March Madness for 2010 has officially begun with Selection Sunday complete. Let the Bracketology begin!
A potential upset is looked for by everyone in the first round. The bill might be fit with UTEP, a no. 12 seed, and Butler, a No. 5 seed. Earning an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament, UTEP comes off regular season play as the winner of Conference USA.
Butler carries with them a 20 game winning streak into tournament play with longest streak of any team entering “The Big Dance.” A 16 game winning streak had been by UTEP, prior to their upset during the championship game of the Conference USA tournament by the University of Houston Cougars.
One common opponent during their 2009-2010 seasons in the Univeristy of Alabama-Birmingham has UTEP and Butler. UTEP defeated UAB in conference play during a double-overtime battle, winning 74-65 at Birmingham and 52-50 at home while Butler lost at UAB 67-57.
Four players who average double figures in the scoring column for the UTEP Miners are included among other note-worthy factors. A force on the boards as well is Derrick Caracter, one of those players. He leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8 per game. Caracter’s strength inside might be the straw to break the Bulldogs’ back, especially since he comes as a transfer from Louisville where he brings experience from NCAA tournament play. His 6 foot 9, 275 pound frame makes him a central inside presence.
The Conference USA Player of the Year Randy Culpepper, who will bring a lot to the table in offensive power for UTEP isn’t to be overlooked. Anything can happen on this stage with Culpepper’s quickness and 3-point range making him a threat.
Butler, no. 5 seed and the label of underdog, embraces their place and looks forward to extending their winning streak to 21 with a win over the Miners. With predictions and upsets the hot topics of the tournament, one to pay special attention might be this matchup. Any team can win, on any given day, and Thursday might just be the day for one no. 5 seed to be a first round upset for 2010.
