Around the Mid-Majors: Cinderella Watch

Multiple mid-major teams shock the country each year and go on a Cinderella run to create what we know today as March Madness.

This year is no different and there may be even more teams that could pull off shocking upsets.

Indiana State Sycamores (26-5)

The Sycamores have started to get some publicity in recent weeks. They were ranked for the first time since Larry Bird played for them and then went on to lose their next two games.

However, they have bounced back big time since those two losses. They clinched the Missouri Valley Conference Regular Season Championship and have won their last four games.

This team could cause problems in the tournament because they can shoot the ball from all five positions. As a team, they shoot 38 percent from behind the arc.

This team could make a run in the tournament if they remain hot.

New Mexico Lobos (21-8)

The Lobos have been back and forth as of late but have the pieces to get it done.

Sitting at 21-8, they are right on the bubble in a Mountain West Conference that is expected to get at least four teams into the tournament.

Guards are a big reason why teams make a run. New Mexico has a trio of guards that can each be the leading scorer on any given night.

Donovan Dent, Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr all average over 15 points per game while also all shooting at least 32% from behind the arc. This trio will create problems as March progresses.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers (21-8)

Sound familiar? This team continues to win after the transition to the Atlantic 10. The Ramblers struggled in their first season as a member of the Atlantic 10, but have completely turned it around in year two.

They got their biggest win in their most recent game against No. 21 Dayton. A 77-72 victory over a ranked team will boost this team entering the Atlantic 10 tournament.

The magic from Sister Jean is something that no team should want to face, as she took the country by storm in the Ramblers’ Final Four run in 2018.

The biggest question mark for this team is the fact that they will likely have to win their conference tournament to be able to get in. They are in prime position to be able to win it, but anything can happen in March.

Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-6)

Just a couple of weeks ago, Gonzaga was on the edge of not making the tournament. Now, with no bad losses and two ranked wins during an eight-game winning streak, the Bulldogs are set for another tournament appearance.

A lot of times, it’s not necessarily the better team that comes out on top. It’s the hottest team at the time. Gonzaga may be the hottest team in the country and wins like theirs of then-No. 17 Kentucky on the road can boost this team to get back to where they’ve been in so many years.

In many seasons, there is a massive spotlight on the Bulldogs. Now, flying under the radar, they can make a new Cinderella run that would shock the country.

Any team could make a Cinderella run, but these four have either the build or the history of making these runs that can shock everyone.

Andrew Deal is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email asd5765@psu.edu