Each year, the college basketball world is captivated by unforgettable stories, and the mid-major basketball ranks never fail to deliver the most intriguing narratives, especially during NCAA Tournament time.
Here are the top five mid-major basketball storylines from 2024.
Oakland upsets Kentucky in NCAA Tournament
Cinderella stories are what make March Madness special. In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, 14th-seeded Oakland stunned third-seeded Kentucky, 80-76, in the first round. Senior guard Jack Gohlke stole the show, making 10 3-pointers and scoring a career-high 32 points to help give the Golden Grizzlies the first shocking result of the tournament.
The Golden Grizzlies became the 23rd 14-seed to win a first-round game since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
Oakland’s tournament run ended in a tight overtime loss to North Carolina State, 79-73. The Golden Grizzles had chances to advance, as they took the lead for the first time with a three-point play with 2 minutes, 49 seconds left. They also had the ball at the end of regulation with the chance to knock down a game-winner but turned it over with 1.3 seconds left.
Trey Townsend, the Horizon League Player of the Year, had 30 points and 13 rebounds for the Golden Grizzlies. Gohlke had six 3s and finished with 22 points.
It was Oakland’s first tournament appearance since 2011 and the first time they advanced out of the first round in program history. Despite winning just one game, they left a lasting impression on the March Madness audience.
Robbie Avila leads Indiana State to noteworthy season
Sophomore forward Robbie Avila became a national sensation with his standout performance and unique charisma. Averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, Avila dominated statistically and won over fans with his distinctive personality and flair on the court. His signature look — goggles reminiscent of a basketball legend — earned him the nickname “Cream Abdul-Jabbar,” further endearing him to audiences.
Avila’s breakout season was pivotal for Indiana State, propelling the Sycamores to a historic 32-win campaign and a runner-up finish in the NIT after being controversially snubbed for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. The season marked the program’s best since the Larry Bird-led squad went 33-1 and reached the NCAA Championship game, cementing Avila’s place as a transformative figure in Indiana State basketball history.
Six Mountain West Conference teams make the NCAA Tournament
The Mountain West had six teams receive a bid for the 2024 NCAA Tournament, setting a conference record.
New Mexico, the Mountain West’s automatic qualifier, earned a No. 11 seed. Utah State, the 2024 regular-season champion, earned an at-large bid and a No. 8 seed. San Diego State earned a No. 5 seed, and Nevada, Boise State and Colorado State all received at-large bids and No. 10 seeds.
The Mountain West’s six bids topped the conference’s five in 2012-13. It also marked the sixth straight tournament the conference had multiple bids, including four or more teams each of the last three years.
Utah State secured a hard-fought victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, while San Diego State advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual national champion UConn.
Duquesne snaps 47-year NCAA Tournament drought
Duquesne defied expectations and made history in a season to remember. The Dukes stormed through the Atlantic 10 Tournament, winning four straight games, including a thrilling victory over VCU in the championship. It marked their first conference tournament title since 1977 and ended a 47-year NCAA Tournament drought.
As a No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Duquesne continued its magical run with a hard-fought 71-67 upset over sixth-seeded BYU in the first round.
The journey ended in the second round, where third-seeded Illinois overwhelmed the Dukes with an 89-63 win. Still, the season was a triumph for coach Keith Dambrot, who achieved his long-standing goal of leading Duquesne back to the NCAA Tournament. Dambrot retired following the season, finishing with a 116-96 record in seven seasons.
Drake hires Ben McCollum as coach, starts season undefeated
Ben McCollum is one of the best coaches in the country, regardless of the level. He built Division II Northwest Missouri into a powerhouse, posting a 395-91 record and four national championships in 15 years.
After years of drawing Division I interest, McCollum found the right fit and took the helm at Drake following the 2023-24 season. While the Bulldogs had made the NCAA Tournament three times in the previous four years under Darian DeVries, McCollum had to assemble an entirely new roster.
McCollum brought four players from Northwest Missouri with him. All four players are starters this season, including star guard Bennett Stirtz. The Bulldogs are off to an undefeated 12-0 start, with victories over Miami, Florida Atlantic, Vanderbilt and Kansas State.
