This time last year, the ACC and Big East were entering the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with a combined record of 14-1 and comprising seven teams of the Sweet 16 field. By contrast, the Big Ten and SEC placed just two teams apiece among the final 16 in 2024 after the conferences earned eight bids each to the Big Dance.

Turns out “It Just Means More” means more teams in the regional semifinals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Seven of this year’s so-called Sweet 16 teams are SEC members. That’s a tournament record, topping the ACC’s six in 2016.