It is never too early to talk March Madness. While everyone’s focus might be on the Gonzaga’s and Auburn’s of the world, it is always fun to predict under-the-radar teams that will surprise people. With the regular season coming to a close in the next week, it is the perfect time to take a look at the most underrated teams in the country.
Murray State
The Murray State Racers have been dominant all season, only losing 2 games all season in route to a first-place position in the Ohio Valley Conference. One of those losses was in their fourth game of the season against East Tennessee State, and the other one was against the number three ranked Auburn Tigers. Led in scoring by seniors Tevin Brown and KJ Williams, this team could be even better than Ja Morant’s Racers. They are equally as good defensively as they are offensively, which is a recipe to cause big teams headaches come March.
Drake
For avid college basketball fans, they know how sneaky good the Drake Bulldogs are on a consistent basis. Led by respected coach Darian DeVries, who was an assistant at Creighton prior to joining Drake in 2018, the Bulldogs are also a very well-rounded team. Due to a poor stretch in the middle of Missouri Valley Conference play, they are unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament unless they win the MVC conference tournament. But, if their leading scorer, who just so happens to be DeVries’ son, has anything to say about it, it would be unwise to bet against Drake making a run in March.
Rutgers
My last sleeper for March Madness is the only one in a major conference. While Rutgers is never considered a threat, they are a program on the rise. Senior duo Ron Harper and Geo Baker have played with a special kind of tenacity all season long, which is a big reason why the Scarlet Knights have only lost two games at the RAC this year. They are currently seen as a bubble team in the tournament, but with two of their three last games being played at home, expect Rutgers to continue their late season push and carry that momentum into March.
For more College Basketball coverage, click here.
