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NCAA Tournament 2019: Strengths and weaknesses of Midwest Region teams

By Jason Burgess

CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 20: Fletcher Magee #3 of the Wofford Terriers puts up a three-point shot against Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean Smith Center on December 20, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Wofford won 79-75. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 20: Fletcher Magee #3 of the Wofford Terriers puts up a three-point shot against Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean Smith Center on December 20, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Wofford won 79-75. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: The Iona Gaels mascot performs during the game between the Iona Gaels and the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2017 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: The Iona Gaels mascot performs during the game between the Iona Gaels and the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2017 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 13 Northeastern Huskies

Strengths: The Colonial champs shoot the long ball very well, making nearly 39% of their shots and just under 10 per game, both numbers put them in the top-25 nationally. Three of the team’s leading scorers shoot it at over 40% from beyond the arc, and those scorers are what make the Huskies tough is that they move the ball well and any of those shooters can handle the ball and start the offense.

Weaknesses: Again, Northeastern isn’t a very big team which gives opponents the chance to get easy offensive chances in the paint. They also don’t force a ton of turnovers, just 11 per game, and they struggle mightily grabbing rebounds, only 10 teams grab fewer offensive rebounds per game and their 31.7 total rebounds per game is better than just 25 teams.

No. 14 Georgia State Panthers

Strengths: The Panthers have a mid-major star in D’Marcus Simonds averages over 18 points, five rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Besides Simonds, Georgia State relies on its starters with all five scoring in double figures and their three-point shooting is key, they are in the top-22 in makes (9.8) and percentage (38.8), with six players shooting over 37%.

Weaknesses: The Panthers really struggle with rebounding, ranking 337th with a -6.1 rebounding margin, which lines up with their 8 offensive rebounds per game which is 311th worst in the sport. Another big area they struggle in is at the free throw line, making just 66% of their shots. If you want to pull an upset as a No. 14 you need to limit your opponent and take advantage of free points at the line.

No. 15 Abilene Christian Wildcats

Strengths: The Wildcats may be seeded 15th and be in their first ever NCAA Tournament but they won the Southland despite dismissing two players that combined for 22 points per game. Abilene Christian is experienced with three seniors and a junior in the starting five which should help with the nerves. They rank 7th in turnover margin at 4.6 and the 16.6 turnovers they force is 11th best in the country.  They swipe over eight steals per game and shoot the long ball at over 38%, so even though they are 15th in the Midwest, this team does a lot of things well.

Weaknesses: They have a propensity to commit fouls, giving their opponents free chances at points on the free throw line, allowing opponents to get their 38% of the time. After the dismissals, the Wildcats have even less size with their tallest rotation player standing 6-7. So, teams are successful against them when the pound the ball inside the paint and get to the rim.

No. 16 Iona Gaels

Strengths: The Gaels score over 76 points per game and come at teams in waves with all but two players on the roster playing at least 11 minutes per game, which is key for Tim Cluess’ team as they play at the 45th quickest pace in the game. The Gaels also shoot the free throws well making 74% from the line.

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Weaknesses: Because of their style of play, defense is sort of an afterthought for the Gaels. They give up over 76 points per game and a lot of that is because they allow opponents to shoot the three at over 36%. They are also not a good rebounding team with a -2.1 rebounding margin, grabbing just over 34 per game.

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