USA TODAY International Edition
Five mid-majors that could bust your bracket
Five mid-major Cinderellas that could bust your bracket.
Rhode Island
Despite a late-season skid that probably offset a much-better seeding for the Rams, coach Dan Hurley’s team is one of the most dangerous mid-major teams around. Rhode Island, a No. 11 seed last year, was a possession away from the Sweet 16 in a Round of 32 loss to Final Four finisher Oregon. Everyone’s back from that team, including dynamic guards E.C. Matthews and Jared Terrell.
Despite a down year in the Atlantic 10, Rhode Island played a tough schedule and will be ready to do some damage. One stat that will translate in the NCAA tournament: Rhode Island ranks second nationally in turnover margin (5.4).
Loyola-Chicago
There’s no superstar, and perhaps that’s what makes the Ramblers so dangerous. Coach Porter Moser has his sharpshooters spreading the floor better than just about any team in the country, following in the philosophy of his mentor, Rick Majerus (Loyola ranks fifth nationally in field goal percentage).
Despite this being the program’s first trip to a Dance in 33 years, don’t expect this zeroed-in group to be starstruck. Loyola was the best team in the Missouri Valley (which ranked eighth in RPI) and didn’t falter when it mattered late in the season. Look for freshman big man Cameron Krutwig to be an X factor; he initiates the inand-out game that will fuel this team’s Cinderella chances.
Nevada
The Wolf Pack won 27 games en route to the Mountain West regularseason title and claimed an at-large bid from a mid-major league, which isn’t easy to do. Their top-20 RPI is a product of one of the best non-conference schedules in the country, and this team is more battle-tested than meets the eye. Caleb Martin averages 19.1 points per game, and Jordan Caroline averages 17.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. Both are 6-7 wings who pose as matchup nightmares to opponents. This team takes good care of the ball, ranking second nationally in assist-toturnover ratio.
South Dakota State
The Summit League champ last year as well, the Jackrabbits drew a No. 16 in March and played to it against No. 1 Gonzaga. This March, the seeding — and this veteran team — will both be much better. The player to watch is Mike Daum. He is way under the radar and could go on a tear. The 6-9 junior averaged 23.8 points (he had a 51-point night last season) and 10.4 rebounds.
Murray State
There’s a lot to like about the Ohio Valley champion, starting with great shooting percentages and a defense that limits opponents to fewer than 66 points per game. A player to keep your eyes on is Jonathan Stark, a lightningquick guard who averages 21.8 points and 3.9 assists. He’s the type of catalyst who can dictate the tempo, getting hot himself or creating it for his teammates.