March Madness coverage continues as we look at the best potential upsets of the first round of the tournament. Looking through the matchups there are plenty of games that could go either way and some that could end in a 30-point blowout. This list doesn't designate the upsets I would personally pick on my bracket, but one game per division to consider when filling out the bracket.
East:
No. 5 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 12 Harvard Crimson:
The Crimson come in as a popular pick to advance to the round of 32 and against Cincinnati they will get their shot. Harvard has no glaring weakness, but will have to deal with the incredible defense the Bearcats bring to the table, led by one of the best players in the country in Sean Kilpatrick. Harvard will give Cincinnati all it can handle early and could pull their second upset in two years.
West:
No. 6 Baylor Bears vs. No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers:
The heart that Nebraska brings to the table screams Cinderella to many and they have caught the right amount of momentum coming into March. Beating Michigan State in the road and topping Ohio State and Wisconsin at home shows how good this team can be. Baylor came on late as well by making a run in the Big 12 tournament after a discouraging 2-8 start. It would be tough to not pick Nebraska in this matchup just based off the incredible story it would be.
Midwest:
No. 3 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 14 Mercer Bears:
This game lives and dies for Duke through Jabari Parker and his ability to score. Mercer made the tournament by winning the Atlantic Sun tournament and knocked off last years darling in Florida Gulf Coast. Duke will have their hands full with the physical prowess that Mercer brings to the table, but if Parker commands this game Duke will walk away with a win. Duke looks to avoid being the 2014 major name to go one and done in March.
South:
No. 5 VCU Rams vs. No. 12 SF Austin Lumberjacks:
Two elite defenses square off as two lose SF Austin looks to end VCU’s reign in March. These two teams bring contrasting styles to the table, but offer one of the premier match ups of the round of 64. Shaka Smart always puts the best product out on the court and he will need it for the Rams to continue to be the darlings of March. The Lumberjacks on the other hand can spread the ball around and score numerous ways while wearing you down of defense. SF Austin could surprise the Rams out the gate.
What matchup are you watching closely? Who are your first round upsets? Tell us @SportsWN
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