North Texas Makes It: Potential Cinderella in NCAA Tournament?

It would be an understatement to say that this is a big deal for the fans of the University of North Texas.

Finishing with an impressive 24-8 record, this will be the third time ever the North Texas "Mean Green" Eagles Men’s basketball team will appear in the NCAA tournament. Being the 15th seed in this year’s dance, they will go on to face Kansas State (26-7) tomorrow.

Despite this only being their third time making it to the tournament, head coach Johnny Jones truly has transformed this North Texas basketball team into something that was not previously considered a conference "threat".

Before Jones' arrival, North Texas was underneath the leadership of Coach Vic Trilli who finished 20-87 overall, including an embarrassing 4-24 season, before being fired.

Considering these facts, it is obvious that Jones is on the right path with this new, revamped North Texas team.

The question now is whether or not North Texas will be able to assume their Cinderella role and pull off quite the upset tomorrow. Seasonal statistics show that this would not be too unbelievable.

North Texas has shown its improvements defensively as well shooting the ball inside, as opposed to Kansas State's tendency to play outside this season.

In this match-up, size will matter. North Texas forwards, George Odufuwa (6'10") and Eric Tramiel (6'7"), will have to prove who the larger team is.

In order for North Texas to shock the nation and pull off this upset they are going to need to do a number of things.

First, they will need to keep Kansas State Guard, Rodney McGruder, from staying open on the outside. Instead, they will have to force the game towards the inside near the key, where North Texas Defense is strongest.

Secondly, the "Mean Green" will have to limit their number of turnovers, and stick to the style of play that has been working for them this season.

No one said it was going to be easy, but this March Madness could start with the unexpected.