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Data: NCAA; Note: No games held in 2020; Chart: Rahul Mukherjee and Simran Parwani/Axios

Fairleigh Dickinson's stunning win against Purdue on Friday makes it the second No. 16 team to ever beat a No. 1 seed — after UMBC's 2018 victory over Virginia (charted above).

Zoom in: An Axios analysis of men's March Madness first-round matchups shows which seeds have pulled off the most upsets since 1985, when the tournament expanded to 64 teams.

A No. 12-seed pulls off an upset almost 50% more often than a No. 13-seed in the round of 64.

No. 10 and No. 11-seeded teams have about the same winning percentage as No. 12 seeds. All three won between 35 to 40% of first-round games.

Between the lines: Princeton's win on Thursday over No. 2 seed Arizona marks the third straight year a No. 15 seed has won a first-round game.

Charted: March Madness' biggest first-round upsets

Fairleigh Dickinson's stunning win over Purdue makes it the second No. 16 team to ever beat a No. 1 seed.

March Madness

NCAA

Seattle

Axios Seattle

While NBA officials are staying tight-lipped about if and when a men's basketball team might return to Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell predicted this week that it will happen — and in a "much shorter window" than five years.

Why it matters: Since the Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, Seattle has been without a professional men's basketball team.

Catch up quick: Recently, Oak View Group transformed the former KeyArena into Climate Pledge Arena, redesigning it with NBA standards in mind — and eliminating a key issue that led to the Sonics' departure.

What he's saying: "The market is set perfectly for us," Harrell said at a panel event I moderated earlier this week.

Harrell said he thinks Seattle is positioned "better than any other city in this country" to gain an NBA team, because "we have both the financing here" and a "great stadium."

"If it can be done here, it's going to be done," Harrell said. "And we're not talking about, like, five years from now, we're talking a much, much shorter window."

He said he's spoken to people in ownership groups, and bases his optimism on the opinions of people "in the know."

Yes, but: While NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said the NBA "will invariably expand" and has called Seattle "a great market," the league hasn't made promises or given a clear timeline.

Last month, Silver said expansion talks could intensify "in a few years" after the league negotiates a television rights deal and a new union contract, per Bleacher Report.

Those union negotiations are underway now, the Athletic reports, while the league's television rights package is set to expire after the 2024-25 season, according to ESPN.

The NBA didn't immediately provide Axios Seattle with a response to the mayor's comments.

Seattle mayor thinks a new NBA team could come soon

He said it's poised to happen in "a much, much shorter window" than five years.

Illustration of an hourglass filled with basketballs instead of sand.

National Basketball Association (NBA)

News

Business

The Emerald City is getting another professional sports team this year — one that plays cricket.

Driving the news: Seattle's new cricket team will be named the Orcas, Major League Cricket announced Thursday.

The organization also unveiled the new Seattle team's logo, which features one of the namesake whales.

Details: The Seattle Orcas are one of six U.S. teams that will play as part of Major League Cricket's inaugural season, which launches in July.

A draft for players will take place Sunday in Houston.

Context: Cricket is the second most popular sport worldwide, with 2.5 billion global fans, Axios' Jeff Tracy reported.

The newly formed Major League Cricket league aims to grow the sport's American fanbase.

Part of its strategy is to hold games that run two to three hours —a form known as T20 — instead of the traditional five-day cricket format.

Of note: The Seattle team's lead investor group includes some big names from the tech industry, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Meet the Orcas, Seattle's new cricket team

They're one of six U.S. teams that will play as part of Major League Cricket's inaugural season.

The Seattle Orcas logo. Courtesy of Major League Cricket

Denver

Axios Denver

Winter continues its grip on the Colorado mountains, with cold temps and more snow expected in the coming days.

Yes, but: The sun is getting higher and the days are getting longer, meaning spring skiing and closing day are just around the corner.

Why it matters: Spring skiing requires a different attitude and lower expectations. It's less about powder runs and ripping turns, and more about having fun.

What to know: To do it right, here are tips that John has learned through the years.

Don't go too early. Allow time for the sun to soften the refrozen snow and start on the sunny parts of the mountain, working your way upward in elevation throughout the day. Groomers are your friend this time of year.

Don't ski too late. The slushy and sticky snow after 2pm is a recipe for injury, so quit early and find a nice deck near the slope to grill food and picnic.

On that note, don't forget sunglasses, and more importantly, sunscreen. Apply liberally; the snow is like a mirror.

BYOB. A tasty and fun option that fits in your pocket is Slrrrp Shots. Grab extra to share.

Get dressed up. Crazy costumes are encouraged, and the more neon, the better.

Of note: Each resort's closing day vibes are different, so ask a local for the fun spots to go. And don't miss beach season at the base of Arapahoe Basin.

