Year of the upset
Everyone loves to find the sleepers in their NCAA Tournament brackets, and this year is no different. Most nonconference games in November and December were canceled due to COVID-19. These smaller schools did not really have the opportunity to show the nation how good they were.
That all changes Friday when the first round tips off. Most smaller and midmajor conferences are sending their top teams to the Big Dance this year. This is a huge reason the upsets will come, and possibly in bunches. Let’s break down the NCAA bracket by region and try to find the Cinderellas.
WEST
The Ohio Bobcats have what it takes to knock off Virginia. They have an NBA talent in guard Jason Preston, who hits big shots and sinks more than 40 percent of his 3-pointers. To pull off upsets you need balanced scoring in case your star is cold, and Ohio lists all five starters average in double figures. This upset is looming not only because of the Bobcats’ talent but because of the craziness surrounding Virginia.
Tony Bennett’s team had to pull out of the ACC Tournament last week due to positive COVID-19 tests and are off schedule, as they are traveling to Indianapolis the day before the game. Look for Ohio to pounce on the Cavaliers early. As solid as Virginia is, playing from behind with its slow, deliberate defensive style is not Bennett’s game plan.
Might we see a 12th seed play a 13th seed in the second round? Very possibly. UC Santa Barbara has the big-time talent and coaching to take down Creighton.
EAST
Look for top-seeded Michigan to have its hands full just to make it to the second weekend of the tournament.
The Wolverines lost forward Isaiah Livers to a foot injury in the Big Ten Tournament and will miss his defensive toughness and senior leadership.
The team best suited to take advantage of Michigan’s troubles is St. Bonaventure. The Bonnies have two studs in guard Kyle Lofton and forward Osun Osunniyi. Together they average more than 25 points per game, and they shine on defense for coach Mark Schmidt. The Bonnies’ tough, in-your-face defense will make it difficult for LSU and Michigan, and St. Bonaventure is a real threat to see the second weekend.
SOUTH
If you have not seen Neemias Queta play, be sure to watch Utah State face Texas Tech on Friday. The Aggies’ big man excels on both ends of the court. Offensively he is skilled and has a nice touch around the basket, and on defense he is everywhere — blocking shots, rebounding and making opponents alter their shots in the lane. Queta a name everyone will know by this weekend.
Texas Tech’s Chris Beard is one of the best coaches in the country, but the Red Raiders have been unable to close out games this season. If Utah State plays its usual solid defense, coach Craig Smith’s team could make a deep run in the wideopen bottom part of the South bracket.
MIDWEST
When looking for upsets, look for teams led by seniors — and San Diego State has two good ones in Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schakel. Brian Dutcher is one of the best coaches no one talks about. If the Aztecs can attack the Syracuse zone, hit their outside shots and slow down sharpshooter Buddy Boeheim, the Orange could get squashed. Don’t be scared to advance San Diego State in your bracket.