Most Likely Upset: Clemson- New Mexico is the most anticipated matchup

This national commentator is looking forward to Clemson’s clash in the NCAA Tournament’s first round.

Andy Katz of NCAA.com listed his ten most anticipated first-round matches, with the sixth-seeded Tigers’ matchup versus No. 11-seeded New Mexico in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday in the West Regional, ranking first.

On TruTV, the Tigers and Lobos will start off at 3:10 p.m. ET on Friday.

ESPN also predicted that this game would be the most likely first-round upset (subscription required).

The list was created by John Gasaway and Keith Lipscomb with the assistance of Giant Killers, ESPN’s March Madness upset forecast that takes into account the strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles of each team in a particular game in addition to calculating the basic chance of an upset from ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index.

Yes, we wholeheartedly concur with that know-it-all relative, Vegas, social media, and other laptops. The Lobos appear to be the clear favorites in this match, according to ESPN. One of the better backcourts in the whole competition is arguably formed by Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House of UNM. The committee may believe that New Mexico “stolen” this candidacy, but Richard Pitino’s team has a good chance of moving forward.

While New Mexico is 26-9 this season and qualified for their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in ten years after winning the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas, Clemson comes into the tournament with a 21-11 record, including an 11-9 record in ACC regular-season games.

After losing two of their final three games of the regular season, Clemson lost to Boston College 76-55 in the ACC Tournament’s second round. The Tigers are aiming to recover going into the tournament.

Clemson has made it to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time under head coach Brad Brownell. The Tigers will be participating in their 14th event overall; their previous 14 appearances date back to 1980.