Full 64 Team NCAA Tournament Breakdown

By Andrew Musur on March 19, 2015

The NCAA Tournament officially began on Tuesday, but that was only the first four games. The round of 64 officially kicks off Thursday afternoon as Notre Dame takes on Northeastern at 12:15 P.M. ET.

CBS will be featuring the opening game, and to say I am excited would be an understatement. It is finally time to break down all 64 NCAA tournament teams, starting with the 16 seeds.

16 Seed, Hampton University, 17-17 (8-8)

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Streak: 5W

The Skinny: Hampton is a team that got hot at the right time. The Pirates have won their last five games including a huge string of upsets in the conference tournament. One thing I really like about Hampton is they can rebound the ball.

The Pirates rank 49th in the country in rebounds per game notching 37.1 per game. But the Pirates can’t win a tough draw. They had to take down a talented team in a play-in-game, and now they have Kentucky waiting for them: ouch.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. With a .4 percent chance to beat the Wildcats, I think it’s safe to say Hampton will be heading up early.

16 Seed, Lafayette College, 20-12 (9-9)

Patriot League

Streak: 4W

The Skinny: Lafayette is one of the best offensive teams in the country. The Leopards rank at 8th in the country in field goal percentage (48 percent), 17th in assists per game (15.6) and 34th in points per game (74.2).

Lafayette will really have to get it going offensively if they hope to pull off the colossal upset. The Leopards also have six players that hit more than 40 percent of their threes, just ask Kansas.

Lafayette made it rain against them draining 12 three pointers. Kansas still won by a large margin, but Lafayette can get hot and hit shots.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Lafayette could get hot and hit 15+ three pointers against Villanova, but I just don’t think they have a chance to pull out the win.

16 Seed, University of North Florida, 23-11 (12-2)

Atlantic Sun Conference

Streak: 8W

The Skinny: North Florida is a team that I have mentioned in the past. The Ospreys are a unique team and won’t shy away when the Round of 64 begins. North Florida could pose matchup problems for Duke, but ultimately the Ospreys have almost no chance of advancing.

But keep your eyes on sophomore guard Dallas Moore. Moore is the type of player that could go off and take over a game.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I did say North Florida would give Duke a run for their money, but North Florida would need a perfect game for that to happen. Moore will make a name for himself against Duke, but it won’t be enough to advance.

16 Seed, Coastal Carolina University, 24-9 (12-6)

Big South Conference

Streak: 3W

The Skinny: I like Coastal Carolina, because they can rebound the ball. The Chanticleers are in the top five for rebounds per game notching nearly 40 boards a game, but Coastal Carolina will need a lot more than rebounds to knock off one seed, Wisconsin.

The Badgers will have to handle the Chanticleers’ seniors, as they try to end their college career on a good note. Josh Cameron and Warren Gillis will need to hit almost every shot to pull off the upset.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. There is no chance Coastal Carolina gets past Frank Kaminsky and the Badgers.

15 Seed, New Mexico State University, 23-10 (13-1)

Western Athletic Conference

Streak: 13W

The Skinny: New Mexico State has been one of the hottest teams in the country. The Aggies have ripped 13 in a row, and will have to bring their A-game if they want a shot to pull off a Florida Golf Coast run. New Mexico State did give Wyoming and Baylor a scare earlier this year, but they couldn’t hang on to win late.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. There is no way Kansas will lose in the first round, especially to a much weaker New Mexico State team.

15 Seed, Belmont University, 22-10 (11-5)

Ohio Valley Conference

Streak: 7W

The Skinny: Belmont is another team in this year’s tournament that really likes to score. The Bruins have been averaging 74.5 points per game and connect on 48 percent of their shots. A hot Belmont team could be very dangerous, but it is unlikely the Bruins will hit shots against Virginia’s stout defense.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Belmont would really need to be hitting if they wanted to take down Virginia. The Cavaliers have one of the toughest defenses in the country, and there is no way Belmont could hang with them.

15 Seed, North Dakota State University, 23-9 (12-4)

Summit League

Streak: 3W

The Skinny:  North Dakota State is a team that struggled against two of the three tournament teams they faced this season. The Bison lost by 25 to Texas and by 31 to Iowa. North Dakota State’s inability to compete with better competition makes them a questionable pick in the tournament.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Take Gonzaga.

15 Seed, Texas Southern University, 22-12 (16-2)

Southwestern Athletic Conference

Streak: 11W

The Skinny: The Texas Southern Tigers really challenged themselves during the non-conference portion of their schedule. They played seven NCAA tournament teams and even stole a win in overtime on the road against Michigan State.

Granted that game was back on December 20, the Tigers still showed they still play ball with the big boys. Texas Southern hit 53 percent of their shots against the Spartans, and will need to be on like that to get past the first round.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Arizona is a much better team, and should be able to easily handle Texas Southern.

