Oregon, New Mexico or Duquesne? Which 11th Seeded Team Can Upset Big Teams in March Madness?

Grit for glory might be fueling the method behind the March Madness, but it won’t be a fairytale for everyone. While one may or may not have a new ruler of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball, some teams will definitely bring their A-games, giving fans several Cinderella stories in the upcoming three-week tournament.

Talking about the 6-11 upsets that may happen during the event, the ‘Field of 68: After Dark’ panel discussed who their personal favorites are. But before that, let’s see who the various 6-11 matchups for the game are. In the East region we have BYU (6) going against Duquesne (11). In the parallel West, we have Clemson (6) with New Mexico (11). Along the Midwest, South Carolina (6) will play against Oregon (11). Additionally, in the South, Texas Tech (6) will lock horns with NC State (11.)

Oregon edges past South Carolina in the Midwest

The Oregon Ducks have displayed some immense expertise this season. Especially, when we talk about their final few games. With four consecutive wins in the conference games, the Ducks brought the PAC-12 title home after a wait of five long years. Not only is their top scorer N’Faly Dante in his best shape by averaging 16.2 ppg while grabbing 8.8 rebounds, but he is giving them 70% field goal shots. His presence in the team can be quite lucky for the entire run.

Additionally, all the guards are quite impactful this season as well. Jackson Shelstad is now a veteran, giving his best basketball to the roster. In fact, it may not be an arguable topic if the Ducks swim past South Carolina in their first round tomorrow.

Also, South Carolina may be decent at its defenses and offenses, despite having a not-so-successful season. Being a 6-seed will surely give them some confidence boost to display their true capabilities on the hardwood. Nevertheless, it should not come as a surprise if the Ducks swim past them.

Moving towards the West, a new name is echoing in March Madness. But who’s it?

New Mexico is as hot as they come for this March Madness

The Lobos have set their name in some shining golden ink this season. Not only are they coming with a 26-9 win-loss record, they won the last four matchups consecutively. As it turns out, this talented roster has brought the Mountain West Conference trophy home after a decade. It is also their very first NCAA appearance in a decade. 

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Their guard Jaelen House has recently come off with a huge victory for the team. Hence, it is safe to say that this team can turn out to be a poisonous apple for Clemson. Further, they will also be a trouble to the Tigers’ guards, specifically Chase Hunter and Joseph Girard III. The two guards have been underperforming this season and are not quite as exceptional as they were in the previous March Madness.

While these two regions are showing off their underrated top guns, East also has a secret recipe of its own.

Duquesne for the win in the East

While it may be thought of as an over-seeded team, the Dukes have come a long way proving that they are not. In fact, in their regular season matchup against BYU, Duquesne showed that they have a better defense strategy in place than what meets the eye. Currently, they have the best 3-point defensive field goal percentage in the Atlantic 10 conference. Hence, going against a team that boasts their impressive beyond-the-arc shooting, is an easy way out for the Dukes.

If we look at the Cougars (6), more than 50% of their shots are from beyond the arc.

While NC State may have come to the tournament, Texas Tech has more advantage and expertise to go beyond the first round in the South region. Hence, if we talk about a perfect upset in this March Madness run, Duquesne is definitely a worthy team to live out their fairytale tourney. Nevertheless, it will be great to watch which team brings the upset home first.

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