Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: The mid-major favorites and darkhorses

By Doug Winkey

Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; View of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders shirts worn during warm-ups prior to the game in the second round against the Syracuse Orange of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; View of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders shirts worn during warm-ups prior to the game in the second round against the Syracuse Orange of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; Norfolk, VA, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs guard Eric Eaves (22) reacts after making a three pointer in the first half against the Hampton Pirates during the MEAC conference tournament at Norfolk Scope Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Norfolk, VA, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs guard Eric Eaves (22) reacts after making a three pointer in the first half against the Hampton Pirates during the MEAC conference tournament at Norfolk Scope Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

MEAC

Favorite: South Carolina State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs from Orangeburg, SC are a veteran squad poised to snatch the conference crown away from Hampton. SCSU won 19 games last year, and look like the most prepared team back in the MEAC.

First Team All-MEAC candidate Eric Eaves is the leading returning player at 17.6 points on 52 percent shooting. The 6’3″ guard doesn’t add a ton of extra stats, but he is a dangerous attack man. Fellow guards Edward Stephens and Greg Mortimer are also both capable of consistent scoring numbers.

The team also has a solid front court guy in Tashombe Riley, but needs one of the five freshman (all listed 6’6″ or taller) to add some inside punch. SCSU has a very good shot at representing their conference this year with their returning talent.

Dark Horse: Norfolk State Spartans

NSU was a tremendous competitor last season as they went 12-4 in conference play at 17-17 overall. The Spartans lost three starters, but brought in eight new faces.

Forward Jordan Butler (7.5 points) and guard Zaynah Robinson (6.2 points) are the only starters back for Norfolk State. They also have bench forward Alex Long back after making the All-Rookie team in 2016-17.

The new faces are a combination of a junior college talent and guys who didn’t make big impacts with their D1 schools. 7’0″ Dan Robinson from Iona and shooting guard Carrington Ward (North Texas) are two guys that could be huge down the road. Also watch guard Kyle Williams. He shot over 41 percent from deep at Niagara Count [NY] CC.

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