14 Seed, Northeastern University, 23-11 (12-6)

Colonial Athletic Association

Streak: 4W 

The Skinny: Northeastern can really shoot the ball, nailing nearly 49 percent of their shots. I’ll be honest; the Huskies are going to have a tough time against Notre Dame. The Irish are a tough team to defend, and make you play half court basketball.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Notre Dame is one of the hottest teams in the country, although I don’t trust them during March. They should easily knock off the Huskies.

14 Seed, University at Albany, 24-8 (15-1)

American East Conference

Streak: 6W

The Skinny: The Great Danes have only played two teams ranked in the RPI top 100. I don’t necessarily hate them as an upset pick, but I think their lack of tough games will affect them more than people think. Albany doesn’t rank high in any offensive or defensive category.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. If they got past an Oklahoma team playing their best basketball of the year, I’d be surprised.

14 Seed, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 19-15 (12-6)

Conference USA

Streak: 3W

The Skinny: UAB is a team that played LSU and UCLA to brinks, but were unable to steal either marquee non-conference victory. The Blazers will need a lot to go right if they want to knock off Iowa State.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Iowa State is really really good, and UAB just doesn’t have the talent to keep up with them.

14 Seed, Georgia State University, 24-9 (15-5)

Sun Belt Conference

Streak: 5W

The Skinny: I actually really like Georgia State, but think Baylor is a really tough draw. The Panthers rank at 67th in KenPom.com rankings, ahead of plenty of other tournament teams. R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow are flat out scorers.

Both Harrow and Hunter hit more than 40 percent of their field goals. And let’s not forget about Kevin Ware, the ex-Louisville guard found a new home at Georgia State and has contributed nicely with 7.7 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 32 (Dreamland). Round of 64 (Realistically). Baylor is a team that gives a lot of teams fits. The Panthers will have to play almost perfectly to pull off the upset.

13 Seed, Valparaiso University, 28-5 (13-3)

Horizon League

Streak: 3W

The Skinny: I love what Alec Peters does for this offense. The 6-foot-9 sophomore is averaging close to 17 points a game, and has knocked down 49 percent of his field goals and 46 percent of his three pointers. Peters playing well is crucial if the Crusaders want to make it to the Round of 32.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Valpo has been a hot upset pick, but here is my issue with them: the Crusaders did not play a single NCAA tournament team all year. Let that sink in, and pick Maryland.

13 Seed, University Of California Irvine, 21-12 (11-5)

Big West Conference

Streak: 3W

The Skinny: The Anteaters played Oregon well this year, and if they are sharing the ball offensively they will be a nightmare for Louisville.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. No way UC Irvine makes it past the Cardinals.

13 Seed, Eastern Washington University, 26-8 (14-4)

Big Sky Conference

Streak: 5W

The Skinny:  I give Eastern Washington a chance for two reasons. One, they can bury you alive with three pointers. The Eagles hit 40 percent from beyond the arc. Number two: Eastern Washington has the number one scorer in the country Tyler Harvey. Harvey will need to be hitting from deep if the Eagles want to advance.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 32. I actually like Eastern Washington to get hot and knock off Georgetown.

13 Seed, Harvard University, 22-7 (11-3)

Ivy League

Streak: 2W

The Skinny: Harvard will have their work cut out for them when they face a tough North Carolina team. The Crimson have struggled offensively at times this year, and I think that will be a main factor in Harvard’s down fall.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I just don’t see Harvard taking down UNC.

12 Seed, University at Buffalo, 23-9 (12-6)

Mid-American Conference

Streak: 8W 

The Skinny: At the beginning of the year Buffalo played in Lexington, Kentucky and gave the Wildcats a run for their money. The Bulls ended up losing by 19, but they did hold a 38-33 lead at halftime.

The Bulls also lead Wisconsin at half by one, but ended up losing late by 12. Buffalo has been competitive all year, and they are one of the best rebounding teams in the country, another reason I like them to go deep.

How Far Can They Go: Sweet 16. Here is my first big upset pick. I like the Bulls to get hot and knock off West Virginia and to take down Maryland in the Round of 32.

12 Seed, University of Wyoming, 25-9 (11-7)

Mountain West Conference

Streak: 3W

The Skinny: This Wyoming team might have two of the most impressive wins coming into this tournament. The Cowboys had to knock off both Boise State and San Diego state in their conference tournament just to be here. Watch for senior Larry Nance Jr., as he tries to lead his Cowboys past Maryland.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I do like the Wyoming upset, but something tells me Northern Iowa will cruise to a victory here.

12 Seed, Stephen F. Austin State University, 29-4 (17-1)

Big Sky Conference

Streak: 9W

The Skinny: There is so much to like about Stephen F. Austin’s offense. The Lumberjacks rank 9th in points per game (79.5), 5th in field goal percentage (49.1) and 1st in assists per game (17.8). 

How Far Can They Go: Sweet 16. Watch for Stephen Austin to beat a struggling Utah team, and continue their winning ways all the way to the Sweet 16.

