Vote: How Many No. 12 Seeds Will Advance Past First Round?

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Mar 14, 2012

Some of the most intriguing NCAA tournament games every March come from the No. 5 versus No. 12 matchups.

Not only do a lot of No. 12 seeds look like potential bracket busters, but they have a history of playing the part.

Most seasons, at least one No. 12 ends up upsetting a No. 5. No. 12s have been shut out only three times (1988, 2000, 2007), and have pulled off at least one victory in 21 of the last 23 years — as well as at least two victories in 10 of the last 11 years.

In fact, No. 12 seeds have actually reached more Sweet 16s than No. 7 and No. 11 seeds, more than 8s and 9s combined, and just one fewer than No. 10s.

This season, VCU, Long Beach St., Harvard and South Florida are the tournament's No. 12s, and you can bet they'll be looking to add to the seed's resume.

Check out those teams' position in the bracket below, courtesy of Bovada.net. Click on it to download a printable version.

Vote: How Many No. 12 Seeds Will Advance Past First Round?

VCU actually reached the Final Four last season after winning one of the First Four games, a remarkable feat that captivated the nation at the time. The Rams, who were an 11th seed for last season's tourney, eventually fell to Butler.

Long Beach St. draws New Mexico for its opener. New Mexico went 27-6 this season, which was capped off with a Mountain West championship victory over San Diego State.

The East Region's No. 12 seed, Harvard, will take on Vanderbilt, which is also coming off a conference tournament championship. The Commodores ended Kentucky's lengthy winning streak to grab the SEC tourney title. This marks Harvard's first NCAA tournament berth since 1946, though, so the Crimson are a hungry bunch.

The final No. 12 seed comes from the Midwest Region. South Florida had to win its play-in game against California just to earn a date with No. 5 Temple, and it'll only get tougher from here.

How many No. 12 seeds will advance past the first round?

NESN.com's college basketball coverage is presented by Bovada.net.

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