6 teams with a chance to be college basketball’s next first-time champion

March Madness: Schools that can become a first-time national champion

2. Auburn Tigers

Auburn has become one of the most dominant teams in the country this season, a feat that is even more impressive given the strength of the SEC. Prior to some recent struggles in conference play, Auburn’s only loss came in double-overtime to UCONN in the Battle 4 Atlantis, a stretch that saw them pick up wins against elite competition like Loyola-Chicago, Murray State, LSU, Alabama and Kentucky.

Bruce Pearl has also put together his most talented roster ever headlined by Jabari Smith, the potential top pick in June’s NBA Draft, and UNC transfer Walker Kessler, who has taken his game to another level in the SEC. A high-flying offense that averages nearly 80 points per game will make the Tigers a true national title threat in March Madness.

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Many thought that Gonzaga would be off this list last season after carrying a perfect record into the national championship game before being waxed by Baylor. While this year’s team isn’t nearly as loaded as last season’s edition of the Bulldogs, Mark Few has done a good job building a more well-rounded unit that may have a better chance to win it all in March.

Gonzaga bolsters the nation’s top freshman in forward Chet Holmgren, whose elite shot-blocking makes the Bulldogs one of the toughest teams to score against in the paint. The Bulldogs also feature the second-most efficient offense in the nation according to KenPom and can beat you in many different ways, making Gonzaga the most likely team to cut down the nets and claim the title of national champion for the first time in March Madness.

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