14 Seed: Stephen F. Austin
I wish they didn’t play West Virginia because I would have been extremely tempted to pick them in an upset in my regular bracket. The Lumberjacks have one conference loss in the last three seasons. This is a team that will be in the tournament three straight years now so they have the experience on this kind of stage compared to some of the other schools and have even won one of those games. They are second in the country in assists so they know how to move the ball effectively which can be key against West Virginia’s press. West Virginia has the big edge in rebounding but if that gets even, Stephen F. Austin has a chance.
13 Seed: Iona
The 13 seeds could be dangerous this year. I believe Iona, Hawaii, and UNC Wilmington are all capable of pulling an upset. Iona is the most likely though. Iowa State has faltered down the stretch, going 5-7 in their last 12. Iona has one of the best players in the country that people aren’t talking about with A.J. English. The senior guard averages 22.4 PPG and Iona has beat Monmouth twice, who got robbed of a tourney bid.
12 Seed: South Dakota St.
I’m not a fan of the 5 vs. 12 matchups this year. All of the 12 seeds are good small schools, but they play three Big Ten teams that are underseeded and Baylor. Those are really talented fives. Once again if I have to pick one I’ll go South Dakota St. The Jackrabbits have the highest RPI of all the 12’s at 31, and a win over a tournament opponent in Middle Tennessee. Maryland finished the worst of all the Big Ten teams that are five seeds. Maryland also faltered down the stretch (7-5) and might have some chemistry problems that make them vulnerable.
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