How to spring ski like a Colorado local

Spring skiing requires a different attitude and lower expectations.

Arapahoe Basin closing day. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Things to Do

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Steph Curry's huge game on Wednesday (50 pts on 20-28 field goals, 8-14 3-pointers) upped his shooting averages this season to 50.4% from the field, 44% from three and 91.5% from the free-throw line.

Why it matters: If those percentages hold, he'll join Steve Nash and Larry Bird as the only players in National Basketball Association history with multiple 50-40-90 seasons.

Nash (4x): 2005-06 (51.2/43.9/92.1%); 2007-08 (50.4/47/90.6%); 2008-09 (50.3/43.9/93.3%); 2009-10 (50.7/42.6/93.8%)

Bird (2x): 1986-87 (52.5/40/91%); 1987-88 (52.7/41.4/91.6%)

Curry (2x): 2015-16 (50.4/45.4/90.8%); 2022-23 (50.4/44/91.5%)

The rest: Just eight other players have recorded a 50-40-90 season: Kyrie Irving (2020-21), Malcolm Brogdon (2018-19), Kevin Durant (2012-13), José Calderón (2007-08), Dirk Nowitzki (2006-07), Steve Kerr (1995-96) Reggie Miller (1993-94) and Mark Price (1988-89).

Stat du jour: 50-40-90 club

Only Steve Nash and Larry Bird have had multiple 50-40-90 seasons.

For the first time ever, Cuban Major League Baseball players are representing their country at the World Baseball Classic. But some of the nation's biggest stars are watching from home — and not by choice.

The backdrop: Due to the United States' 60-plus-year trade embargo on Cuba, players in the baseball-crazed nation wishing to pursue an MLB career have — until 2018 — had to defect and establish residency elsewhere.

The Cuban Baseball Federation has long retaliated by banning those players from the national team, but recent developments have led it to soften its stance.

One reason it softened its stance is as simple as wanting to win. After earning gold or silver in the first five Olympic baseball events, Cuba failed to qualify for Tokyo 2020 and hasn't medaled at the WBC since 2006.

Driving the news: So far, it's working. Chicago White Sox stars Luis Robert and Yoán Moncada have led Cuba to the WBC semifinals, where they'll face the winner of USA-Venezuela on Sunday.

And the game is in Miami of all places, which has the world's largest Cuban population outside of Havana.

Yes, but: While Cuba's fans will be out in full force, its roster will be missing big league stars like Houston Astros slugger Yordan Álvarez and 2020 AL MVP José Abreu — players who might otherwise be on the squad if not for Cuba's checkered history with defectors.

State of play: Last year, a group of current and former Cuban major leaguers formed their own association in hopes of circumventing the federation and fielding the best possible WBC team.

Rules prevented that team from competing, but the federation clearly felt the pressure and ultimately extended invites to some players it would have blackballed in the past.

But only players who haven't openly criticized Cuba's government received invites, and some who did still refused out of principle.

What they're saying: "They called us traitors, they said we were a disgrace to our country, and now you want us to play for you?" one Cuban-born big leaguer told ESPN. "We don't forget."

Robert, who is reportedly in neutral standing with the Cuban government, said it was "a dream" to play for Cuba in the WBC.

But he did tell NYT that "it was a little strange because there are some who sadly cannot play."

The state of Cuban baseball

For the first time, Cuban MLB players are representing their country at the World Baseball Classic. But some are still watching from home.

Illustration of a baseball glove on the ground with a Cuban-flag baseball

Des Moines

As the nation turns its eyes to Caitlin Clark, Des Moines begins to hold its breath.

Why it matters: The first round of the NCAA Tournament this weekend could be something of a basketball nirvana for Iowans.

Clark and the rest of the No. 2 seed Hawkeyes take on Southeastern Louisiana at home at 3pm Friday.

Next up is Drake, whose men's and women's teams both made the tournament as No. 12 seeds. The men take on Miami Friday at 6:25pm and the women play Saturday at 6:30pm against Lousiville.

Of note: The Iowa men lost against Auburn last night — 83-75.

Driving the news: Eye-popping stats and national commercials have become normal for Clark.

That said, she had an excellent individual year last season and the Hawkeyes still lost in the second round.

And they haven't made the Final Four since 1993, roughly nine years before Clark was born.

State of play: This year could be different.

Clark, Monika Czinano, Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin and McKenna Warnock have started 86 career games together, per ESPN.

The Hawkeyes lead the country in scoring by a comfortable margin.

Iowa wouldn't have to play South Carolina — the most dominant team in college basketball this season — until the semifinals.

And while this team can shoot well enough to cover up most mistakes, the defense has also improved from last year.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark takes March Madness center stage

The Hawkeyes face Southeastern Louisiana Friday on ESPN.

