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NCAA Basketball: 10 teams with upset potential in 2023 NCAA Tournament

By Joey Loose

The Peacocks gather before the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, March 25, 2022.Ncaa Basketball Ncaa Tournament Saint Peter S Vs Purdue In Sweet 16 Saint Peter S At Purdue
The Peacocks gather before the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, March 25, 2022.Ncaa Basketball Ncaa Tournament Saint Peter S Vs Purdue In Sweet 16 Saint Peter S At Purdue /
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Bradley’s Zek Montgomery
Bradley’s Zek Montgomery /

Bradley

Making it through Arch Madness, even as the top seed, is no easy process, but Bradley could make some noise if they make the NCAA Tournament this year. The Braves have won ten straight games and are clearly the hottest team in the MVC, punctuating that with a resounding win over Drake to end the regular season last weekend. They ended up falling out of games against Arkansas, Auburn, Liberty, and Utah State during the nonconference slate, but this team is playing better than back then.

The Braves get a lot of production out of junior forward Reink Mast, who was the leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 14.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this year. Fellow forward Malevy Leons, the other double-digit scorer, contributes on a sizeable lineup that makes shots and blocks shots. The offensive numbers don’t jump off the charts, but the Braves get contributions up and down the lineup, with Duke Deen and Connor Hickman both solid outside shooters and players like Ville Tahvaninen and Zek Montgomery “quietly” having impressive campaigns.

Bradley sits 38th in defensive efficiency in the nation and has a great shot of coming out of the MVC with the bid. This team has really come together in recent weeks on this long winning streak, a streak that would hit 13 games if they survive the conference tournament. With their size and experience, Bradley could give fits to a 4 or 5 seed depending on the matchup. Defense wins championships, and if Bradley can continue to both do that and to hit those important shots, then they have a chance to do something special.

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