Super Seven Sleepers from Outside the Major Conferences

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In addition to identifying the teams ripe for an upset in the first weekend, one must find the smaller conference clubs that have the potential to make a run into the second week. Every NCAA Tournament has them; you just have to figure out which ones. Last season saw Nevada make a run to the Sweet 16. Here are the top sleepers from the mid-majors:

Southern Illinois- A tournament-tested team, the Salukis play stifling defense and have Darren Brooks, one of the best all-around players in the country.

UW-Milwaukee- Their pressing style creates havoc against teams with weak ballhandlers. Ed McCants and Noah Tucker can carry the Panthers.

St. Mary's (CA)- They have a solid duo in Paul Marigney and Daniel Kickert and are not intimidated by bigger and stronger teams.

New Mexico- Outside of the Top 3 seeded teams, Danny Granger may the best player in the tournament. The Lobos also have all 5 starters in double figures.

UTEP- Filberto Rivera and Omar Thomas are a great inside-outside combo, and the Miners almost pulled an upset last season.

Nevada- The Cinderella of a season ago, Nick Fazekas and Kevinn Pinckney are tough to stop down low, while Ramon Sessions is a steady point guard.

Creighton- When their threes are falling, the Blue Jays can beat anyone. Nate Funk is the team's best offensive and defensive player.