March Madness 2012 Bracket: Double-Digit Seeds That Will Advance to the Sweet 16
Parity in college basketball is becoming more evident every year, and that means multiple double-digit seeds will make it to the Sweet 16 this year.
Everyone is looking for this year's VCU, and while the small odds of an 11-seed making the Final Four may mean you shouldn't go that far, don't be afraid to have multiple Cinderellas winning multiple games.
Here's a look at who to target.
No. 12 VCU Rams
Why not start with last year's favorite mid-major?
Shaka Smart doesn't have as talented or as experienced of a team as last year, but it's his system and coaching that makes the Rams so dangerous come tourney time.
VCU is becoming famous for its "havoc" defense in which it puts on full-court pressure for the entire 40 minutes. Despite their propensity to go cold on the offensive end, the Rams make up for by causing so many turnovers.
To get to the Sweet 16, VCU will have to take out two great offensive squads in Wichita State and Indiana. Both games will be "good defense versus good offense," and that means anything can happen.
No. 10 Xavier Musketeers
I'm not a huge fan of Xavier, as the Musketeers have been extremely inconsistent since "the fight," but they have certainly been playing better as of late, and more importantly, this bracket really opens up for them.
First they get Notre Dame, who has been over-performing based on their level of talent. Late in the season, however, the Irish began to fall back to earth and Xavier should have no trouble winning.
Then the Musketeers likely get two-seeded Duke. Now, the Blue Devils certainly have some talent in Austin Rivers, but I'm not impressed with anyone beyond that.
After Rivers, who do they go to to score the ball? Seth Curry? He can shoot from deep, but he isn't an ideal second option. Andre Dawkins? He's incredibly inconsistent. Plumlee brothers? Not so much. Ryan Kelly? He's questionable to play, but even he doesn't provide anything exciting.
Duke relies way too much on the three-ball. If they get hot, the Blue Devils can win some games, sure, but they are incredibly susceptible for an early-round exit. Xavier will give it to them.
No. 11 North Carolina State
The Wolfpack have a tough road to the Sweet 16 with San Diego State and Georgetown in front of them, but this is all about how they've played as of late.
C.J. Leslie is finally realizing he's one of the best players in the nation, and when he's aggressive, he can go for 20 and 15 every night.
What's more, when Leslie is playing well things open up for sharp-shooter Scott Wood and point guard Lorenzo Brown.
Everything hinges on Leslie, but if the last 10 games are any indication, NC State is better than an 11-seed and can make a run.
