Nate Marcus

With Selection Sunday quickly approaching, it is time to start taking a look at the teams that are going to make noise outside the power structure. Every Monday, I’ll spotlight a team and player making significant noise the week prior. This week we’ll take a look at Casey Alexander’s Belmont Bruins out of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Team of the Week: Belmont Bruins

Record: 18-1

Kenpom Rank: 92

Projected Seed: 13

Belmont’s one of the most consistent mid-major programs in the country over the last two decades. That success has transitioned from Rick Byrd to second-year coach Casey Alexander. This week, the Bruins extended their undefeated OVC record with road victories over Austin Peay and Murray State, arguably the toughest competition facing Belmont entering the season. Led by preseason all-conference players Nick Muszynski and Grayson Murphy, the Bruins go nine deep creating match-up problems all over the court If they can follow through as heavy favorites in the OVC Tournament, Alexander’s team could play Cinderella come Mid-March.

Player of the Week: Jalen Crutcher

The Robin to Obi Toppin’s Batman last season, Crutcher has taken the reigns as the go to guy in Dayton’s offense. He played all 80 minutes in two huge victories including a ranked win at Saint Louis. He scored 27 against the Billikens on Tuesday night with a number of clutch shots that kept the Flyers ahead late. Against Rhode Island on Friday, he added 15 more and distributed five assists. These victories are helping Dayton march to the top of the A10 standings. Crutcher’s elite play will surely have an impact on whether this team can get back to the dance.

Mid Major Top 10 2/1

  1. Gonzaga: Two more 20-plus-point victories against the WCC. It would be a shock if the Bulldogs did not enter the Dance undefeated.
  2. Loyola Chicago: Continues to dominate the Missouri Valley Conference. Sophomore Marquis Kennedy had a breakout in a comeback victory at Bradley Monday Night.
  3. Drake: Had to fight to the final whistle against Illinois State on Sunday but the record remains unblemished. Two weeks until the Bulldogs welcome Loyola which will determine the regular season champion.
  4. Boise State: Split with Colorado State ended their 13 game win streak. Showed toughness in a bounce back win over the Rams two nights later.
  5. Colorado State: The Rams got a signature win blowing out Boise State. David Roddy and Isaiah Stevens are a fantastic duo in the back court.
  6. Saint Louis: Billikens suffered a tough home loss to Dayton on Tuesday followed by a postponement against Richmond. A once dream dream season is starting to look nightmarish.
  7. Saint Bonaventure: Mark Schmidt’s team blew out George Mason in their only game this week. If cleared for action, next Saturday could loom large against Saint Louis.
  8. San Diego State: Ho-hum sweep at home against Wyoming. It’s possible the next true test for the Aztecs doesn’t appear until the final series against Boise State.
  9. Belmont: A new entrant to the rankings this week. Last second wins over Murray State and Austin Peay kept their unbeaten conference record in tact.
  10. VCU: Another new entrant to the rankings and an at-large hopeful. Bones Hyland is one of the best shooters in the country that you have not seen.

Also considered: Utah State, Toledo, Richmond, BYU