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5 Teams You Don’t Want To Face In The NCAA Tournament

By Nathan Giese

Jan 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) falls backward following an officials call against Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) falls backward following an officials call against Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders center Vashil Fernandez (14) reacts from the bench during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders center Vashil Fernandez (14) reacts from the bench during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

Valparaiso Crusaders

Senior-laden mid-majors teams are often the ones that are equipped to make the most noise. Take Mercer against Duke in 2014, for example. Especially when they’re going against young, inexperienced teams in the NCAA tournament.

Valparaiso isn’t completely led by seniors; the majority of their roster is upperclassmen with eight juniors or seniors and six sophomores and freshmen. Five of Valpo’s top seven statistical leaders are upperclassmen, led by Alec Peters‘ averages of 17.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Peters has actually upped his output in Horizon League play, averaging a double-double through the first five conference games.

Next: NCAA: How Men's Basketball Can Learn From The Women

The Crusaders are best known for their defense, which is rare for a mid-major looking to make their mark. Most rely on outscoring their opponent, but not Valpo. Through Jan. 17, the Crusaders are third nationally in adjusted defense and fourth in points allowed.

As expected in the preseason, Valpo is far and away the top mid-major in the country and seeing them as a 12th seed should strike fear into the opposing fifth seed they’re paired with.