Picking a 12-seed upset could be key for your bracket
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If you're an avid college basketball fan, you are probably aware there's a good chance a No. 12 seed will take down a No. 5 seed in March. If you're a rookie at filling out your bracket, here's a quick history lesson.
It happened twice last year and three times in both 2014 and 2013.
Since the 2000 tournament, there has only been two years where the 5 seed won all four games, so it's a fairly safe bet that at least one 12 seed is going to be heading to the second round.
Despite the frequency, it's not easy picking the right 12 seed to get the job done. The question is, which team has the best chance to take down a No. 5 this time around?
No. 5 Virginia vs. No. 12 UNC Wilmington
Don't bet on the Cavaliers bowing out of the tourney early. Virginia is suffocating on defense and is giving up a measly 55.6 points per game, good enough for tops in the country.
UNC Wilmington went 29-5 on the season and captured the CAA tournament, but they haven't played anyone close to the Cavaliers' level. Expect Virginia to cruise to the second round.
No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 12 Princeton
Ivy league teams are always a trendy early upset pick, but it's hard to imagine Notre Dame losing this one. Princeton will be in tough to top Mike Brey's squad, who is battle tested in the ACC and coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. The Irish have also won eight of their past 10 games and went on a tough run to the ACC tournament final.
No. 5 Iowa State vs. No. 12 Nevada
This one should be a little more interesting, as Nevada might be able to give Iowa State some problems. The Wolf Pack are coming in hot with nine wins in a row and boast four players averaging more than 14 points per game this season. Cameron Oliver, a 6-foot-8 forward, is a potent scorer and could be a matchup problem for the Cyclones.
No. 5 Minnesota vs. No. 12 Middle Tennessee
If you are planning to take a 12 seed to pull off an upset in the first round, Middle Tennessee should be your best bet. It's hard to fathom how Minnesota earned a 5-seed over teams like SMU, Cincinnati, Michigan, or Wisconsin, making the Blue Raiders a good upset candidate.
Middle Tennessee is 30-4 this year and can defend, giving up only 63.3 points per game. It also has upset experience in the tournament, beating No. 2 Michigan State in the first round a year ago.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)