March Madness: Ranking the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament field
48. Arizona State Sun Devils
No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region, 20-11 (8-10 Pac-12)
After play during their non-conference schedule, Arizona State really fell off in Pac-12 play. They finished ninth in the conference and were dropped by Colorado in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. This team is trending downwards in a big way since their wins over Kansas and Xavier earlier in the year. With seniors Tra Holder (18.5 points), Shannon Evans (16.6 points), and Kodi Justice (12.6 points), this offense is good enough to compete with anyone. However, I cannot say the same about their defense, which ranks outside of the top-100 both in points allowed and adjusted defensive efficiency. Bobby Hurley’s team will face off against Syracuse in the First Four and then possibly meet TCU on Friday.
47. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
No. 12 seed in the West Region, 28-6 (13-1 Summit)
Speaking of high-powered offensive teams, look no further than these Jackrabbits. T.J. Otzelberger’s team ranks sixth in the nation in points per game and has a top-50 offense (which is saying something for a mid-major) on KenPom. South Dakota State rolled through Summit League play this season. In addition, the team’s roster this year is much more poised for an NCAA Tournament run than last. Mike Daum (23.8 points, 10.4 rebounds) is the star of the show but freshman David Jenkins Jr. (16.1 points) has been better than anyone would have expected. This two-headed monster is hard to stop and they get to match up with a struggling Ohio State team.
46. New Mexico State Aggies
No. 12 seed in the Midwest Region, 28-5 (12-2 WAC)
Unlike the team’s previously mentioned, New Mexico State prides itself on their defense. They rank in the top-10 in points allowed per game (63.8) and also rank 14th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. Those numbers really jump out in saying that the Aggies truly have an elite defense. Considering their first-round matchup comes against another defensive-minded team in Clemson, we could be preparing for a low-scoring affair. And this is where NMSU can release its offensive weapon. Senior Zach Lofton (19.7 points) is a guy who can go get his shot whenever necessary. The 6’4” senior carries New Mexico State’s offense while attempting nearly 15 shots per game (45.3%). Lofton isn’t the only reason for this team’s success though. Although undersized (6’5”), Jemerrio Jones is a sensational rebounder (13.2 boards) and passer (3.1 assists). He does not stretch the floor well but his 56.6% shooting inside the arc is handy.
45. San Diego State Aztecs
No. 11 seed in the West Region, 22-10 (11-7 MWC)
After knocking out Nevada in the MWC Tournament semifinals, San Diego State became a bid-stealer. This team was not expected to make the Big Dance but yet, here they are. The Aztecs come into the field riding a nine-game winning streak that included two wins over Nevada and another win over Boise State. It is hard to argue against the idea that this is one of the hottest teams in the nation. The Aztecs have a balanced team in that they have the ability to win ballgames with their offense or their defense. There are five scorers on the team who average double-figures in points. Senior Malik Pope leads this group at 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Brian Dutcher has a talented squad on his hands but they also get a tough first-round matchup in Houston.