March Madness 2019: Predicting the First Round upsets

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 15: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Andre Wesson (24) looks on in action during a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans on March 15, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OHIO – MARCH 19: Kevin McClain #11 of the Belmont Bruins reacts during the second half against the Temple Owls in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 19, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

11 Belmont Bruins over 6 Maryland Terrapins

In the second First Four game on Tuesday night, the Belmont Bruins used a late second half run to advance to the First Round of March Madness past the Temple Owls. After the Owls pushed their lead to 52-47 at the 11:26 mark in the second half, the Bruins went on a 24-7 run to take the lead, which they never relinquished to earn the victory.

One of the most impressive things from Belmont’s victory on Tuesday night was that their star player, 6-foot-8 wing Dylan Windler, was a complete non-factor on the offensive end of the floor. Yes, he added 14 rebounds and three steals to the cause, but the senior who averaged more than 20 points per game in the regular season and shot 54.3 percent from the field managed only five points on 2-of-7 shooting.

That’s a great sign for the Bruins as they enter their matchup with the No. 6 seed Maryland Terrapins. While Mark Turgeon’s team can be a stalwart defensively, they struggled down the stretch, including taking a tough loss to Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament. Thus, that should open the door for Belmont to barge through in this game.

In years past, we’ve seen the winner of at least on First Four game have success in the First Round, and Belmont is going to be that team this year. They proved that they can score and win without their star playing at his best, which means they should be even tougher if Windler is back on his game.

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