2012 NCAA Tournament Predictons: Underrated Teams That Will Surprise

Every year, experts and college basketball fans alike ignore certain teams based on their records or seedings, but don't take into account what they bring to the table.

A good Cinderella team ideally has a balanced team, or is at least so dominant on one side of the court that it can do some damage. It also has momentum.

Here's a look at some teams who aren't getting enough credit heading into the Round of 64 who have the ability to shock the world.

3. Detroit (22-13, 11-7 Horizon League)

Everything Detroit does is via collective effort. Whether it be offensively, defensively or on the glass, there is no lack of effort or chemistry on this team.

Such a team is always dangerous in the NCAA Tournament.

It doesn't hurt that the Titans have a true leader in Ray McCallum, who is averaging 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals.

Detroit has a tough matchup against No. 2 seed Kansas to start things off, but don't be surprised if the Titans get under the Jayhawks' collective feathers.

2. St. Mary's (27-5, 14-2 WCC)

For a team that is being referenced a lot as a potential Cinderella, St. Mary's isn't getting much respect in the brackets. Experts such as ESPN's Jay Bilas are picking No. 10 seed Purdue to upset St. Mary's in the Round of 64.

St. Mary's can rebound, shoot the ball and have a true leader in Matthew Dellavedova, who is averaging 15.6 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 36 percent from three-point range. And while the Gaels aren't the most athletic team defensively, they have the size to pose problems for opponents.

St. Mary's will defeat Purdue in the Round of 64 and go on to take No. 2 seed Kansas down to the wire.

1. Davidson (25-7, 16-2 Southern)

Remember, Davidson made quite the run with Stephen Curry in 2008. They were everybody's favorite Cinderella that year.

Sure, Davidson isn't as good a team this year, nor do the Wildcats have Curry, but they do have the pieces to go on a run.

Not only can the Wildcats flat-out score the basketball, they can also rebound, and that shows they have the balance necessary to do some damage. They beat then-No. 11 Kansas on Dec. 19, and they enter the NCAA Tournament on a five-game winning streak.

And while De'Mon Brooks and Jake Cohen are averaging 16 points and 14 points respectively, there are also three other players averaging in double figures this season.

It shows that numerous players can step up at any given time, and that's a nice recipe to surprise in March Madness.

I see Davidson upsetting No. 4 seed Louisville in the Round of 64.

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