March Madness 2019: Top dark horse candidates from each region

By Brian Rauf | Mar 18, 2019

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: Ehab Amin #4 of the Oregon Ducks starts a fast break ahead of teammates Payton Pritchard #3 and Louis King #2 against the Washington Huskies during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Huskies 68-48. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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RICHMOND, KY – FEBRUARY 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers talks to a referee during the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at CFSB Center on February 16, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

West Region: (12) Murray State Racers

All I really have to say here is Ja Morant and it would be enough to convince most that Murray State is capable of making a run.

Players win games and Morant might be the best player in the country outside of Zion Williamson. NBA scouts think he’s in the mix, as he’s projected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming draft.

Morant is quick, super athletic, and an excellent passer who makes his teammates better. He’s also a good defender who is good at coming up with steals and creating transition opportunities. However, most importantly for this tournament, Morant has proven he is a clutch performer who will take and make the big shot when the Racers need it.

Morant is obviously a huge part of what Murray State wants to do, but they’re much more than just a one-man team. Three other players (Shaq Buchanan, Tevin Brown, Darnell Cowart) average double-digit points and are a good defensive team, particularly on the perimeter. They rank in the top five nationally in three-point defense.

In the end, Morant has to play well for Murray State to advance. But, if he plays up to his potential, Murray State will be playing on the second weekend

Next. 10 most likely upsets in NCAA Tournament. dark

All of these have the potential to make long runs in March and almost all have a very visible path to doing so. There will be some Cinderella and dark horses as there is every year, but identifying who they will be prior to the tournament is the hard part. These four are the most likely to fit the bill.

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