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What if the Mascots played in the NCAA tournament?

It's March Madness...but with Mascots!
Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Wichita State Shockers mascot performs during practice the day before the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

From the Jackrabbits to the Friars and the Spartans to the Gaels, March Madness is a constant reminder of the wacky-and-crazy mascots that adorn the sidelines of every college game.

But what if the mascots weren't on the sidelines? What if they played a game of 5-on-5?

Here are the most interesting matchups (and worst puns) from each round of USA TODAY Sports' mascot vs. mascot bracket, including who would win the fictional throwdown.

Round of 64

10 Providence Friars vs. 7 Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M's nickname is the Aggies, but the mascot is actually a rough collie named Reveille (think Lassie). While some might question if the Friars can run with the dogs, we've got Providence winning on a last-second prayer.

Round of 32

13 UNC Greensboro Spartans vs. 12 South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Spartans are known as being some of the best warriors history has ever seen. That being said, their clunky armor will be a cause for concern while defending the Jackrabbits' speedy isolation and pick-and-roll game (they're known for living alone or in pairs). South Dakota State hops into the Sweet 16.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Sweet 16

16 Radford Highlanders vs. 4 Wichita State Shockers

In a shocking upset (low-hanging fruit, we know), the Highlanders come out on top in this one. A "shocker" is one who harvests wheat, and according to the school's website, a lot of former athletes in the early 1900's earned money in the summer by harvesting the crop. While a useful trade, it doesn't have much use on the basketball floor. As a consolation prize, WuShock might be the craziest-looking mascot in the tournament.

15 Lipscomb Bisons vs. 14 Montana Grizzlies

This game's going to be won in the paint. The Grizzlies and Bisons -- no, that's not a typo -- don't really match up well. Adult male grizzly bear can weigh between 400-800 lbs. and stand tall at 6 1/2 feet, on average. That height advantage moves Montana into the Elite 8.

Elite 8

3 Michigan State Spartans vs. 1 Kansas Jayhawks

This would be a great matchup in the real NCAA tournament, and it's just as intriguing in our fictional one, as well. As noted before, Spartans are battle-tested, they've been in the big game before and know how to perform. The Jayhawks mascot is a big, blue bird, but the name actually derives from the Civil War's Jayhawker anti-slavery and freedom movement. While Kansas' high-flying offense is undeniable, the Spartans' experience and discipline marches them into the Final Four.

Final Four

6 Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes vs. 1 Xavier Musketeers

The Hurricanes stormed through the South region and are riding a wave of success right into San Antonio. Miami's actual mascot, however, is Sebastian the Ibis. While the Musketeers are known for their ability to shoot, the ibis' long legs and large bills mean they'll be throwing down more dunks and alley-oops than the Florida Gulf Coast's Dunk City team from the 2013 tournament. The Hurricanes advance.

3 Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. 3 Michigan State Spartans

What more could basketball fans want? A great offense and great defense throwing down with a trip to the national championship on the line. Known for their attacking style, the Red Raiders will struggle to penetrate the Spartan frontcourt and backcourt.

National Championship

6 Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes vs. 1 Michigan State Spartans

If the Hurricanes were an actual Hurricane, this one wouldn't be close, they'd make it rain all over the Spartans. Fortunately for Sparty, we see Michigan State weathering the storm and hoisting the trophy.

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