NCAA Tournament: Remember the Mid-Majors

Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers – Congratulations on winning the play in game. Congratulations on getting to the big dance. However, a 16 seed has never upset a 1 seed, so work for that 14 seed next year and good luck.

Texas Arlington Mavericks – Congrats on making it to the tournament, but again bad luck with the 16 seed.  

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils – Congratulations on making it to the tournament

Portland State Vikings – Congratulations on making it to the tournament.

It’s a hard place to be, the 16 seed, but someone’s got to do it. Not only has a 16 seed never beaten a No. 1 seed, but this year all 1 seeds made it to the final four, so these teams really had their work cut out for them.

Thank you for your hard work, and I hope you enjoyed your experience.

American Eagles – No, this team is not a major clothing store. (Well, it is…but you know what I mean) Congratulations on making the tournament and getting a 15 seed.

Now you have to play Tennessee, a team many thought deserved a 1 seed. Wow, this game was a thrill to watch. I made a bet with my brother before this game started that Tennessee would score 100 points. (I got odds) The score at halftime was 22 to 29. You kept it close and worked hard, great game boys.

UMBC Retrievers – Congratulations on making it to the tournament and earning a 15 seed.

Belmont Bruins – This team deserves quite possibly the most props in this entire list. You boys played an incredible game against one of the most intimidating teams in the NCAA (intimidating, not good).

This game had me out of my chair yelling at the TV. I won’t lie, I can’t name a player on your team, but you almost upset No. 2 seed, Duke and that is worth major props any day of the week. Thank you for your season, and good luck in the future.

Austin Peay Governors – Congratulations on making the tournament.

Only 4 number 15 seeds have upset 2 seeds in the history of the seeding process in this tournament. It is an incredibly hard place to be, and yet Belmont almost made it 5. It’s rare that a 15 vs. 2 is even a game, and this year we got two close ones.

Cal-State Fullerton Titans – I learned a lot about this team since they played Wisconsin in the first round, and I’m a die hard Wisconsin fan. They had the highest scoring average in their conference, and one of the better defenses. Great job reaching the tournament, I’m just not sad you lost.

Cornell Big Red – How is it playing against two twin giants? That’s a tough draw having to play Stanford in the first round. Congratulations on reaching the big dance, better luck next year.

The chance of winning as a 14 seed is considerably better then winning as a 15 seed. It goes from roughly 4% to 16%. Sorry, this year none of the 14 seeds pulled that crazy upset.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?