Six dark-horse teams that could shake up March Madness
As the intensity of conference play rises, the spectacle of March Madness nears. While the usual suspects and perennial powerhouses hog the limelight, this year's tournament again offers the possibility for underdog teams to make waves.
Here are six teams that could emerge as formidable challengers to the big dogs in March:
Northwestern Wildcats (12-3)
Sitting second in the competitive Big Ten, Northwestern is led by the dynamic graduate student Boo Buie, who is on the 2024 Bob Cousy Award watch list (given to the best point guard in college basketball) as one of the nation's top guards.
Averaging 18.1 points and 5.1 assists, Buie has demonstrated his ability to shine under the spotlight, scoring a season-high 31 points to go along with nine assists, four rebounds and two steals in a thrilling 92-88 overtime victory against No.1 Purdue. Northwestern's exceptional ball-sharing skills, highlighted by the eighth-best 1.78 assists-to-turnover ratio, make the Wildcats a team to watch as March approaches.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-3)
Nebraska has quietly built momentum, recently stunning top-ranked Purdue 88-72. Senior guard Keisei Tominaga scores a team-high 14.6 points per game, and junior forward Rienk Masts lead the charge in the paint corralling 8.7 rebounds a game. Tominaga showcases a lethal limitless range three-point shot reminiscent of Steph Curry's. The Cornhuskers' ability to upset giants makes them a team with the potential to mirror the Cinderella run of Davidson in 2008.
Clemson Tigers (11-4)
Clemson's fate largely rests on the shoulders of 6-foot-10 senior PJ Hall, who opted to return for another season rather than entering the NBA Draft. Hall is in the midst of his best college basketball season averaging 18.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and one steal per game. With a veteran roster, a solid seven-man rotation and a top-40 ranking in KenPom, the Tigers have the ingredients to disrupt opponents, especially with their imposing height advantage.
Stanford Cardinal (8-7)
Under head coach Jerod Haase, Stanford boasts a unique blend of experience and emerging talent. Maxime Raynaud leads the charge for the Cardinal at center with 13.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He is complemented by returning players and the 33rd-best recruiting class, per 247Sports, featuring Andrej Stojakovic and guard Kanaan Carlyle. Both have provided sparks off the bench exemplified in the upset win over No. 4 Arizona with the two combining for 44 of the 100 points scored. Stanford's prowess beyond the arc, ranking 17th in 3FG% at 38.48%, positions the Cardinal as a team capable of establishing early leads and maintaining control.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-4)
Known for their outstanding guard play, the Demon Deacons, under the leadership of coach Steve Forbes, possess the talent to compete with the best. Transfers Hunter Sallis and Kevin Miller, along with emerging star Cameron Hildreth, provide a potent offensive threat. The three guards average a combined 52.9 of 81.9 points scored per game by the Demon Deacons. While Wake Forest may not be contending for an ACC title, their elite guard talent makes them a dangerous contender in the tournament.
Indiana State Sycamores (13-3)
A force among mid-major schools, Indiana State stands out for its prolific three-point shooting (third-best in country, 40.71%). In addition, the entire starting lineup averages double-figure points as well as six players shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, led by Isaiah Swope at 43%. The Sycamores are reminiscent of last year's Furman team that upset Virginia in the first round.
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