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 19, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Belmont Bruins guard Evan Bradds (35) shoots the ball during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Belmont Bruins guard Evan Bradds (35) shoots the ball during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Ohio Valley Conference

Favorite: Belmont Bruins

Belmont has dominated the Ohio Valley for a full decade. The Bruins haven’t finished worse than second since 2004-2005. Head coach Rick Byrd has been with the program for over 30 years and has built a true power over time. Few are predicting an upset this season with one of America’s best and most efficient players back in Evan Bradds.

Bradds brings back scoring and rebounding, and a ridiculous 71.4 shooting percentage. He has plenty of help between sniper Taylor Barnette, point guard Austin Luke and a trio of front court options.

The Bruins will be a contender again this year and dominate the OVC East Division.

Dark Horse: Eastern Illinois Panthers

Jay Spoonhour enters his fifth season at the helm of a program that I like more and more the longer I study it. Last season was a bit of a hiccup at 13-17, but the Panthers look to challenge from the Ohio Valley West division despite some personnel losses.

Versatile shooting guard Demetrius McReynolds leads EIU with this 2015-16 stat line of 12.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, while shooting 46 percent from the field. Point guard Cornell Johnston was a great distributor at over five assists per game and shot well from deep (37 percent), as did backup Casey Teson. Those three are a fine outside group.

The front court has some concerns, but Patrick Muldoon and Joe Kuligoski will battle for rebounds. I think this team could be tough with their guard talent, but someone will need to step up on the interior if the Panthers are to truly challenge.

Next: Patriot League

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