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NCAA Basketball: 5 Unheralded Teams Entering March Madness, Including St. John’s & Michigan State

As conference tournaments loom just hours away, and the NCAA tournament picture gradually crystallizes with each passing day, several teams have the potential to exceed expectations over the next month.

St. John’s Red Storm, in particular, has recently undergone significant changes within the college basketball landscape. Notably, the team has shown resilience in response to public challenges from head coach Rick Pitino. Following a disheartening loss to Seton Hall, Pitino openly expressed his dissatisfaction, claiming it to be the least enjoyable point in his coaching career. This candid assessment, coming from a seasoned coach like Pitino, underscored the gravity of the situation. The Red Storm had just suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Big East, marking the second time they endured such a streak this season.

In response to Pitino’s call for greater toughness and defensive effort, St. John’s rallied, securing three consecutive victories, including two crucial road wins. Their most significant triumph came in a resounding 14-point victory against Creighton at Madison Square Garden, showcasing the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders.

Looking ahead, St. John’s faces a relatively favorable remaining regular-season schedule, with only Georgetown and DePaul remaining as tune-up games before the Big East tournament. One of the team’s notable strengths lies in its depth, with Pitino demonstrating a willingness to utilize nine to ten players per game. This depth has proven beneficial, contributing to the team’s impressive offensive rebounding statistics, ranking them among the top five nationally.

Similarly, the Colorado Buffaloes have faced their share of challenges en route to the NCAA tournament. A lackluster non-conference schedule limited their opportunities for statement victories, with losses to Colorado State and Florida State representing significant setbacks. Additionally, defeats to Arizona State and Cal cast doubts on the team’s ability to assert dominance in the Pac-12 conference.

However, despite these obstacles, the Buffaloes have rebounded impressively, securing three consecutive victories at a crucial juncture. As other bubble teams falter, head coach Tad Boyle has steered his team to success, offering hope for their postseason aspirations.