The Next Cinderella - A 14th Seed that could do Some Damage
by Mike Rose
NCAA TOURNAMENT BETTING – Who’s the Next Cinderella?
The underdog is what makes the NCAA Tournament so special. Every year, there’s one team that just comes out of nowhere and shocks the world by reaching the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four (we’re looking at you, George Mason!). Who will this year’s Cinderella team be? Dive in as March Madness bracket).
Kansas this year, and though they didn’t win any of those games, the preparation may be enough to spur a surprise or two in this tournament. Louisville may be the overall #1 seed in this tournament, but HC Rick Pitino couldn’t be happy to see the Saints in his bracket.
UConn in the West, the Aggies could bust a lot of brackets wide open if their shooting clip carries over into this tournament.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (23-7, 1-0 ATS, 14th seed in South) Ok, 14 seeds don’t normally make too much noise in the NCAA Tournament, but thanks to a potentially favorable draw, the Southland Conference champs could have some success in their first NCAA Tournament appearance. #3 Temple played in the final of their respective conference tourneys and could also feel the hangover. There’s no doubt that the Jacks are hot, as they have won eight straight games and 17 out of 19 overall. The squad ranks 2nd in the NCAA in total defense (55.7 points per game) and ranks 3rd in field goal percentage against (37.2%) and first in three-point defense (26.7%). If there’s a #14 out there that can advance into next week, Stephen F. Austin is the team that can do it.
UCLA. #2 Duke seems to underachieve in every NCAA Tournament of late, and thanks to playing three games in as many days in the ACC Tournament, could be ripe for an upset in the second round. With the erratic recent play of both Villanova and UCLA, jot down Texas as a potential seven-seed that can make a ton of noise in the weeks to come.
