NCAA Basketball: Breakdown of all 32 autobids for 2022 NCAA Tournament
By Bryan Mauro
Bryant Bulldogs – Northeast
Record: 22-9 and 15-2 in Conference
Colors: Black and Gold
Location: Smithfield, Rhode Island
Last Appearance: Never
It has been quite a ride for Bryant to their first NCAA tournament appearance. They got here by destroying their rival Wagner in the title game. They were up 36-6 at one point in the first half. The Bulldogs have a fun team to watch because they play fast, are flashy, and extremely confident.
Bryant truly believes they are going to win every game they play. The Bulldogs also have the nation’s scoring leader in Peter Kiss, one of the best rebounding guards in the country in Charles Pride, and one of the national leaders in blocked shots in Hall Elisias. This will not be the last time the Bulldogs end up in the NCAA tournament and just sit back and enjoy the Bryant experience.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits – Summit League
Record: 30-4 and 18-0 in Conference
Colors: Blue and Yellow
Location: Brookings, South Dakota
Last Appearance: 2017-2018
The Jackrabbits are the most dangerous 12 seed in the entire tournament. They are on a long winning streak, and they are one of the most prolific offensive teams in the country. They average 87 points per game which are second overall in the country. South Dakota State leads the country in three-point shooting at 45% and they shoot 53% from the floor overall which is good for second in the country.
They can get going in a hurry and can overwhelm a team. The Jackrabbits are never out of a game and the three starting guards all shoot over 45% on the season. If the opponent sleeps on South Dakota State, they are going to get upset. They are one of the best mid-major teams in the country.