March Madness: 10 teams that deserve your fandom

By Doug Winkey | Mar 16, 2017

Mar 11, 2017; Birmingham, AL, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders head coach Kermit Davis with Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward JaCorey Williams (22) hold the trophy after defeating the Marshall Thundering Herd for the Conference USA Tournament Championship at Legacy Arena. Blue Raiders defeated the Herd 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 21, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Southern Tigers forward Derrick Griffin (23) passes the ball as Baylor Bears guard Al Freeman (25) defends during the second half at Ferrell Center. Baylor won 89-63. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Texas Southern Tigers

Location: Houston, Texas

First Appearance since: 2015

Name to know: Zach Lofton (17.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 spg)

Texas Southern has made their third NCAA Tournament in four years after winning the SWAC Tournament. The Tigers actually made the Bid Dance just by making the title game because opponent Alcorn State was ineligible. TSU is a 16-seed and will battle the South’s top seed North Carolina in Greenville, SC.

The Tigers definitely took a hit when star forward Derrick Griffin left the team to pursue the NFL, but Zach Lofton is a capable leader himself. The 6’3″ guard from Saint Paul, Minnesota was second in the SWAC in scoring despite shooting just 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from deep. Opponents will also have to contend with guards Demontrae Jefferson and Brian Carey. TSU has a tough challenge against UNC.

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