March Madness is always filled with upsets. So who are the most likely double-digit winners? 5. No. 12 Harvard over No. 5 Vanderbilt » The Crimson had a challenging nonconference schedule — defeating Florida State and losing to Connecticut. And the Commodores have struggled to get out of the first round, losing to double-digit seeds Richmond, Murray State and Siena in their last three tournament appearances.
4. No. 12 VCU over No. 5 Wichita State » The Rams play a pressure defense that can give teams trouble, as seen during their Final Four run last season. VCU leads the country in turnover margin at plus-6.5. The Shockers have a size advantage with 7-footer Garrett Stutz down low, but can he keep up with the pace?
3. No. 10 Virginia over No. 7 Florida » The Gators rely heavily on the 3-point shot — no team in the country attempted more per game. Virginia ranks 11th in the nation defending the 3, holding opponents to just 29.5 percent from behind the arc. Florida also doesn’t have an answer for Cavaliers forward Mike Scott.
2. No. 10 West Virginia over No. 7 Gonzaga » Mountaineers forward Kevin Jones led the Big East in scoring (20.1 points a game) and rebounding (11.1 per game). Gonzaga struggled defending post players in losses to Illinois, Michigan State and BYU.
1. No. 11 N.C. State over No. 6 San Diego State » The Wolfpack played well down the stretch, winning four straight games before falling to North Carolina 69-67 in the ACC semifinals. N.C. State sophomore forward C.J. Leslie has connected on more than 60 percent of his shots in each of the last five games.
– Jeffrey Tomik
