Unearthing Cinderella Prior to Her Arrival at the Grand Event
As the college basketball season tips off on Tuesday, November 9th, three teams are generating significant buzz: the Indiana State Sycamores, McNeese State Cowboys, and Yale Bulldogs.
The Sycamores, currently standing at 22-5, have been impressing fans with their high-risk, high-reward style of play. A staggering 50% of their field goals are three-point attempts, and their accuracy reflects this strategy, with a 37% success rate from beyond the arc, ranking them 16th in the country. Inside the arc, they are even more formidable, with a 61.9% shooting percentage, placing them 2nd nationwide.
However, the Sycamores have recently faced a setback, losing their last two games, which could potentially see them slip to the 13 seed line, according to Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology.
Meanwhile, McNeese State has been making waves with their impressive victories over VCU, Michigan, and UAB. Despite their head coach, Bill Armstrong, only beginning his tenure in the 2025-26 season, he has quickly attracted attention in the NCAA basketball scene. The Cowboys, currently 23-3, are projected as a 12 seed and are known for their disciplined play, rarely turning the ball over, creating the 7th most turnovers on defense, and getting to the free throw line at a high rate.
In the Ivy League, the Yale Bulldogs are jostling for the top spot. They boast a top 100 offense and defense according to KenPom's metrics, with a 13 seed standing. Their biggest challenge will be taking down Princeton and Cornell in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs are led by a 7'0" phenom sophomore, Danny Wolf, who averages 14 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, and a block per night.
The UConn Huskies have repeated as National Champs, but the spotlight is now on the Sycamores, Cowboys, and Bulldogs as they embark on their respective seasons.
Patrick Grudberg '24 serves as the Sports Section Editor for this coverage. Stay tuned for updates on these teams' challenges and opponents as the season unfolds.