Caitlin Clark during a moment of celebration earlier this month against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Minneapolis. Photo: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Iowa

Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Axios Des Moines

Houston

Axios Houston

It's time to root for your Dynamo, Houston.

Driving the news: The Dynamo kick off home play at 7:30pm Saturday against Austin FC at the newly upgraded Shell Energy Stadium.

State of play: While the MLS season started in February, the so-far winless Dynamo hope the help of a home crowd will lift them past Austin FC in tomorrow's match.

In the teams' five previous meetings, the Dynamo won only one game. Austin won the other four.

The Dynamo, ranked last in the Western Division with a 0-2-0 record, are fresh off an early bye week, while Austin has a 2-1-0 record.

What they're saying: "We've had plenty of time to work on ourselves and make sure we utilize this bye week to get better and prepare for a very good team in Austin," head coach Ben Olsen told reporters. "It's a similar team to last year. Very clear in who they are and how they go about winning games. They’re well-coached. They've got weapons."

What's new: Along with a new name, Shell Energy Stadium in the East End will feature new seating, expanded premium areas, electric vehicle charging stations and onsite renewable energy production this year.

The goal is to cut stadium greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2026.

The stadium's 21,000 orange plastic seats were replaced with mesh seats that will be about 30 degrees cooler than the old ones.

Seats in the upper deck will be black and orange, spelling out "Houston," while the lower deck will feature black, orange and Space City blue seats, a nod to the Dash who also play at Shell Energy Stadium.

Plus: This year's food options at Shell Energy Stadium are top notch, with hometown favorites like Hugo's, Bun B's Trill Burgers, Roostar Vietnamese Grill, Urbe and several more opening for the first time.

Check out a full stadium food guide from Chron.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Dynamo's home opener is Saturday, not Friday.

Houston Dynamo aim for first win at home

The team opens play at home in a newly renovated stadium.

A Houston Dynamo player fights off a defender and runs after a loose soccer ball during a match

Photo: Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Soccer

Columbus

A season full of heart palpitations for the Ohio State women's basketball team continues this weekend in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters: The Buckeyes spent the first two months of the season undefeated, then lost five of seven conference games before getting to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament — only to get blown out by Iowa.

The highs have been high and the lows have been low.

The journey continues at 1:30pm tomorrow against James Madison on ESPN2.

Schottenstein Center tickets start at $20.

State of play: No. 3 seed OSU made the Sweet 16 a year ago, but injuries have forced a fresh cast of characters into important roles.

Sophomore forward Taylor Thierry has blossomed into a double-double threat while freshman Cotie McMahon could become a contender for Big Ten player of the year before leaving Columbus.

At the helm is fifth-year senior guard Taylor Mikesell, who leads the team in scoring.

What we're watching: The return of senior guard Jacy Sheldon, a Dublin Coffman High School graduate who missed most of the season with a lower leg injury.

Sheldon only played limited minutes in the Big Ten Tournament, but the sharpshooter averaged almost 20 points per game last season. Any return at all could be the boost to get this team back to the Sweet 16.

Ohio State women's basketball looking for deep March Madness run

A season full of heart palpitations continues this weekend.

Two OSU women's basketball players swarm an Indiana player with the ball. 

Taylor Thierry and Cotie McMahon of the Buckeyes swarm an Indiana player during the Big Ten Tournament. The team opens NCAA tournament play tomorrow afternoon. Photo: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Detroit

A pessimist would say that Michigan women's basketball losing to the top four teams in the Big Ten this season is a bad sign for the NCAA Tournament.

An optimist might say that losing to Indiana, Iowa, Maryland and Ohio State was just the experience this veteran team needed for a long tournament run.

Why it matters: A year after making the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, Michigan is back with a little less fanfare as a No. 6 seed.

The team takes on UNLV Friday at 3pm on ESPNU.

State of play: While the Wolverines miss the presence of Naz Hillmon, arguably the best player in program history who now plays in the WNBA, their offense has diversified this season.

Three players — fifth-year guard Leigha Brown, sophomore guard Laila Phelia and fifth-year forward Emily Kiser — all average over 16 points per game.

Both veterans could be drafted this spring and Phelia could become a contender for Big Ten player of the year before leaving Ann Arbor.

What we're watching: Phelia missed the final seven games of the regular season with a lower-body injury and then played limited minutes in the Big Ten Tournament, per the Free Press.

If healthy, this team should be able to get by UNLV, and has the experience to make things competitive against host school LSU in the second round.

If Phelia isn't back in full, coach Kim Barnes Arico could have a problem.

Michigan women's basketball hoping for another deep March Madness run

Leigha Brown celebrates a 3-pointer in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. Photo: David Berding/Getty Images

Leigha Brown celebrates a three-pointer in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. Photo: David Berding/Getty Images

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