being in Portland helps, and there’s no doubt the crowd will be on Hawaii’s side. Yet, it’s probably a one-and-done for the Big West Champions.
If anything, it sets the stage for a successful transition to the Mountain West next season.
Cal Baptist 13 Seed – East Region
It took a miracle to get here. So why can’t the dream continue?
Cal Baptist was given a respectable 13-seed only to be pitted against a Big 12 opponent. Kansas has been up and down all season, yet the Jayhawks are a tough draw.
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KU is more talented, more athletic, and better coached. To beat them, the Lancers must hit their threes. And a lot of them.
The game being played in San Diego is certainly favorable. A Southern California team playing in Southern California against a blue blood is a recipe for an upset.
The crowd will be foaming for a Cal Baptist win.
Other than the opponent drawn, CBU was treated surprisingly respectably by the Selection Committee. Staying out West and playing 1.5 hours away from campus is a clear nod to the season the Lancers have played.
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Nobody is expecting this to be an upset, which is exactly why it might happen.
North Dakota State 14 Seed – East Region
The Bison won the Summit League Tournament and get a matchup with Michigan State in Buffalo.
The seed line is somewhat questionable after the Committee gave Cal Baptist a 13-seed and let the Lancers stay in Southern California.
NDSU won the Summit League championship | Zachary Lucy for NDSU Athletics
After winning the Summit League Regular Season and securing the auto-bid, you would have expected the Committee to show a little more respect.
But if NDSU can upset the Spartans, then a magical Cinderella run to the Sweet 16 is not out of the question.
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Both Louisville and South Florida are beatable if North Dakota State is good enough to take down MSU.
Idaho 15 Seed – South Region
Out of all the 15-seeds, Idaho received the toughest draw.
Houston is arguably the strongest 2-seed in the field, and the matchup is in Oklahoma City.
It’s very rare for this matchup to result in an upset. And it’s even less likely with Kelvin Sampson on the other bench.
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It was a magical run to win the Big Sky Tournament and make the Big Dance. But the story likely ends in the First Round.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
 "Bruno Fernandes is well on track to break the all-time record for most assists in a single PL season")
With 11 teams from the West or aligned with conferences in the region making the Big Dance, there’s plenty to discuss.
