Fansided

College basketball: 5 dark horse contenders for the national championship

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 31, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Ducks won 91-74. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Ducks won 91-74. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) shoots the ball in front of Northeastern Huskies guard Zach Stahl (33) during the second half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Consol Energy Center. The Fighting Irish won 69-65. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste (30) shoots the ball in front of Northeastern Huskies guard Zach Stahl (33) during the second half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Consol Energy Center. The Fighting Irish won 69-65. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The 2014-15 Fighting Irish squad was absolutely a title contender, although it may not be remembered as such given the powerhouse programs who reached the Final Four. Notre Dame won the ACC tournament and came oh-so-close to taking down undefeated Kentucky in the Elite Eight.

This year’s team doesn’t boast quite the same talent level, as it’s tough to replace a player of Jerian Grant’s caliber. However, the Fighting Irish are putting up similar numbers on offense, making them a team nobody wants to see in the postseason.

Notre Dame has kind of been stuck in the low 20s in the AP rankings for much of the season, but that could change soon. The Fighting Irish are playing their best basketball of the season after coming from behind to beat North Carolina at home last weekend and picking up a road win over the Clemson Tigers (something other top ACC teams have failed to do) to start this week.

According to TeamRankings, the Fighting Irish rank fourth in the nation in offensive efficiency with over 1.17 points per possession. Much like last season, Notre Dame is impossible to stop when firing on all cylinders offensively, making them a tough out in March.

One of the biggest keys of Notre Dame’s season has been the ever-improving play of Zach Auguste in the low post. Demetrius Jackson is also a terrific player, while a sharpshooter like Steve Vasturia has the potential to take over a game.

Notre Dame is quietly positioning itself for a top five seed come March, making it a very dangerous team. Throw in the fact that the Fighting Irish have an excellent coach in Mike Brey, and the pieces are there for another deep tournament run.

Next: Dayton Flyers