5 Reasons a Mid-Major Can Win It All

1. More "At-Large" Mid Major Teams

St. Mary's, Butler, Xavier, Rhode Island, Davidson, Gonzaga, Drake, St. Joe's, South Alabama, and Western Kentucky are all vying for At-Large berths into the NCAA tournament.  With a few upsets in conference tournament play, we could see the largest field of mid majors ever.

2. Widespread Talent Among Major Conferences

With superstars like Michael Beasley (Kansas St.), DJ White and Eric Gordon (Indiana), and DJ Augustin (Texas), their is talent spread across the country.  This could lead to top teams going down in the 2nd round of the tournament.  With powerhouses (UNC, Memphis, Tennessee, etc . . .) eliminated, it could open up the road for a mid-major.

3. Eric Maynor (VCU)

While his stat line isn't overly impressive (17.9 PPG, 5.3 AST, 4.1 REB), Maynor is one of the most electrifying players in the country.  Currently VCU is sitting atop the CAA.  Maynor has the ability to carry VCU to a few wins come tourny time.

4. Improved Strength of Schedule

The Mid-Majors have stepped up their level of competition during the regular season.  Xavier, Dayton, Drake, and Gonzaga are all in the top 100 of schedule strength.  Add to that, teams such as St. Mary's, Butler, Rhode Island, Davidson, St. Joe's, and S. Alabama, who have all played some tough competition as well.  These tough games will prove very beneficial when March 17th rolls around.

5. Stephen Curry (Davidson)

He's averaging 25.8 PPG, and shooting 43% from behind the 3 point line.  Curry is one of the best scorers in the nation, plus, he has a good supporting cast to play with.  If Curry is hot, he can carry Davidson past a top tier opponent.