As the NCAA Tournament tips off, basketball fans around the globe are abuzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the first-round upsets that have become a hallmark of March Madness. This thrilling time of year is when underdog stories come to life, and Cinderella teams make their move to shake up the bracket and defy the odds. In 2023, the stage is set for another year of Cinderella magic, with several dark horses emerging to challenge the top seeds. Among those vying for a fairy tale run are Drake and Yale, two teams that have flown under the radar but possess the talent and determination to pull off a stunning upset. In this article, we’ll explore the Cinderella teams to watch out for and the intriguing matchups that could leave the basketball faithful stunned, as we break down the top March Madness upset picks and predictions for a thrilling NCAA Tournament.
Drake: A Potential Cinderella with a Strong Defense and Rebounding Edge
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, Themarketactivity has identified several underdog teams with the potential to cause upsets. Among these, Drake University stands out as a potential Cinderella story due to its strong defense and rebounding statistics. Drake’s defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, and this could prove particularly troublesome for their first-round opponent, Missouri.
Defense and Rebounding
Drake’s defensive statistics are among the best in the Missouri Valley Conference, with a defensive efficiency rating that ranks them as one of the top defensive teams in the conference. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring and force turnovers can create significant difficulties for any team, especially one as strong as Missouri. Additionally, Drake’s rebounding margin is positive, with a strong presence on the boards that can disrupt the flow of the game and control the pace.
Transitional Success
Bennett Stirtz, a standout player for Drake, exemplifies the team’s success in transitioning from Division II to Division I. Stirtz, who transferred from Northwest Missouri State, has been a key figure in Drake’s success this season. His skills as a rebounder and scorer, along with his leadership on the court, have helped solidify Drake as a team capable of pulling off an upset. Stirtz’s transition to the higher level of play demonstrates the team’s overall adaptability and resilience, which are critical factors in the unpredictable environment of the NCAA Tournament.
Yale: The Ivy League’s Quiet Contender
Yale, known for its disciplined play and strong Ivy League performance, presents a compelling case as a potential upset pick. The Bulldogs have a history of gritty play and unexpected tournament success, making them a team to watch out for this March Madness.
Ivy League Toughness
Playing in the Ivy League, Yale has consistently demonstrated a high level of competitive play, often against teams from stronger conferences. Yale’s disciplined style of play and strong defense make for a tough opponent in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs’ focus on team play and strategy over individual brilliance can often catch larger, more celebrated teams off guard, leading to unexpected results.
Historical Upset Potential
Historically, Yale has shown a knack for causing upsets in the NCAA Tournament. While they have not reached the latter stages of the tournament frequently, their disciplined play and strong conference preparation make them a viable upset pick. The team’s performance in close games throughout the season, as well as their ability to play with poise under pressure, positions them as a team to watch, especially against teams that may underestimate their toughness and resilience.
New Mexico: Donovan Dent’s Impact and Team Chemistry
New Mexico, often overlooked in the NCAA Tournament, presents a strong case for an upset against their first-round opponent, Marquette. Themarketactivity’s analysis highlights the Lobos’ strong defense and star player Donovan Dent as key factors in their potential to cause an upset.
Star Power of Donovan Dent
Donovan Dent, the point guard for New Mexico, has been a standout player this season, leading the team in scoring and assists. Dent’s ability to control the tempo of the game and orchestrate the offense around him makes him a significant threat to teams like Marquette. His experience and leadership have been instrumental in New Mexico’s recent victories, and his performance in the NCAA Tournament could be the key to their success.
Team Chemistry and Defense
New Mexico’s team chemistry has been a key factor in their success this season. The Lobos’ cohesive unit plays well together, and their defense has been particularly strong, ranking among the best in the Mountain West Conference. New Mexico’s stingy defense and ability to lock down opponents could be the deciding factor in their first-round matchup against Marquette. With their non-conference wins against UCLA and VCU, it’s clear that the Lobos have the skills and will to compete at the highest level.
