Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Sleepers from Outside the Major Conferences

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In addition to identifying the teams ripe for an upset in the first weekend, one must find the smaller conference clubs that have the potential to make a run into the second week. Every NCAA Tournament has them; you just have to figure out which ones. Last season saw Wisconsin-Milwaukee make a run to the Sweet 16. Here are the top sleepers from the mid-majors:

Southern Illinois- The Salukis struggled late in the season, but play stifling, ball-hawking defense and have a very good backcourt in Jamaal Tatum and Tony Young. If they score, SIU can get some wins.

Wichita State- The Shockers received a favorable draw and also have a balanced starting five, led by MVC Player of the Year Paul Miller. Kyle Wilson and P.J. Couisnard are also solid up front for WSU.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee- The Panthers pulled off back-to-back upsets last season, and could do the same this year. Joah Tucker and Boo Davis form a great duo, and UWM likes to press and force turnovers.

San Diego State- The Aztecs are led by one of the best inside-outside combos in the country in Brandon Heath and Marcus Slaughter. SDSU is versatile on offense and can beat you in a variety of ways.

Winthrop- The Eagles are one of the best #15 seeds in recent memory. They are tall, athletic, and play very good defense. Torrell Martin leads a very balanced starting five. Their draw is also friendly.

Iona- The Gaels started hot and are capable of pulling off an upset. They play up-tempo basketball, and are led by an excellent backcourt in Steve Burtt and Ricky Soliver. Look out for Iona.

Northwestern State- The experienced Demons are a legit darkhorse to get a win. They like to play up-tempo basketball, and are very deep. Clifton Lee has the ability to carry them if needed.

Utah State- The Aggies just snuck in the field, and will look to make the most of it. The inside-outside duo of Jaycee Carroll and Nate Harris is very solid, and USU is very efficient on the offensive end.

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