NCAA Bracket 2012 Predictions: Players Who'll Lead Upsets with Epic Performances

College basketball fans love to see upsets, but they love to see players put on all-time great performances to lead those upsets even more.

See Stephen Curry, Jimmer Fredette, Bryce Drew, etc...

Those are the types of performances that make us love March, and here's a look at who could shine in upsets this year.

C.J. McCollum, Lehigh

McCollum will get attention for his ability to absolutely light up the scoreboard—rightfully so, he averages 22 points per game—but he can really fill up the stat sheet. 

The 6'3" junior guard averages 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals per contest, all of which lead the team. And he's incredibly clutch.

Austin Rivers gets a lot of attention for Duke, but he's going to have his hands full with McCollum, who excels in every aspect of the game.

Don't forget that Lehigh went into Michigan State earlier in the year and led at halftime before eventually falling by nine. There's no question they can compete with a reeling, inconsistent, not-as-good-as-people-think Duke squad.

Prediction: 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, five steals

Will Cherry, Montana

Cherry is terrific at scoring in a multitude of ways. He has vastly improved his shot from distance (1.6 threes per game), but he's also very good at getting to the hoop and drawing contact.

On the season, the junior is averaging 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 rebounds as Montana's star point guard.

But where he is really key, and where he'll make a difference against Wisconsin, is on defense. Cherry averages 2.6 steals per game and creates absolute chaos for opposing point guards.

If Jordan Taylor has trouble getting comfortable for Wisconsin, the Badgers' offense will never get going, and that makes them susceptible to an upset because they play so slow.

Prediction: 18 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals

Casper Ware, Long Beach State

The senior guard isn't always efficient (40.7 percent shooting), but if he gets in a groove he has the ability to drop 30 on any given night.

Ware is averaging 17.4 points, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals on the season, and he'll be instrumental if the 49ers are going to knock off New Mexico.

Speaking of the Lobos, Ware will have his hands full, but he clearly thrives against big competition. He scored 28 in a win at Pittsburgh, 26 in an overtime loss at San Diego State and 29 in a six-point loss at North Carolina.

He also had solid games against Louisville, Kansas, Xavier and Kansas State. Ware won't back down to anyone at this point.

Prediction: 30 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals