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As we survey the landscape of the matchups, the South Region has a handful of games that could result in upsets. Let’s take a look at three of those potential region-altering games.
No. 5 Michigan (-2.5) vs. No. 12 UC San Diego
The Wolverines won a grueling three games in three days to become Big Ten Tournament Champs. The tournament ended on Sunday — giving the Wolverines only three days off before having to travel out West to play on Thursday at altitude in Denver. To make matters even more complicated, they’re playing UC San Diego — a team most metrics have as the best No. 12 seed, and ultimately a team woefully underseeded.
Doesn’t seem like much of a reward for the Wolverines, does it? UCSD hasn’t lost since January 18th. The Tritons are a veteran squad with four players averaging double-digits. Michigan is a more talented team on paper — though the classic 12/5 upset is very much in play here.
No. 4 Texas A&M (-7.5) vs. No. 13 Yale
Yale has been the SEC slayers in recent memory. Last. year, a No. 13 Yale squad took out Auburn in the first round. It’ll now get Texas A&M — a Buzz Williams-led team relying heavily on guard Wade Taylor IV. The Bulldogs have won 18 of their last 20 games. They average nearly 82 PPG, and shoot 39 percent from three as a team. Unlike most Ivy League teams, Yale actually has some size. Center Samson Aletan is a legit 6’10” and frontcourt partner Nick Townsend is a burly 6’7″ 250 lbs.
The Aggies only shoot 31 percent from three as a team. They’ve also lost five of their last seven games — including a double-overtime loss to rival Texas in the SEC Tournament. Yale looks poised to upset the Aggies, and it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone if it indeed occurs.
No. 7 Marquette (-3.5) vs. No. 10 New Mexico
The Golden Eagles would be wise not to sleep on New Mexico. The Lobos are not your average Mid-Major program lucky to be in the big dance. Richard Pitino’s team has beaten the likes of UCLA, VCU, USC, Boise State, and San Diego State this year. The best player nationally practically no one knows about is UNM guard Donovan Dent. The junior out of Southern California is a legitimate NBA prospect averaging 20.6 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 1.5 SPG. He’s also shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from three.
UNM is far from a one-man show. Center Nelly Junior Joseph averages a double-double (14.1 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG). Mustapha Amzil (6’9″) and Arizona transfer Filip Borovicanin (6’9″) start up front giving the Lobos a gigantic frontline. If New Mexico can control the glass and get Dent in positions to score, an upset wouldn’t be all that surprising.
