10 teams that could make surprise runs in March Madness
New Mexico
As illustrated by this list, the Mountain West is chock-full of competitive teams with six teams currently projected to make the field. While each squad could make a run, New Mexico鈥檚 would perhaps be the biggest surprise. Led by Richard Pitino, the Lobos appear ready to make a return to the tournament for the first time in 10 years. New Mexico ranks No. 22 in the nation in adjusted efficiency margin, No. 25 in adjusted defensive efficiency, No. 38 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 204 in luck rating, meaning that the team is just good, not benefitting from bounces of the basketball. With wins over the likes of Nevada, San Diego State and Utah State, the Lobos have shown they could beat tournament teams, but without a marquee non-conference win, they will have to prove themselves over the rest of the Mountain West slate.
