What is it about a Cinderella story that captures the hearts of so many sports fans? That feeling of watching a scrappy underdog team that didn’t have a prayer take down the number one contender. From the 2018 UMBC Retrievers beating the #1 University of Virginia, to NC State taking down the University of Houston in the 1983 championship game, everyone loves a Cinderella story. That is, unless it destroys your March Madness predictions. So which teams have the best chances of blowing up your bracket this year?
South Dakota State (No. 13)
Fresh off their 21 game win streak, the Jackrabbits have been picked in a lot of brackets already and stand a good chance of knocking out number four seeded Providence in the first round. They have the longest winning streak currently at 21 games and run their offense from behind the 3-pt line. One issue with them is their defense, but the high powered offense can very well overcome that when taking on the slower offense of Providence.
Virginia Tech (No. 11)
Already pulling off quite the upset over Duke in the ACC championship, the Hokies take on a scrappy team in the University of Texas. Virginia Tech has a strong offense and are very methodical with how they play creating issues for opposing defenses. With their confidence on the rise coming off their ACC tear, the Hokies are primed to make a run.
Vermont (No. 13)
A big fish in a small conference, Vermont easily won the American East winning 22 of their last 23 games. It will be Arkansas’ speed against Vermont’s three pointers in the first round as the Catamounts will rely on seniors Ryan Davis and Ben Shungu. Their offense is among the best in the country and they rarely turn the ball over. Look for them to make some noise in the tournament.
Chattanooga (No. 13)
Chattanooga won the Southern Conference during the regular season and conference tournament proving that they’re no fluke. Let by the Southern Conference player of the year Malachi Smith who averages 20.1 PPG, the Mocs match up really well with Illinois and have a legitimate opportunity to try and make a run to the sweet 16 for the first time since 1997.
These teams among others are trying to put their stamp on the tournament as a cinderella and bracket spoiler, it will be interesting to see how each one performs in the tournament. Will we see a Cinderella team make the sweet 16 this year?
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