The map below visualizes Average Viewership of each DMA for the selected matchup, relative to that region’s average viewership of the rest of the first-round contests.
Wisconsin and UNC’s historical success afforded the matchup title-card status across the country, as nearly every market drew in above-average viewership. This effect is extremely pronounced in the participating schools' regions (viewership was 183% higher than any other game), indicating the programs’ strong local allegiances.
Houston’s victory over Cleveland State saw the #2 Cougars take the lead from the opening basket, and never look back. Despite a 37-point deficit at certain points, Cleveland-area audiences demonstrated just 18% less interest than they would have for an average first-round matchup.
Despite the significant increase in viewership by the end of the game, average audience size across the country generally under-indexed. However, nearby North Texas’ upset managed to draw in above-average viewership in Dallas, the 5th-largest market in the country, where they otherwise likely would have gone unnoticed.