Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Five teams that can emerge as mid-major powers

By Brock Zimmermann

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34) and center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against Saint Mary's Gaels center Jock Landale (34) and center Evan Fitzner (21) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view of March Madness logos on the chairs and stands during practice the day before the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view of March Madness logos on the chairs and stands during practice the day before the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Vermont Catamounts

The team showed real potential throughout the year and have several standout players. The team ended the season with a record of 29-6 and only suffered one “bad” loss.  They finished the conference season with an unblemished 16-0 record. There are several good teams in the league, but Vermont separates from the conference at the top.

The Catamounts won 18 straight games to get into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 12 seed. They handled one of the best rebounding teams, Purdue, well and put up a hard fight.

Anthony Lamb is just a freshman and led the team in several categories. He put up 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game, which all were the best on the team. He also shot 51.2 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from long-range. Vermont was able to schedule several big name programs and can steal a game or two next year for some national recognition.

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