2018 March Madness Cinderella’s, Sleepers & Bracket-Busters

Every year when March Madness begins, we are treated to stunning buzzer beaters and surprise results that no-one saw coming. If you play a bracket every year, you know that there are always one or two teams who create an upset that sends said bracket down the toilet in a hurry. We all know that there are going to be Cinderella teams, sleepers, and bracket-busters in the tournament, but figuring out who they are going to be is where things get tricky. Selection Sunday is almost upon us, at which time we may have a better idea of where those surprise teams may be hiding. For now, though, let’s look at a few teams that might just spring an upset or two in the March Madness betting odds.

2018 March Madness Betting Cinderella’s, Sleepers & Bracket-Busters

Bill Murray taking in #MarchMadness! 👀🙌pic.twitter.com/TiNNT4HLz2

— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 7, 2018

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

The Ramblers won the regular season MVC title in rather comfortable fashion, finishing 4 games ahead of the nearest challenger. Bracket prediction have the Ramblers in as a potential #10, with a first round game against Gonzaga. This is a team that is certainly going to be tough to break down, as they are in the top 5 in the nation in point allowed per game at 62.2. This is their first tournament appearance in 33 years, so you get the feeling that this team may just go out and enjoy the moment without feeling too much in the way of pressure. That, for me, is a dangerous combination.

Vermont Catamounts

Vermont finished the regular season with just a single loss in the American East Conference, winning the regular season title in a cakewalk. The Catamounts have a bit of a history as a bracket-buster, as the ousted Syracuse when in as the #13 seed back in 2015. They actually seem to be better equipped to spring an upset or two this year, especially with sophomore Andrew Lamb returning from injury just in time for the tournament. Lamb averaged over 16 PPG this season, and if he can quickly recover that form, this team could be a legitimate threat to spring a first round shocker.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

One of the things to consider when looking for a bracket-buster is whether they have pulled off tournament upsets in the past. Middle Tennessee certainly fit the bill, as they have had back to back opening round upset wins in the last two tournaments. In 2016, they went in as a #15 and beat Michigan State, while last year saw them in as a #12, beating Minnesota in the opening round. They are likely to be in as a #9 or #10 this season, which suggests they are getting better with each passing year. Could this team be a potential Sweet 16 contender?

Saint Mary’s Gaels

We are going to need to wait until Sunday to see if the Gaels are actually in the tournament, but if they get in, this is a team that could potentially spring the opening round upset. Saint Marys finished second behind Gonzaga, ending the season with a 28-5 record. They don’t really have any major wins this season, which may go against them come selection time, but make no mistake about it, the Gaels could be a handful for whoever faces them in the Round of 64.