"They got a chance to get to Sweet 16": ESPN's Rece Davis names his Cinderella picks for 2024 March Madness

Modified Mar 19, 2024 19:08 GMT

ESPN's Rece Davis gave his predictions for the 2024 NCAA Tournament on a special edition of "The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday, choosing the McNeese State Cowboys and New Mexico Lobos as his Cinderella picks in the men's tourney.

The Lobos (26-9), the No. 11 seed in the West, face the No. 6 Clemson Tigers (21-11) in their first-round matchup in the West Region on Friday.

The McNeese State Cowboys (30-3), the No. 12 seed in the Midwest, face No. 5 seed Gonzaga (25-7), which is ranked 18th, on Thursday.

"I really like McNeese State. I think they've got a chance to get to the Sweet 16," Davis, the host of "College GameDay," said. "I think (New Mexico coach) Richard Pitino's got a really good, dangerous offensive team "A lot of different guys who can do it. Eddie House's kid, Jaelen House, put on a show.

"I like New Mexico, not only to get out of that game. I feel like I need to seek medical attention for this. I've got New Mexico in the Elite Eight. I hope Richard Pitino proves me right."

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New Mexico Lobos' 2023-24 season

Richard Pitino's New Mexico Lobos won the Mountain West Conference title in a league that was probably better than the Atlantic Coast Conference and Pac-12 this season.

The Lobos are averaging 81.7 points (21st overall), 35.8 rebounds (35th overall), and 14.8 assists (78th overall) per game. They rank 89th with a 46.0% field-goal percentage. Guard Jalen House is averaging 16.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.7%. He leads the team in points, 3-pointers, free throws and steals.