2017 NCAA Tournament: How could historical trends play out this March?

Mar 12, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rhode Island Rams guard E.C. Matthews (0) dribbles the ball against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the first half of the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship game at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 4

Mar 11, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Rhode Island Rams guard Jeff Dowtin (11) and forward Hassan Martin (12) react on the bench against the Davidson Wildcats during the second half at the PPG Paints Arena. Rhode Island won 84-60. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

5-12 Upset? Try 6-11

Per Bleacher Report, a No. 11 seed upsetting a No. 6 seed is just as frequent as the touted 12-5 upset. There are plenty of 11 seeds with serious upside, but none more so than Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is under-seeded at No. 11, fresh off of an Atlantic 10 tournament win. They have signature wins against Cincinnati and VCU this year. The Rams are a talented squad, with three starters averaging over 10 points per game and center Hassan Martin seemingly blocking anything in sight. Momentum is on their side, as well. Winners of their last 8 games, the Rams proved that they can finish strong and stay poised in tight games.

Meanwhile, Creighton is 7-8 in their last 15 games, after losing star player Maurice Watson. The Blue Jays have displayed very suspect defense. The Rams should exploit that glaring hole all the way to the Round of 32, keeping the No. 11 seed trends alive.

Home/March Madness