March Sadness: The Biggest Bracket Busters So Far

After much yelling in the newsroom, here are our picks for the five biggest upsets so far in Big Dance this year.

1. Middle Tennessee State University

For only the eighth time, a 15-seed has beaten a 2-seed in the tournament, and it was sure a shocking one. About 40 percent of people had Michigan State going to their final four and 22 percent of people had them winning it all. Many people expected them to have Denzel Valentine carry them to the championship, but Middle Tennessee ruined it for the and all of their fans. Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early lead and never held back. Giddy Potts was a big part of their victory and helped the lightning to the upset win. Middle Tennessee left the Spartan players speechless. Tom Izzo, long-time head coach, was very upset with the loss, saying “We were simply outplayed.” Unfortunately for Middle Tennessee, he’s right.

2. Stephen F. Austin

The team that has had an upset two of the past three years. This year they beat West Virginia, a 3 seed, which was a complete shock to those who had West Virginia going deep in the tournament and some had them in their Final Four. Thomas Walkup led them to victory scoring 33 points allowing the Lumberjacks to pull of the upset. Look for Stephen F. Austin to have upsets in the future.

3. Yale

Yale won its first tournament game ever, playing against Baylor as a number 12 seed. Makai Mason scored 31 points in the victory leading the Bulldogs to a upset that busted everyone’s bracket from the beginning. Many people had this come as a shock because Yale had never won a tournament game in its history. Yale was thrown onto the basketball map of the world and is now known widely around the world for their historic upset.

4. Little Rock

Yet another 12-seed beating a 5-seed in the tournament. Little Rock was a team no one expected to win the game against Purdue; many even had Purdue in their Sweet Sixteen. They do not play as smooth as other teams, but they are a scrappy team that gets the job done. Josh Hagins hit the buzzer-beating three point shot from about half-court to tie the game and force it to overtime. They pulled out the win in double OT to advance to the Round of 32.

5. Hawaii

The 13 seed beat number four seed Cal in a shocking upset that added to the devastation of many people’s brackets. Winning by 11 and getting the upset gained the Rainbow Warriors the win. Motivated by President Obama’s picking them over Cal in his bracket. Though Cal was without many of its star players and may have been the reason for their loss, it was still a good win for Hawaii.