First Four teams March Madness record: Farthest a First Four team has gone in NCAA Tournament

What First Four team has advanced the farthest in March Madness?

The First Four is the most overlooked portion of the bracket, but since being instituted in 2011 as a staple in March Madness, the group has enjoyed a surprising amount of success. A First Four team has advanced to the Round of 32 in 10 out of the past 11 years in the NCAA Tournament.

But what is the farthest a First Four team has ever advanced?

Well, two teams hold that record in March Madness history over the past decade-plus.

First Four March Madness record: What is the farthest a First Four team has gone in the NCAA Tournament?

In the First Four’s inaugural year, VCU made a historic Final Four run. After beating USC in the First Four, they proceeded to defeat Georgetown, Purdue, and Florida State.

In the Elite Eight, the Rams upset No. 1 seed Kansas 71-61. Forward Jamie Skeen led VCU with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Kansas’s roster featured six future NBA players (Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Tyshawn Taylor, Thomas Robinson, Josh Selby, and Jeff Withey). VCU was finally knocked out in the Final Four against Butler.

Then in 2021, UCLA tied the record, as they also made a Final Four run. They defeated Michigan State in the opening round. Then, they went on to secure victories against BYU and Abilene Christian. In the Sweet Sixteen, they defeated No. 2 Alabama in overtime.

In the Elite Eight, they upset No. 1 seed Michigan 51-49. The Bruins held the Wolverines to a 39.2 field goal percentage. UCLA was only a shot away from the National Championship, as Gonzaga’s Jalen Brunson eliminated them with a game-winner in the Final Four.

Will a 2023 First Four team make a run?

Can a 2023 First Four team make a run? Well, it’s going to be difficult. The 11-seeds are always the teams to watch. So, Arizona State/Nevada and Mississippi State/Pittsburgh are the matchups to watch.

Unfortunately, the winner of both games will draw difficult matchups. The winner of Arizona State/Nevada will play TCU. This season, the Horned Frogs have secured six victories against AP Top 25 opponents, including Kansas and Texas. Meanwhile, the winner of Mississippi State/Pittsburgh will take on Iowa State. Like TCU, Iowa State has enjoyed success against top-level competition. The Cyclones have NINE victories against AP Top 25 opponents, including Kansas and Texas.

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