A look at three Boston area teams poised to make noise in the NCAA tournament:
Northeastern
Head coach Bill Coen has brought the Huskies dancing for the first time since 1991. Northeastern is a dangerous team that shoots at a high percentage, keeps their opponents off the offensive glass and rarely gives trips to the charity stripe. They are likely to be a No. 14 seed which has been responsible for some of the tournament’s biggest upsets, including Mercer over Duke last season and Harvard’s victory in 2013. Harvard
A one-game, do or die situation for the Crimson this Saturday against Yale. Harvard is trying to advance to a fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They are led by 6-foot-5 inch senior Wesley Saunders, who paces the team in scoring and steals. He is second in both assists and rebounds. Siyani Chambers’ accuracy has regressed this season but he still presents the ability to change the game with his speed and defense. Tommy Amaker has established Harvard as the top program in the league and the city.
UConn
There is no doubting Kevin Ollie’s ability to put together an improbable run after what was witnessed last season for the national champions. It’s win or go home the rest of the way for the Huskies. The season has been plagued with lost opportunities and close defeats. Six of their 13 losses are by a total of 12 points. Senior Ryan Boatright has had an All-American caliber campaign and the “kids,” mostly freshmen and sophomores, have flashed their potential in spots. It’s time for Daniel Hamilton and Rodney Purvis to put it all together to complement Boatright in what could be a formidable trio, capable of running the table. The American Conference Tournament is in the friendly confines of Hartford.
Boston area college basketball teams that could be part of the Madness of March
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