12 Seed, Wofford College, 28-6 (16-2)

Southern Conference

Streak: 8W

The Skinny: This Wofford team will need a lot to go right if they plan on making their game with Arkansas a close one. The Terriers were able to knock out N.C. State earlier this year, but Arkansas is a different story than the Wolfpack.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I just don’t see Wofford having enough talent to be able to compete with Arkansas.

11 Seed, The University of Texas, 20-13 (8-10)

Big 12 Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: At their best Texas can compete with anyone in the country. The Longhorns have been all over the glass this year, and their rebounding ability is a huge reason I think they can hang with Butler and even advance.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 32. Butler will be in trouble, as the Longhorns go back to their old ways and notch the upset.

11 Seed, University of Dayton, 26-8 (13-5)

Atlantic 10 Conference

Streak: 1W

The Skinny: Dayton is a team I like, because they play with a chip on their shoulder and have proven to the world that they can compete come March. Archie Miller has done a great job with these guys, and I could easily see the flyers making a deep run.

How Far Can They Go: Sweet 16. Give me Archie in the tournament any day of the week.

11 Seed, University of California, Los Angeles, 20-13 (11-7)

Pac 12 Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: UCLA is a team I feel is over seeded, and not really that good.  The Bruins got throttled in several games against tournament teams this year. UCLA lost by double digits to Gonzaga, Kentucky, North Carolina, Utah, Oregon and Arizona.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I don’t trust UCLA, and I really like SMU, so this one was easy.

11 Seed, University of Mississippi, 21-12 (11-7)

Southeastern Conference

Streak: 1W

The Skinny: Ole Miss will need Stefan Moody to continue to step up if the Rebels want any chance to advance.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I think Xavier will provide matchup problems against an Ole Miss team that had been struggling until they beat BYU.

10 Seed, Indiana University, 20-13 (9-9)

Big 10 Conference

Streak: 1L 

The Skinny: Don’t get me wrong, Indiana has tested themselves this year, but the Hoosiers last eight games against tournament teams have all been losses. This downward trend might be hard to overcome for Indiana.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I like Wichita State too much in this matchup. The Hoosiers can score at will, but they don’t play a lick of defense and that’s why I think Wichita gets the better of them.

10 Seed, University of Georgia, 21-11 (11-7)

Southeastern Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: Georgia is another one of those really tough rebounding teams. The Bulldogs are a scrappy team, but they are only 2-5 against NCAA tournament teams with two wins over Ole Miss.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Michigan State is too tough of an out come March.

10 Seed, Davidson College, 24-7 (14-4)

Atlantic 10 Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: Davidson is a team I’ve liked all year. They play offense well and they share the ball. Tyler Kalinoski is an all-around player that hits more than 43 percent of his field goals and three pointers.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 32. Davidson is definitely a team that I can see knocking off Iowa, and they have the potential to take down Gonzaga as well. Get Davidson hot from beyond the arc, and uh oh.

10 Seed, The Ohio State University, 23-10 (11-7)

Big 10 Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: Freshman D’Angelo Russell is going to have to step up huge if the Buckeyes want to make any noise in this year’s tournament. Russell is averaging 19.3 points per game, and will need to continue that come tournament time.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. I just can’t see Ohio State knocking off VCU; obviously it could happen, but the Buckeyes haven’t fared well with many NCAA tournament teams they faced this year.

9 Seed, Purdue University, 21-12 (12-6)

Big 10 Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: Isaac Haas and A.J. Hammons will have to be huge (literally) for the Boilermakers. Haas and Hammons are the twin towers for Purdue, and they will have to use their post presence and rebounding ability to move onto the next round.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 32. I like Purdue to beat Cincinnati, but they don’t have enough weapons to get past the mighty Kentucky Wildcats.

9 Seed, LSU, 22-10 (11-7)

Southeastern Conference

Streak: 1L

The Skinny: LSU has been such a tough team to gauge this year. They hung with Kentucky earlier this year, but they also just lost to Auburn. LSU can beat anyone in this tournament when they are playing the best, but I just think they have too tough of a first round matchup to advance.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. North Carolina State at their best is better than LSU at their best.

9 Seed, St. John’s University, 21-11 (10-8)

Big East Conference

Streak: 2L

The Skinny: St. John’s has been another tough team to gauge this year. I think San Diego State is too tough of a match up for St. John’s. They will have to defend well if they plan on beating the Aztecs.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. The Johnnies have been too unpredictable this year to go with them.

9 Seed, Oklahoma State University, 18-13 (8-10)

Big 12 Conference

Streak: 2L

The Skinny: Oklahoma State limped into the tournament. The Cowboys have lost 6 of their last seven games. OSU will need Le’Bryan Nash and Phil Forte III to play lights out if the Cowboys want a chance at Wisconsin.

How Far Can They Go: Round of 64. Oregon is quick and can score, and Oklahoma State has been really off as of late.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format