Can anyone explain the NCAA thinking?

[Pure Swing]

Ok, why have four 11 seeds playing into the field? Shouldn't the last eight teams ranked have to play into the field?

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Ok, why have four 11 seeds playing into the field? Shouldn't the last eight teams ranked have to play into the field?

Those are the lowest seeded at large teams. Then the lowest seeded 4 teams overall (the small conf winners). Only reason I know...I finally googled it this morning. Lol. Was driving me bonkers too.

 

[faurotfield]

I kind of wish that all of the opening round games featured at large teams. I feel like those 16 seeds that won their conference tournament earned their way into the real first round on Thursday/Friday. This tournament was ideal at 64. I get why it went to 65 and then 68. I am thankful that it didn't go all the way to 96 as was initially proposed. Any 68 team deal is going to be kind of clunky and awkward. The current setup works okay and keeps the NCAA and TV people happy.

 

[Mister_Wizard]

I kind of wish that all of the opening round games featured at large teams. I feel like those 16 seeds that won their conference tournament earned their way into the real first round on Thursday/Friday. This tournament was ideal at 64. I get why it went to 65 and then 68. I am thankful that it didn't go all the way to 96 as was initially proposed. Any 68 team deal is going to be kind of clunky and awkward. The current setup works okay and keeps the NCAA and TV people happy.

Agree, the teams with auto bids should make it to Thursday or Friday automatically. Otherwise, why aren't the First Four games played amongst the four 16 seeds and the four 15 seeds?