Top College Basketball Teams to Watch in March: Mid-Major Power Rankings

The landscape of college basketball is continually evolving, especially as March Madness approaches. This year, mid-major teams are making headlines, showcasing talent that could lead to unexpected upsets in the NCAA tournament. Below is a roundup of the top college basketball teams to watch in March, focusing on mid-major power rankings.

Mid-Major Power Rankings Ahead of March Madness

As February comes to a close, several teams from outside the traditional power conferences have emerged as serious contenders. Here’s a look at the leading mid-major teams:

• 1. Gonzaga (21-1) – Under coach Mark Few, Gonzaga remains a formidable force. They boast a 14-game winning streak, having defeated top teams like Kentucky and UCLA. Their combined scoring frontcourt averages 35.9 points per game.
• 2. Saint Louis (19-1) – The Billikens are dominating the Atlantic 10 under coach Josh Schertz. With a 7-0 conference record, they have narrowly missed an undefeated season, thanks to a single buzzer-beater loss. Robbie Avila leads with 12.7 points per game.
• 3. Miami-Ohio (20-0) – This mid-American Conference team has made history by winning its first 20 games. Coach Travis Steele’s squad has excelled in close games, featuring significant overtime victories against strong opponents.
• 4. Utah State (16-3) – Known for developing coaches, the Aggies remain competitive. MJ Collins Jr. leads the team, averaging 19.3 points per game. Their start was impressive, but they’ve faced recent setbacks.
• 5. Saint Mary’s (19-3) – Consistency defines the Gaels, who have excelled in free-throw success, hitting 81% of their attempts. They continue to perform strongly within the West Coast Conference.
• 6. Santa Clara (17-5) – Led by Herb Sendek, the Broncos are on track to achieve their best season in a decade. They have notable wins over several ranked teams.
• 7. San Diego State (14-5) – The Aztecs have rebounded from a slow start. They are defensively sound, ranking 26th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, a hallmark of their program.
• 8. New Mexico (16-4) – Coach Eric Olen has transitioned the Lobos back into competitiveness, securing quality wins in his first season while maintaining a strong record.
• 9. George Mason (18-2) – Under the leadership of Tony Skinn, this team has solidified its standing, despite benefitting from a less challenging nonconference schedule.
• 10. Akron (16-4) – The Zips have faced tough competition, with many of their losses being closely contested. Tavari Johnson stands out as a dynamic scorer, averaging over 20 points per game.

Impact of Mid-Major Teams in March Madness

As the NCAA tournament approaches, mid-major teams offer a blend of surprising talent and history-making potential. College basketball fans should keep an eye on these programs as they aim to disrupt expectations and create memorable moments in March Madness.