1. Utah State- the Aggies posted a 22-1 record against quad 2/3 teams and notched 3 double digit point victories over top 40 NET teams in Oral Roberts and Boise State (twice), rank in the top 60 in FG%, assists per possession, rebound margin, points per game, and FT%
2. Drake- the Bulldogs are coming off a 26 point annihilation of Bradley in the MVC Championship game, rank in the top 40 in opponent FG%, turnovers per possession, FT%, and points allowed per game
3. Nevada- the Wolf Pack picked up 4 quad 1 wins on the year including a 75-66 win over MWC regular season and tournament champion San Diego State, also played Kansas State tough back in late November losing in OT, rank in the top 40 in turnovers per possession and are one of the best teams in the country and getting to the foul line and making free throws
4. Mississippi State- the Bulldogs posted victories over Marquette, Missouri, TCU, Texas A&M, and Arkansas (road), defensively are one of the nation’s best ranking in the top 40 in opponent FG%, points allowed, and steals per game
5. Florida Atlantic- the Owls enter the tournament with a 31-3 record and a 6-3 mark against quad 1/2 teams, rank in the top 20 in FG%, opponent FG%, and rebound margin, also are the nation’s 34th best three-point shooting team at 37.2%