Northern Iowa? Cornell? Saint Mary’s?
Northern Iowa without question is having the best Cinderella run of the tournament. The Panthers knocked off a (once upon a time perennial power) in UNLV only to follow that up with the greatest upset of the entire tournament edging out No. 1 seed Kansas.
As a college product of a Big 12 school (Texas) and someone who has covered Missouri Valley Conference basketball for two years (Northern Iowa and Drake) prior to the Sentinel, this is by far the biggest mark of basketball success for a MVC school in modern day history.
Indiana State was the last MVC team to reach the Sweet Sixteen and finished runner-up to Michigan State in 1979 in the famous Larry Bird-Magic Johnson showdown. Aside from Indiana State, Drake reached the men’s final four tournament in 1969.
So, for me, Northern Iowa’s tournament run is not only impressive in the context of what they’ve accomplished for the school. But for the history of a mid-major conference looking for prime time respect.
Let’s take a look at the other Cinderella teams looking to find success in the Sweet Sixteen, starting Thursday, March 25.
Thursday, March 25; 7:07 p.m. ET
No. 1 Syracuse v. No. 5 Butler
Pick: Syracuse
Thursday, March 25; 9:37 p.m. ET
No. 2 Kansas State v. No. 6 Xavier
Pick: Kansas State
Thursday, March 25; 9:57 p.m. ET
No. 1 Kentucky v. No. 12 Cornell
Pick: Kentucky
Thursday, March 25; 7:27 p.m. ET
No. 2 West Virginia v. No. 11 Washington
Pick: West Virginia
Friday, March 26; 9:37 p.m. ET
No. 9 Northern Iowa v. No. 5 Michigan State
Pick: Northern Iowa
Friday, March 26; 7:07 p.m. ET
No. 6 Tennessee v. No. 2 Oklahoma State
Pick: Oklahoma State
Friday, March 26; 9:57 p.m. ET
No. 1 Duke v. No. 4 Purdue
Pick: Purdue
Friday, March 26; 7:27 p.m. ET
No. 3 Baylor v. No. 10 Saint Mary’s
Pick: Baylor