Phind comments on what Teams have been Predicted to make Surprising Runs in the NCAA Men’s 2024 March Madness Basketball Tournament

Based on the provided sources, several teams have been predicted to make surprising runs in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness Tournament:

• Creighton is highlighted as a potential Cinderella team, with a strong veteran trio that could lead them to the Final Four.

• Gonzaga is expected to upset No. 4 Kansas, showcasing their strong performance against top-100 teams and balanced team play.

• Alabama is mentioned as a team with a shot at ending their Final Four drought in basketball, facing tough competition in the same region as North Carolina, Michigan State, and Arizona.

• Drake is predicted to reach the Sweet 16, especially if they can win their first-round game against Washington State and potentially face Iowa State in the second round.

• Baylor is expected to win the West Region, despite facing Colgate, a team they’ve previously lost to by significant margins.
• New Mexico is considered a small flier in the West Region, especially if things get weird out there.
• Colorado is predicted to reach the Sweet 16, leveraging their NBA talent and potentially facing winnable games against Boise State, Florida, and Marquette.
• Oregon is expected to reach the Sweet 16, especially with a healthy Ducks team and games against South Carolina and potentially Creighton.

• James Madison, a No. 12 seed, is highlighted as a potential upset against No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round. Their dynamic backcourt, led by Terrence Edwards and T.J. Bickerstaff, could be a game-changer. James Madison’s performance against Michigan State in a thrilling overtime game suggests they have the potential to surprise No. 4 Duke in the second round.

• McNeese State, another No. 12 seed, is noted for their strong defense and high-scoring offense. Their win against Michigan, UAB, and VCU in non-conference play, along with their 17-1 record in the Southland Conference, makes them a potential threat against No. 5 Gonzaga. Their turnover margin and scoring defense could give them an edge against the Bulldogs.

• Creighton, a No. 3 seed, is mentioned as a team that could reach the Sweet Sixteen, showcasing their veteran trio and strong performance against top-100 teams.

• Gonzaga is expected to upset No. 4 Kansas, highlighting Gonzaga’s strong performance against top-100 teams and their balanced team play.

Teams like James Madison and McNeese State manage to upset No. 5 seed teams like Gonzaga and Kansas through a combination of strategic advantages, team strengths, and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of how these teams approach their games:

James Madison vs. Wisconsin

• High-Volume Offense: James Madison is known for its high-volume offense, averaging 84 points per game, which ranks 10th nationally. This strategy can overwhelm defenses, especially those that struggle with managing the pace of play.
• 3-Point Shooting: The Dukes have a strong 3-point shooting team, led by Terrence Edwards Jr. and T.J. Bickerstaff. Wisconsin’s defense ranks last in the Big Ten in 3-point defense, making James Madison’s 3-point shooting a significant advantage.
• Turnover Margin: James Madison has a strong turnover margin, which can lead to more scoring opportunities and fewer turnovers for the Badgers.

McNeese State vs. Gonzaga

• Aggressive Defense: McNeese State is an aggressive defensive team, forcing an average of 16.5 turnovers per game, which is the 9th-best mark in the country. This can disrupt Gonzaga’s offense, which relies heavily on ball movement and precision passing.
• 3-Point Shooting: McNeese State has a collective 38.8% shooting from beyond the 3-point arc, with four starters hitting at least 40% from distance. This can exploit Gonzaga’s weakness in 3-point defense, potentially leading to a high-scoring game.
• Ball Protection: McNeese State is among the best in college basketball at protecting the ball, with a +6.7 turnover margin, ranking 3rd behind only Houston and Iowa State. This can counteract Gonzaga’s strength in ball movement and possession.

Both teams leverage their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents to increase their chances of upsetting higher-seeded teams. James Madison’s high-volume offense and 3-point shooting, combined with a strong turnover margin, can overwhelm Wisconsin’s defense. Similarly, McNeese State’s aggressive defense, 3-point shooting, and ball protection can disrupt Gonzaga’s offensive flow and force turnovers. These strategic advantages, combined with the teams’ strong performances throughout the season, make them formidable underdogs in the NCAA Tournament.