2015 March Madness Predictions: Top Sleeper Picks for Each NCAA Bracket Region

2015 March Madness Predictions: Top Sleeper Picks for Each NCAA Bracket Region: When it comes to picking an eventual champion for the 2015 NCAA tournament, sticking with a team seeded fourth or better has historically been the safest move. However, the Final Four has been a much different story lately and more and more surprise teams have been putting on the glass slipper. George Mason, Butler, VCU and Wichita State are just a few of the Cinderella stories that have cut down the nets and reached Final Four in the last decade. At this point, it is probably a good move to bet on at least one lower seed making it to Indianapolis. With that in mind, here is a closer look at one dark horse from each region in our 2015 March Madness Predictions that could get the job done.

2015 March Madness Predictions – Top Sleepers

South Region: Iowa Hawkeyes (25/1)

The Hawkeyes have been a frustrating team all season long, and based on their wins and losses alone, it is tough to see them making a serious push in the NCAA tournament. However, they drew a decent path to Indianapolis, and if they can get by Davidson in the Round of 64, the Hawkeyes will likely face a Gonzaga team that is the least battle tested of the No. 2 seeds. Meanwhile, Iowa’s roster is loaded with experience players, and the Hawkeyes also have plenty of size and skill in their frontcourt. Iowa also won six of its last seven games, and with the personnel to cause opponents some matchup issues, the Hawkeyes could be one of those teams that peaks at the right time and ends up cutting down the nets and reaching the Final Four.

East Region: Louisville Cardinals (14/1)

Sure, the Cardinals can be a downright ugly offensive team at times, but they ae also one of the best defensive teams in the country, which gives them a puncher’s chance against any opponent they face. Plus, it’s not like they are completely lacking offensive firepower. Terry Rozier is an excellent two-way guard, and Montrezl Harrell is one of the most athletic big men in the country. They are also battle tested, and while they have lost some close games to strong competition like Duke, Notre Dame and Kentucky, the Cardinals have also notched wins against major competition like North Carolina and Virginia. Virginia happens to be the No. 2 seed in Louisville’s region, and the East Region is general is filled with defensive-minded teams. If there is one thing the Cardinals can do, it is grind out games on the defensive end. It won’t be pretty, but the Cardinals could certainly outlast the competition to reach Indianapolis.

West Region: Arkansas Razorbacks (20/1)

With juggernauts Wisconsin and Arizona lurking as the top two seeds in the West Region, Arkansas is one of the few remaining teams with the talent to make some noise and long enough odds to make the gamble worthwhile. The Razorbacks rank 16th in the country and scoring and 12th in assists, and have they have two players that can take over a game in forward Bobby Portis and guard Michael Qualls. In fact, Portis is one of the best individual talents in the entire field, and he is averaging 17.5 points on 54.7 percent shooting, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on the year. Arkansas also has some role players that can stretch the floor. At the very least, the Razorbacks have two tough leaders that aren’t going to be intimidated by the big stage, and if Portis and Qualls can get hot, the Razorbacks could punch their ticket to Indianapolis.

Midwest Region: Texas Longhorns (25/1)

Let’s face it. When searching for a sleeper in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament Bracket, you have to identify a team that has a chance at beating the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats. Well, Texas has already faced the Wildcats this season, and while the Longhorns lost 63-51, they definitely weren’t overwhelmed. In fact, the game was tied at halftime, and Texas actually out-rebounded Kentucky and allowed the Wildcats to record just four blocks. Not to mention the fact that Longhorns’ point guard Isaiah Taylor didn’t even play in the matchup. Of course, Texas actually has to overcome its underachieving ways to even have a chance to play Kentucky, but the Longhorns are finally healthy, they have experienced starters, and they have as much size inside as any team in the country. They also have a potential NBA lottery pick in Myles Turner. The talent is in place for a special run if the Longhorns can figure out how to play to their potential.