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NCAA Basketball Roundtable: Champions Classic recap, upsets, and mid-majors

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 12, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a call against the Tarleton State Texans during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a call against the Tarleton State Texans during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Ohio Bobcats guard Mark Sears Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Ohio Bobcats guard Mark Sears Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Which mid-major team has been the most impressive and why?

Watson

Ohio. This is a team that returns all but one player that played in their NCAA Tournament win over Virginia last season, yet for some reason, they entered the season underrated. Comfortable wins over Belmont and Cleveland State prove that Jeff Boals’ squad isn’t going anywhere.

Melton

UAB. The Blazers are off to a 3-0 start to the year after a strong offseason, and already hold a win over Morehead State who should be one of the top teams in the OVC.

Zacher

Both BYU and San Francisco deserve recognition after picking up impressive wins over San Diego State and Davidson, respectively, and I’m still high on both – but the team that has no right being as good as they are right now is Ohio.  The Bobcats lost their star point guard in Jason Preston, arguably one of the best players in program history, and still went out and took down the best team in the OVC in Belmont by double-digits, and a Cleveland State squad that has legitimate NCAA Tournament aspirations after reaching it last year.

Mark Sears is playing out of his mind, averaging 21 points (62.5% on 2P, 83.3% on 3P, 87.5% on FT) in addition to 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists.  This Bobcats team could legitimately knock off a high-ranked team in March Madness, just as they did against Virginia in the last tournament.  November 19th’s duel at Kentucky looms large.  I think Ohio could honestly shock the Wildcats in Rupp.

Rosenberg

I’ve been most impressed with San Francisco. They’ve started 3-0 with convincing wins over Long island and Prairie View A&M. Most recently, they overcame a Davidson comeback to secure a 65-60 win, showing their defense is something for opposing teams to emphasize on their scouting report.

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