NCAA Basketball: Breakdown of all 32 autobids for 2022 NCAA Tournament
By Bryan Mauro
Murray State Racers – OVC
Record: 30-2 and 18-0 in Conference
Colors: Navy Blue and Gold
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Last Appearance: 2018-2019
The Racers have been the class of the Ohio Valley for a long time, and this will be their final season representing the conference. Murray State is going to be joining the Missouri Valley next year and don’t be surprised if they win that league either. The Racers play at one of the fastest paces in the country, shoot at a high percentage from the floor, and are one of the best rebounding teams in the sport.
Murray State is likely going to be wearing their home whites in the first round of the NCAA tournament and they are threatening to make it to the second weekend and beyond. They are more than capable of beating multiple power schools.
The Racers have a lot of experience and have a great inside-outside combo in big man KJ Williams and guard Tevin Brown. Williams shoots 34% from deep and is a matchup nightmare with most big men in this tournament. They are making their first appearance since Ja Morant.
Longwood Lancers – Big South
Record: 26-6 and 15-1 in Conference
Colors: Blue and Grey
Location: Farmville, Virginia
Last Appearance: Never
It is okay if you have never heard of Longwood. They do not have a long history of success in basketball, and they have been a division 1 program for 18 years. In those 18 years, this is the first winning season the Lancers have ever had, and it is obviously their first NCAA tournament appearance. Longwood is built around their backcourt and defense.
The backcourt for Longwood, led by Justin Hill is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country as they shoot just a shade under 39% from deep as a team. They are also one of the best defensive teams in the country and get a ton of steals and defensive rebounds which leads to easy transition baskets. The Lancers are a likely 15 seed so they will likely be overmatched but what a season for Longwood.