March Madness 2011 Predictions: 5 Reasons Why VCU is This Year's Cinderella

March Madness never seems to disappoint.

The tournament was exciting right from the start Thursday afternoon, with Butler winning on Matt Howard's last-second layup in one of the first games of the tournament.

Not to be outdone, double-digit seeds Morehead State, Gonzaga and Richmond also pulled off impressive upsets. The Eagles victory was probably the most shocking upset of the tournament thus far.

While Friday was mostly chalk, there was one surprising upset that took place in one of the last games in the second round: the Virginia Commonwealth Rams absolutely took it to Georgetown. The Rams jumped out on the Hoyas early and never looked back. They outplayed Georgetown in all facets of the game and looked great doing it.

While the stories of Morehead State and Richmond are nice, here are five reasons why the Rams of VCU are this year's real Cinderella. 

5. Balance

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: Ed Nixon #50 and Joey Rodriguez #12 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams celebrates their win over the Georgetown Hoyas during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 18, 2011 in Ch

The Rams really like to spread the ball around rather than just rely on one player to score the ball.

VCU has four players averaging in double figures on the season, with numerous other players capable of stepping up and hitting shots.

In Friday's victory over Georgetown, the Rams were led by Brandon Rozzell, who came off the bench to score 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting.  Three other players scored in double figures, including Jamie Skeen, who led the Rams in scoring during the regular season.

Opponents will find this team very difficult to defend.

4. Battle Tested

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: Chris Wright #4 of the Georgetown Hoyas is injured in the second half against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 18, 2011 in Chicago, I

Not only are the Rams experienced, but they are also battle tested.

VCU starts three seniors and a junior, giving the Rams poise and experience, which is something that is very important in this tournament.

They also won't be intimidated by anyone, because they have played very good teams and have had some very impressive wins.

VCU scored victories over tournament teams Old Dominion, UCLA and George Mason. It also had narrow losses to both Tennessee and Richmond. The Rams tested themselves in the non-conference before enduring a full schedule in the Colonial Athletic Conference, one of the more underrated conferences in the country.

The lights will never be too bright for VCU.

3. Playing Angry

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: D.J. Haley #33 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams drives on Julian Vaughn #22 of the Georgetown Hoyas in the first half during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 18, 2011 in

Anyone else remember Jay Bilas and various others "expert" analysts spend the majority of Selection Sunday ranting about how VCU didn't belong in the field of 68?

I think VCU wanted to send a message of its own. Just ask Georgetown what that message was.

The Rams are out to prove all of the critics wrong. They came in to this tournament believing they belonged and now are out to prove it to everyone else. What makes VCU even more dangerous is that it is not only talented but it is also playing with a chip on its shoulder.

2. Tempo and Pressure

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: Jason Clark #21 of the Georgetown Hoyas looks to pass against Ed Nixon #50 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams in the first half during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 18,

Although the Rams aren't a great defensive team statistically, their style of play could potentially cause problems for opponents such as Purdue and Notre Dame.

VCU likes to play uptempo, constantly pressuring the ball and forcing opponents to play faster than they want to. In their victory over the Hoyas, the Rams forced 17 turnovers while only committing six themselves. They also made a conscious effort to guard the three-point line, holding the Hoyas to just 19 percent from downtown.

Not many teams will be able to beat the Rams if they are content to play at their pace.

1. Three-Point Shooting

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: Brandon Rozzell #32 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams shoots against the Georgetown Hoyas in the second half during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 18, 2011 in Chicago, I

The Rams' prolific three-point shooting will give them the ability to compete in any game they play in.

As a team, VCU shot 36 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season, while averaging over eight three-pointers made per game. Joey Rodriguez, Bradford Burgess and Brandon Rozzell can all shoot the ball effectively and any one of them has the ability to get hot and put this team on his back.

As if the stats weren't enough proof, VCU showed its shooting capabilities against Georgetown. The team shot 12-of-15 from distance, including six by Burgess.

Attitude, style and shooting will give this team a chance to make a deep run in the tournament. You could just be looking at this year's Cinderella.