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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Dec 12, 2015; Lexington, VA, USA; Navy Midshipmen guard Shawn Anderson (20) gestures from the court during the second half against the Virginia Military Keydets at Cameron Hall. The Midshipmen won 68-62. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Lexington, VA, USA; Navy Midshipmen guard Shawn Anderson (20) gestures from the court during the second half against the Virginia Military Keydets at Cameron Hall. The Midshipmen won 68-62. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriot League

Favorite: Navy Midshipmen

With Bucknell losing their best player and Army graduating multiple stars, the time is now for the Midshipmen to storm the Patriot League. They return several key pieces, but they will have to find ways to defend without Patriot Defensive POY Will Kelly back.

Navy has a solid back court with Shawn Anderson and Tim Abruzzo. They aren’t great outside shooters, but both are battle tested and ready to lead. Junior Tom Lacey also returned to give some punch inside. After those three it gets a bit muddled projecting former reserves, but senior Edward Alade and senior Zach Fong could be major pieces. I really like Navy to compete for the Patriot League title.

Dark Horse: American Eagles

American has an exciting young core central to their conference contention hopes. Youth will be featured on a team that lost several starters to graduation and the pro ranks.

Sophomore Delante Jones was one of the league’s best rookies a year ago after averaging 12 points an evening. He will lead the Eagles this season. Fellow sophomores James Washington and Andrija Matic will also factor in.

After them seniors Jalen Rhea, Charlie Jones and Leon Tolksdorf have the experience to contribute in spots. Also look for freshman Sa’eed Nelson and Mark Gasperini to play based purely on a lack of other options. American is well-positioned for several more years with their current young guys.

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