Northern Kentucky Norse: 24-10, 12-6 in the Horizon League
Head coach: John Brannen (2nd season)
Players to watch: Drew McDonald (16.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG); Lavone Holland II (13.9 PPG, 4.0 APG); Carson Williams (10.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG)
Season recap: There is perhaps no better story in this season's tournament than Northern Kentucky's run to the Big Dance. In 2013, the Norse officially began the transition to becoming a Division I program and received fully active status for the current season. After scraping out nine wins just a year ago, Northern Kentucky became only the second team to make the NCAA tournament in its first season of eligibility since 1970, defeating Milwaukee 59-53 in the Horizon League championship game.
Led by Drew McDonald, the Norse feature four players averaging double-digits in points and spread defenses with their ability to hit perimeter shots. Northern Kentucky averages almost 76 points per game and scored more than 80 points in five of its last six games. In a tough road test against West Virginia, the Norse were within seven at halftime before ultimately getting blown out. With one of the shortest teams in the nation—Northern Kentucky has an average height of just 6-foot-3—head coach John Brannen has worked wonders for the program and made the Norse the feel-good story of the NCAA tournament.
How they make a run: Northern Kentucky gets a chance to share its remarkable journey on the national stage and stays competitive in a game against a much more talented opponent.
How they falter: The Norse's program-changing season comes to a painful close as the team struggles to defend the interior against a bigger foe.
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