NCAAB

March Madness: Ranking the Sweet 16 Teams Using Advanced Analytics

Brett Oswalt  —  @bRo14thekid Mar 21st, 2017
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16. Xavier Musketeers

nERD: 11.88

Chris Mack's Xavier Musketeers entered the tournament as an 11 seed with a nERD of 11.06 and were one of the last at-large teams to get into the field. But, after impressive wins over Maryland and Florida State, they've become one of the most overachieving teams through two rounds.

According to ESPN's Who Picked Whom, only 15.3% of people had the Musketeers emerging from the Round of 32. Even less -- 3.2% -- believe that they'll make it to the Elite Eight. As the only team with a nERD of less than 13, it'll take a great performance to overcome the odds and defeat the 2-seeded Arizona Wildcats.

If Xavier's going to make that happen, it will require yet another big game from guard Trevon Bluiett. Through two contests, the junior is averaging 25 points on 51.7% shooting and 53.3% from beyond the arc.

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