The 12-seed vs. 5-seed matchup has emerged as one of the more interesting March Madness matchups since the tournament expanded in 1985.
There have been 12 upsets in No. 12 vs No. 5 games since 2014. The most recent arrived in 2022 when New Mexico State defeated UConn 70-63.
Wisconsin enters this year’s tournament as a No. 5 seed with a first-round matchup against James Madison. Although the Badgers are favored by 5.5 points, the history behind 12-5 matches in March Madness cannot be understated.
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In 2019, the Badgers dropped their opening game of the tournament to No. 12 Oregon 72-54. The same year, future NBA All-Star Ja Morant dropped a triple-double for 12-seeded Murray State en route to a 83-64 victory over 5-seed Marquette.
Here is a quick overview of all the essentials you need to know for the iconic 12-5 matchup. It doesn’t mean great things for the Badgers.
Facts:
- Since 1985, 12-seeds have defeated 5-seeds 53 times. Ahead of 2024’s tournament, the lower seed boasted a 53-99 mark (34.87 win percentage)
- In 32 of the last 38 years, the 12-seed stole at least one first round game.
- Other 12-5 games featuring Wisconsin:
- 2009: Wisconsin defeats No. 5 Florida State 61-59
- 2013: Ole Miss defeats No. 5 Wisconsin 57-46
All-time seed-seed records: first round
- 1 vs. 16: 150-2
- 2 vs. 15: 141-11
- 3 vs. 14: 130-22
- 4 vs. 13: 120-32
- 6 vs. 11: 94-58
- 7 vs. 10: 92-59
- 8 vs 9: 74-78
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