With just a month to go before the start of the NCAA Tournament, college basketball's contenders have begun to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. However, since this is March Madness, it doesn't take much for David to flip the script and take out Goliath. Here are three under-the-radar threats you should get familiar with before filling out a bracket.
*Statistics and rankings courtesy of Sports Reference College Basketball
Murray State
The casual college hoops fan probably hasn't thought too much about Murray State since Ja Morant was taken second overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, as the Racers have missed the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. While this year's crew may lack Morant's star power, the roster might be better top-to-bottom than it was just three years prior.
Longest winning streaks in college basketball:
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) 5Etfw">February 10, 2022
Wagner (15)
Vermont (13)
Gonzaga (12)
Murray State (12)
South Dakota State (12)
Longwood (10)
Arkansas (9)
Long Beach State (9)
Montana State (9)
North Texas (9)
Providence (7)
A 24-2 record has carried Murray State to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference, but that might be selling them short. A 27th-best Adjusted Efficiency Margin, according to KenPom, suggests that these Racers are good enough to be in the 6-7 seed range, but may be lucky to place as an 8th seed in a region due to a lack of quality wins. Ranked fifth in the nation in offensive rating, the team has both 6 foot 10 inch forward K.J. Williams and 6 foot 5 inch guard Tevin Brown averaging over 17 points per game. Having to worry about playmakers at every spot on the court, the Racers have enough talent to overwhelm most defenses.
UAB Blazers
Last tournament, 14th seeded Abilene Christian defeated 3rd seeded Texas despite shooting an abysmal 30