The 2016 NCAA Tournament is nearly here and people around the nation are filling out their brackets. There are a few favorites this year, with No. 1 seeded Oregon Ducks among them.
Oregon was well-deserving of a No. 1 seed, posting an impressive 28-6 record and winning the Pac-12. While the Ducks don't get much love because of the East Coast Bias, they're a talented team that can win the NCAA Tournament. Here are three reasons why the Oregon Ducks will do just that.
3. Underrated Defense
Oregon is allowing 69.1 points per game, putting them outside the top 100 in scoring defense. However, this defense is better than many realize. Oregon is able to force turnovers, ranking 21st in the nation in steals and second in blocks. Oregon allows a decent amount of points, but they more than make up for it by scoring in bunches.
2. Hot At The Right Time
The Ducks lost some head scratchers early this season, falling to both Boise State and UNLV. However, Oregon has closed the season strong, winning eight straight. That includes an OT win over Arizona and a blowout win over Utah in the Pac-12 championship game. The Ducks will continue their hot streak in the NCAA Tournament and will end up winning it.
1. Deadly Offense
As mentioned above, the Ducks can score in bunches. They're one of the most efficient scoring offenses in the nation, ranking fifth overall. Four players are averaging 12 or more points per game, and all four shoot at least 45.8 percent from the field. The leader on offense is Dillon Brooks, who is about to become a household name. The SF is averaging 16.8 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. With Brooks leading the offense, the Ducks will run through the West Region and win the 2016 NCAA Tournament.