Utah State: Hot Shooting and Consistent Performance
Utah State is another team that Themarketactivity identifies as a potential upset pick, particularly against their first-round opponent, UCLA. The Aggies’ efficient offense and hot shooting from beyond the arc make them a formidable opponent for any team in the NCAA Tournament.
Efficient Offense and 3-Point Shooting
Utah State’s offense has been marked by its efficiency and ability to score quickly and effectively. The Aggies’ average of nine 3-pointers per game is a testament to their shooting prowess and ability to get hot from the perimeter, which can significantly impact a game’s momentum. This combination of efficient scoring and hot shooting makes Utah State a dangerous team to face in the NCAA Tournament.
Non-Conference Wins
Utah State’s non-conference win list is impressive, including victories against high-profile teams like Iowa and Saint Mary’s. These performances highlight the team’s ability to compete at a high level against strong competition. Top player Ian Martinez’s performance in last year’s tournament, including his 21-point outburst against TCU, further underscores the team’s potential to cause an upset. With their offensive efficiency and hot shooting, the Aggies are poised to make a statement in the upcoming tournament.
VCU: Dogged Defense and Coaching Acumen
Defensive Excellence
VCU’s defensive strategies have proven to be a force to be reckoned with, as they managed to slow down BYU’s offense in a recent matchup. The Rams’ ability to stifle opponents is largely due to their commitment to a specific defensive scheme.
Coach Ryan Odom’s Influence
Ryan Odom, VCU’s head coach, brings a wealth of experience and success to the team. His past accomplishments, particularly his role in UMBC’s historic upset of Virginia in 2018, could play a significant role in VCU’s performance during March Madness.
UC-San Diego: A Consistent Performer with Hot Hands
Hot 3-Point Shooting
UC-San Diego has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in hitting 3-pointers, averaging nearly 11 per game. This skill could potentially exploit Michigan’s defense and propel the Tritons to an upset.
Top Seed Qualifications
With an impressive 30-win season, UC-San Diego has shown it has the mettle to outperform expectations. The committee considers the Tritons the best No. 12 seed, and their performance throughout the season warrants attention from bracket participants.
Colorado State: A Red-Hot Team with Final Four Ambitions
Recent Winning Streak
Colorado State’s 10-game winning streak, including impressive victories over high-major opponents, has instilled confidence in the team heading into March Madness.
Nique Clifford’s Impact
Senior guard Nique Clifford’s efficient scoring and rebounding abilities have been instrumental in Colorado State’s success this season. His impact on the court could lead to upsets for the Rams in the tournament.
NCAA Tournament Predictions and Analysis
Potential Path to Success
For these underdog teams to reach the Sweet 16 or beyond, they will need to navigate challenging matchups and maintain their strong play. Analyzing potential opponents and their tendencies will be crucial for these Cinderellas.
Bracket Strategy Tips
- Consider the momentum and form of these underdog teams, as it can significantly impact their upset potential.
- Strategically place these Cinderellas in your brackets for the best chances of winning your pool.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Pre-Tournament Momentum
Examining the current momentum and team form of these underdogs can provide valuable insights into their upset potential. Teams that are peaking at the right time can cause significant disruptions in brackets.
Bracket Pool Strategy
When selecting these Cinderellas for your bracket pool, consider factors such as their recent performance, coaching, and tendencies. A well-informed and strategic approach can lead to success in your bracket pool.
Conclusion
In summary, the article “March Madness Cinderellas: Drake, Yale highlight NCAA Tournament upset picks – USA TODAY” explores the potential underdog teams that could make a significant impact in this year’s NCAA tournament. The piece highlights Drake and Yale as two teams to watch out for, citing their impressive performances and strengths that could lead to potential upsets.
The significance of this topic lies in the unpredictability and excitement that underdog teams bring to the tournament. These Cinderella stories not only add thrill to the competition but also showcase the depth and diversity of college basketball. Furthermore, upset picks can provide lucrative opportunities for sports bettors and fans who are looking to make the most out of the tournament experience.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to keep an eye on these underdog teams and consider their potential impact on the tournament. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the top-seeded teams, there’s always the possibility of a surprise run from an underdog. These unexpected turns can create unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime.