The NCAA Tournament produces upsets and magical runs every year, and 2016 should be no different. The selection committee underrates lesser-heralded teams, while other sides punish opponents for their off days and become the darlings of the nation.
This year’s tournament includes a number of potential bracket-busters. Here are the four leading candidates to author 2016 Cinderella stories.
HAWAII
The Rainbow Warriors are seeded 13th in the South Region, but they might stay in the tournament longer than most expect. Head coach Eran Ganot’s team is aggressive on defense and has boasted a balanced offense for much of the season.
Hawaii’s 27-5 record suggests it deserves higher billing. The Rainbow Warriors also won’t be in awe of first-round opponent Cal, and potential meetings with Maryland or South Dakota State in the second round give them a good chance of reaching the Sweet 16.
Hawaii will be banned from postseason play next season because of NCAA rules violation, so expect the Rainbow Warriors to play with a level of urgency and determination that could boost their chances.
WICHITA STATE
The Shockers are the No. 11 seed in the South Region after beating Vanderbilt in Tuesday night’s play-in game. Their recent tournament runs — Final Four in 2013 and Sweet 16 in 2015 — gives head coach Gregg Marshall’s team a good base of experience on which it can build. Senior guards Fred Van Vleet and Ron Baker have been here before and could have their eyes on a parting run for the ages.
If first-round opponent Arizona lacks focus or its shots aren’t falling, Wichita State can win behind its smothering defense. Next up likely would be No. 3 Miami, a team that hasn’t appeared in the NCAA tournament since 2013. If the Shockers have momentum following two consecutive wins, they could beat the Hurricanes and land in the Sweet 16, possibly against No. 2 Villanova.
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
The Lumberjacks are back for a third consecutive tournament, and they’re riding a 20-game winning streak. They’re seeded 14th in the East Region, but they’re capable of scoring a lot if their shots are falling on a given day.
Stephen F. Austin will face No. 3 seed West Virginia in the first round. While West Virginia surprised many with its fine season, Stephen F. Austin could topple the Mountaineers by solving their vaunted press.
A victory would set up a potential date with either No. 6 Notre Dame or No. 11 Michigan. Notre Dame flamed out of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, and potential opponents could come at the Irish with little sense of fear.
ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK
The Trojans, the No. 12 seed in the Midwest Region, are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011. But the Sun Belt Conference champions could become the Cinderella team in 2016 if they rise to the occasion.
Arkansas-Little Rock will meet Purdue in the first round. The Boilermakers rely on their 3-point shooting, which could abandon them under the bright lights in Denver — especially if the Trojans’ highly rated defense stifles Purdue.
Iowa State or Iona are Arkansas-Little Rock’s potential second-round opponents. The experience of the Trojans’ four senior starters could be pivotal in this matchup against either the No. 4 or No. 13 seed. Arkansas-Little Rock would consider both opponents beatable. Then it could be on to Chicago for a game against No. 1 seed Virginia in the Sweet 16.
Anything could happen at this stage for Arkansas-Little Rock … or the other 63 teams in ther tournament for that matter.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
