March Madness 2012: Bracket Busters Guaranteed to Make Sweet 16

The term "bracket buster" is scary for anyone in an NCAA tournament pool. We like Cinderella, but we don't want her ruining our chances to win money/bragging rights/etc. But this year's field is stacked with teams that can play the role of spoiler. 

We are going to break down the underdogs that will not only ruin your bracket in the second round, but keep the momentum going all the way through to the Sweet 16. 

Parity has ruled college basketball all season, even the top teams proved to be vulnerable at one point or another, so who is to say that Cinderella won't play a big role in determining who wins the tournament?

North Carolina State: No. 11 in Midwest Region

We have been waiting for the Wolfpack to play up to their potential, and it finally happened in the ACC tournament. They should have beat North Carolina in the semifinals if not for some shady officiating, but this is a new beginning for this team. 

NC State does so many things well, but its biggest asset is the ability to shoot the ball from anywhere. This team is dangerous and has a smooth path to the Sweet 16. 

San Diego State does not have the shooters to keep up with the Wolfpack in the second round, and the winner of Georgetown-Belmont can't match that athleticism of NC State in the third round. 

Kansas State: No. 8 in East Region

A few days ago, the idea of Kansas State making the Sweet 16 seemed a little far fetched. This team is talented, sure, but Syracuse would be lurking in the third round. 

All of that changed due to the situation involving Fab Melo. He isn't the biggest star the Orange have, but he is the defensive stopper in the middle that made them one of the best teams in the country this season. 

The Wildcats look better than ever now that Melo is out. They are taking on an overrated Southern Mississippi team in the second round. When they win that game, their athleticism and length to overwhelm Syracuse. 

Murray State - No. 6 in West Region

Admittedly, this one is cheating because the Racers have already won their second-round game against Colorado State. 

There seems to be some backlash against this team for playing a weak schedule, which is true, but that's not their fault. No one is going out of their way to put Murray State on the agenda. Plus, you have to give them some credit for winning 31 out of 32 games they played. 

Defensively, they are so fast and will put pressure on you. They appeared to lull Colorado State in early before pouncing on the Rams in the second half of their 58-41 victory. Don't be shocked to see them knock off the Marquette-BYU winner. 

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