9 facts that show this NCAA Tournament is one of the wildest in history — and how it could get even crazier from here

While the double-digit seeds have gotten the most attention for their impressive upsets, No. 9 seeds are also celebrating the best Sweet 16 representation they’ve ever had — for the first time in history, two No. 9 seeds are moving on to the second weekend of action.

Just five of the previous 132 No. 9 seeds in March Madness history had ever made Sweet 16 before 2018, and now two have made it in one year.

The No. 9 seed is always a tough draw for teams looking to make a deep run in the tournament, as even if your opening round game is somewhat winnable, you’re almost guaranteed to face a dominant No. 1 seed in the second round. Historically, teams seeded No. 10-13 have all fared better at making it to the Sweet 16 than No. 9 seeds.

This year though, Florida State and Kansas State have flipped the script, with the Seminoles taking down top-seeded Xavier, and the Wildcats having the advantage of being the first team in history to ever play against a No. 16 seed in the second round.