AMES — The chaos of March Madness has delivered its usual mix of upsets, buzzer-beaters and tight finishes, but one region has risen above the rest.

The Midwest accounts for seven of the 16 teams remaining in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, a dominant showing fueled largely by the Big Ten, which placed six teams in the field, along with Iowa State of the Big 12.

From Purdue to Michigan State and with Iowa State standing as the lone non-Big Ten representative, the region’s presence raises a larger question: What is it about the Midwest that consistently produces teams built to survive and advance in March?

Iowa State

The Cyclones have carried their success into the NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 2 seed behind a smothering defense and a team-oriented brand of basketball.

Led by one of the nation’s top point guards in Tamin Lipsey, along with sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic and isolation scorer Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State has proven difficult to stop offensively. Even without Jefferson, the Cyclones have remained efficient on both ends of the floor.

Defensively, Iowa State ranks among the nation’s best in turnovers forced per game, leading to easy transition opportunities. That pressure was evident in wins over Tennessee State, which committed 15 turnovers and No. 7 seed Kentucky, which turned the ball over 19 times.

The success reflects the system built by Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger and his staff, as well as the team’s ability to execute it. A demanding regular-season schedule has prepared Iowa State for March, where it is set to face No. 6 seed Tennessee.

Iowa

Iowa has emerged as one of the biggest surprises among the Midwest’s Sweet 16 teams.

Led by head coach Ben McCollum, the No. 9 seed Hawkeyes defeated Clemson before pulling off a 73-72 upset over No. 1 seed Florida.

Iowa operates with a deliberate offensive pace, emphasizing ball movement and pick-and-roll action. Projected top-20 NBA draft pick Bennett Stirtz leads the way, while the Hawkeyes frontcourt has provided consistent production.

Defensively, Iowa held its own against Florida’s size, out-rebounding the Gators 24-22. The Hawkeyes will face Nebraska in a Big Ten matchup in the Sweet 16.

Nebraska

Nebraska entered the tournament following a historic season and secured a No. 4 seed.

The Cornhuskers rely heavily on perimeter shooting and constant motion, with a lineup capable of stretching defenses across the floor. Junior Pryce Sandfort anchors the offense, while Rienk Mast and Sam Hoiberg provide additional scoring options.

Nebraska opened tournament play with a win over Troy before defeating Vanderbilt on a game-winning shot from Braden Frager, 74-72.

Purdue

Purdue enters the Sweet 16 following a Big Ten Tournament championship and two NCAA Tournament wins over Queens and Miami.

head coach Matt Painter has guided a team that is peaking at the right time, led by point guard Braden Smith, one of the nation’s top playmakers.

The Boilermakers’ frontcourt presents matchup challenges with its size and physicality. Oscar Cluff, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Daniel Jacobsen anchor the interior on both ends of the floor. Purdue will face No. 11 seed Texas.

Michigan

Michigan has been one of the most consistent teams in the country and remains a contender to reach the Final Four.

The Wolverines feature a deep roster led by Yaxel Lendeborg, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward and 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara. Combined with strong perimeter shooting and defense, Michigan presents a complete profile.

Michigan will take on Alabama with a spot in the Elite Eight at stake.

Michigan State

Michigan State has again become a factor in March under head coach Tom Izzo.

The Spartans are led by point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., continuing the program’s tradition of strong backcourt play. Coen Carr has added an athletic presence, while Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper provide size inside.

Michigan State advanced with wins over North Dakota State, 92-67 and Louisville, 77-69 and will face UConn in the Sweet 16.

Illinois

Illinois has dominated early tournament play, defeating Penn and VCU by an average margin of 28 points.

Freshman point guard Keaton Wagler, a projected top-10 NBA draft pick, has led the Illini with poise and production. He is supported by perimeter shooters Andrej Stojakovic and Jake Davis, while Tomislav Ivisic anchors the paint.

Illinois will face Houston for a chance to advance to the Elite Eight.