NCAA Tournament: Who’s on upset alert on Day One?
With the NCAA Tournament wide open, expect numerous upsets on Day One.
It’s time.
Related Story: Previewing the South Region
We have finally reached the best four days in all of sports: the first weekend of the Big Dance.
The excellent individual performances, buzzer beaters and everlasting memories come with the remarkable upsets, especially in the first round where seeds from 12 to 15 try to pull off the unthinkable.
While fans will likely want the blue bloods to reach Houston, no one can argue with a Mercer over Duke like upset in the opening round. And with the first day of the 2016 tournament featuring plenty of talented mid-major teams, this could be a crazy day for the ages.
Here are some of the teams that should be on upset alert today:
(Note: This does not mean all these squads will pull off the victory but it does mean that the higher seeds should not take their opponents lightly.)
No. 4 Duke against No. 13 UNC Wilmington
The Big Dance could begin with a bang as the Blue Devils face off against a feisty Seahawks team at 12:15 p.m. ET in Providence.
Why could Duke be going home within the first hours of tip-off? Because they only play six guys consistently – due to the injury of Amile Jefferson – which plays right into the hands of UNC Wilmington.
The Seahawks love to pressure the basketball and create havoc with their toughness and aggressiveness (similar to what VCU did under Shaka Smart). That will likely speed up the pace of the game and could put Coach K’s squad in an uncomfortable position in the final 10 minutes.
Sure, the Blue Devils have a lethal scoring duo in Grayson Allen and Brandon Ingram but one of the team’s biggest weakness is a lack of a true point guard. Derryck Thornton, who should really be a high school senior right now, could be exposed by Chris Flemmings and company on the sports biggest stage.
No. 4 Iowa State against No. 13 Iona
The Cyclones and Gaels play a similar up-tempo style, but Iowa State’s lack of depth won’t do them any favors. This game will take place in Denver and the altitude could be a major fact for Steve Prohm’s squad as they try to make up for last year’s first round loss to UAB.
Also, there is no forgetting A.J. English, who is hungry in his first ever berth in the Big Dance and is capable of putting points up in hurry. Iona can score with the best of them but most importantly, their defense has taken a step forward in the second half of the season.
Iowa State obviously has more talent, experience and of course features Georges Niang, but Monte Morris is dealing with a shoulder injury and that could have a strong effect on their offensive rhythm.
No. 5 Baylor against No. 12 Yale
This is a very interesting game given that it will be played close to Yale’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Given that they haven’t made the Big Dance since 1962, the Bulldogs should have a strong fanbase in attendance and that could help them get a jump start versus Taurean Prince and company.
The Bulldogs are strong on the glass and play tough defense, but the key to this match-up will be how James Jones‘ club deals with Rico Gathers, Jonathan Motley and Prince in the painted area.
Justin Sears will have to put together a monster performance for the Bulldogs to pull off the upset.
No. 5 Purdue against No. 12 Arkansas Little Rock
Purdue has a massive front court that features Caleb Swanigan, A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas. While the Boilermakers’ “trees” will likely burn Little Rock on the glass, Chris Beard’s team plays a pack line defense, which is supposed to pack the paint and limit the opportunities for their opponents to score inside.
Little Rock loves to slow the pace down but if they can pressure the Purdue guards – P.J. Thompson and Johnny Hill – this might be a long afternoon for Matt Painter’s program.
No. 5 Indiana against No. 12 Chattanooga
What scares me most about Indiana is that they are a different team away from Assembly Hall. And while their talent level and experience is off the charts compared to Chattanooga, they also have one of their key role players, Robert Johnson, dealing with a nagging ankle injury.
More busting brackets: Previewing the West Region
The Mocs have beaten Illinois, Dayton and Georgia this season so watch out.