NCAA Bracket 2013: Updating What We've Learned from the First Week

Every moment in life is a learning experience.

So, while you're tearing up your bracket or throwing your computer through the window, just know that there are lessons to be learned from the many upsets so far in the 2013 NCAA tournament.

Now, some upsets cannot be conceivably predicted—or even entertained—but some of the upsets in the NCAA tournament this year made sense once you looked at them through new eyes.

Here's a look at what we've learned from the first week of the 2013 NCAA tournament.

All stats via ESPN.com and TeamRankings.com.

Watch Out for Hot-Shooting Teams

Oregon ranked 97th in the nation in field-goal percentage during the regular season, but shot 48 percent in the Pac-12 championship game against UCLA and 53 percent against defensive-minded Saint Louis in the round of 32. That is a how a No. 12 seed got this far.

No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast managed 78 points against No. 2 seed Georgetown, despite the Hoyas allowing an average of 56.4 points this season. The Eagles then went on to shoot 56 percent against San Diego State in the round of 32.

A hot-shooting team has the potential to do big things in the NCAA tournament, no matter its seed.

Field-Goal Percentage Isn't Everything

Wichita State is another team that has surprised in the NCAA tournament. The appropriately-named Shockers have produced two impressive wins against No. 8 seed Pittsburgh and No. 1 seed Gonzaga.

While the Shockers shot 50 percent against Gonzaga, they shot 39 percent against defensive-minded Pittsburgh. On the other hand, the Shockers attempted 41 free throws in that game (making 33) en route to a 73-55 victory.

A statistic that measures how many points a team scores per possession, offensive efficiency, is generally regarded as a more complete view of a team's ability on offense than field-goal percentage.

While the Shockers rank 107th in field-goal percentage, they rank 53rd in offensive efficiency. That's not great, but it's a whole lot better than 107th.

Any Team Can Struggle Offensively On Any Given Night

Gonzaga, which ranked third in field-goal percentage and second in offensive efficiency this season, shot 36 percent from the floor against Wichita State. Kelly Olynyk and Kevin Pangos combined to go 14-of-39 from the floor. 

Granted, Wichita State ranked 38th in opponents' field-goal percentage this season, but Gonzaga was still widely regarded to have an offense that could beat anyone. Key word: "could."

In the round of 32, Creighton shot 30 percent and scored 50 points against Duke, despite ranking first in the nation in field-goal percentage headed into the matchup. Star forward Doug McDermott—a potential first-round pick in the 2013 NBA draft—went 4-of-16 from the field, despite shooting 56 percent from the floor and 50 percent from downtown during the regular season. Duke ranks 108th in opponents' field-goal percentage this season.

Don't forget to print out your bracket and follow along with the live bracket. Follow all the exciting NCAA tournament action with March Madness Live.