March Madness 2012: Mid-Majors That Will Reach Sweet 16
Although the top four seeds in every region of the NCAA Tournament belong to schools from power conferences, there are a number of mid-majors that will reach the Sweet 16.
Every year, talented teams that are virtually unknown to the general population make deep runs in the NCAA tournament. This season will be no different, as brackets will be busted by the end of the first weekend.
These mid-majors have the best chance to win at least a couple of games this March.
No. 6 UNLV
The Mountain West was the most underrated conference in the nation this season, and it will show once the NCAA Tournament begins.
UNLV is led by UCLA transfer Mike Moser, who averages 14.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
If the Rebels can get by Colorado in the first round, they most likely will face Baylor. While the Bears have talent, the team has been too inconsistent throughout the season to go on a deep run in the tournament.
No. 5 Wichita State
Not many teams have been able to get the best of Wichita State this season. Only a triple-overtime loss to Drake and a one-point loss to Illinois State separate the Shockers from a perfect 2012.
They have an incredibly balanced offense and were very fortunate to draw Indiana in the second round. The Hoosiers have some good wins, but have not been anywhere near as impressive away from Assembly Hall.
No. 6 Murray State/No. 14 Iona
It does not matter who is on a team's schedule—winning 30 games is impressive.
That is what Murray State was able to do behind scoring point guard Isaiah Canaan. The squad also has tournament experience from two years ago, defeating Vanderbilt in the first round before losing to Butler.
On the other hand, Iona could be a deep sleeper that can surprise people as a No. 14 seed. The Gaels run a fast-paced offense that can disrupt any team if the shooters can get hot.
Third-seeded Marquette could be in trouble against either of these teams.
No. 5 Temple
Like Indiana, Michigan does not have too many impressive wins away from home (except, of course, at Indiana).
Temple looms in the second round after dominating the Atlantic 10 all season.
The Owls are a little undersized, but Michigan is not a team that can take advantage. Considering the team shoots 40.2 percent as a team from three, they will be tough for any opponent to guard.
North Carolina will most likely prevent any chance of a deep run, but a Sweet 16 is a likely destination for this talented team.
