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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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NCAA Basketball Hofstra Pride forward Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (32) blocks out Charleston Cougars guard Dalton Bolon David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Hofstra Pride forward Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (32) blocks out Charleston Cougars guard Dalton Bolon David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports /

Hofstra

The Pride had a rough stretch late in nonconference play, losing six of eight games at one points, including blowouts against Purdue and Saint Mary’s. Since then, things have really turned around, including a road win at Charleston to secure themselves the CAA regular season title. Head coach Speedy Claxton’s squad was expected to be in this position near or at the top of the league, but their performance down the stretch has certainly been impressive.

When you talk Hofstra, you have to start with Aaron Estrada, the former Saint Peter’s and Oregon player who’s averaging 20.3 points and has been one of the CAA’s best players the last two seasons. He’s far from alone in the backcourt, as fellow senior guard Tyler Thomas is contributing more than 16 points a game and is over 40% from beyond the arc. Darlinstone Dubar puts up 10 a game while Warren Williams has been good for 8.7 points a game off the bench.

Hofstra isn’t big and they don’t get to the free throw line, but they make their shots and defend reasonably well and it’s led to a number of wins this season. Their defense has really locked down in recent weeks, giving up less than 60 points in six of their last seven games, albeit against CAA foes. If they can knock out Charleston and win the CAA Tournament, they’re likely looking at a 13 seed. All it takes is a good shooting effort and that strong defense and they can upend one of those 4-seeds, especially if it’s one of those struggling power conference teams.

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