(RNN) - Depending on how you feel about the NCAA basketball tournament, which usually has a lot to do with how much your office bracket pool is worth, a little-known team knocking off a powerhouse can make your day or make you sick.
Regardless of what upsets do to fans' blood pressure, this is the Big Dance, and the only sure bet is that upsets are going to happen. And like it or not, they're good for the game.
They draw recruits' attention to little schools, they get coaches bigger contracts, and they make seasoned basketball experts look like idiots.
Consider this a heads up for the fans who take March Madness seriously - as well as a cheat sheet for those who fill in brackets just for the heck of it.
We've even thrown in some advice for the casual fans who make picks based on things other than talent and statistics.
VCU: 28-6 (15-5, away/neutral)
Why jump on the boat:
- The Rams do a fantastic job of putting pressure on the other team and taking the ball away, but be careful. That could also mean they're prone to gamble, leaving them in bad defensive position.
- Naturally, they don't allow a lot of points with all the turnovers they force.
- This team is deep with a capital "D." Coach Shaka Smart substitutes a lot and can play as many as 11 guys in a game, keeping fresh players on the court to wear down opponents.
Why abandon ship:
- You would think their defense allows them to score a lot of easy baskets. Ummm, not so much. Somehow, the Rams have managed to rank a dismal 167th in the nation in scoring.
Player to watch: Juvonte Reddic, F
He has not truly blossomed yet, but he is athletic, strong in the post and runs the floor well.
Uniform/mascot grade: B
Rams are tough animals, but the green and gold scheme? Ewww.
HARVARD: 26-4 (15-3, away/neutral)
Why jump on the boat:
- The Crimson players are totally unaware that they are underdogs.
- Coach Tommy Amaker was an assistant to Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski for nine years. Let's take a gamble and say that might be an advantage.
Why abandon ship:
For the scant amount of points they score, they can't afford to get careless with the ball and let opponents outshoot them at the free-throw line, which routinely happens.
Player to watch: Keith Wright, F
He is by far their best all-around player, but as much as they spread the ball around, you could take your pick.
Uniform/mascot grade: C+
They are known simply as the Crimson, and as a general rule, it's hard to beat an adjective. Their threads are straightforward and unremarkable, kind of like their playing style.
CREIGHTON: 28-5 (14-3, away/neutral)
Why jump on the boat:
- Doug McDermott tries to downplay comparisons to former BYU super shooter Jimmer Fredette. Other than the fact that McDermott is listed as 5 inches taller, someone please explain how they're not twins.
- Five players are better than 40 percent shooters behind the 3-point arc. That's a ton of firepower.
- This is a tough, seasoned team that didn't get here by beating cupcakes. They beat Long Beach State and Northwestern and took out San Diego State on the road.
Why abandon ship:
If you value size in the frontcourt, don't buy here.
Player to watch: Jahenns Manigat, G
He's not the first, second or third scoring option (and he has a funny name), but he is a serious threat as a crack shooter if McDermott gets pinned down.
Uniform/mascot grade: D
Their unis are slightly reminiscent of the Kansas City Royals, and their nickname is the Bluejays, both forgettable Major League teams for the better part of a generation.
DAVIDSON: 25-7 (12-5, away/neutral)
Why jump on the boat:
- How many times do you hear that free throws decide tournament games? The Wildcats shoot them as well as any team you can find.
- Speaking of shooting, four players average double digits in scoring.
- They beat Kansas. On the road. Enough said.
Why abandon ship:
They take way too many shots to get their points. If one or two players have an off night, it's going to get ugly quickly.
Player to watch: Jake Cohen, F
He is a strong post presence who is also one of the team's most dependable shooters.
Uniform/mascot grade: C-
Way too many teams are called the Wildcats. Davidson's red is lovely shade, though.
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Harvard forward Keith Wright (44) could be one of the game changers if the Crimson scores an upset in the NCAA Tournament. (Source: Gil Talbot/Harvard athletics)
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