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NCAA Basketball: Who might be the best mid-major teams in 2018-19?

By Lukas Harkins

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Townes (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Townes (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

1. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

2017-18 result: 32-6 (15-3 MVC), NCAA Final Four appearance (No. 11 seed)

If you clicked on this article expecting to see anyone other than Loyola-Chicago in the top spot, you would be wrong. While it was still surprising to see Loyola-Chicago go all the way to the Final Four last season, most people knew all year long that they were one of the best mid-major teams in the nation. The Ramblers challenged themselves in their non-conference schedule and played in one of the better mid-major conferences. They were dominant throughout the year and it was incredible to see their success carry into games against major conference opponents.

Looking ahead to next season, the team should stay near the top of the mid-major rankings. Both of the team’s leading scorers, Clayton Custer (13.2 points, 4.1 assists) and Marques Townes (11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds) will be back for another season and their defense should remain as stout as ever. Head coach Porter Moser has plenty of talent to work with outside of these two as well. Most notably, rising sophomore Cameron Krutwig (10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds) was tremendous as a freshman last season and will be asked to be one of the leading scorers in 2018-19.

Last season, the Ramblers ranked sixth in the nation in points allowed at just 62.6 per game. I have already shown my love to offensive-oriented teams in my article but this number represents elite-level defensive play. While some teams can be a “flash in the pan” regarding offensive output, playing quality defense is about creating a program identity focused on teamwork and determination. Even though players like Donte Ingram (11.0 points, 6.4 rebounds) and Aundre Jackson (11.0 points) are now gone, Coach Moser’s culture should lead to more winning in 2018-19.

Next: 5 incoming Big East transfers worth noting

As is the case every year, mid-major basketball will be an important part of next season. Fans were just able to witness a run to the Final Four by Loyola-Chicago last season and hopefully that opened the eyes of the NCAA Tournament committee to how dangerous some teams can be when given the chance to play top-tier competition.

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