The 2010 NCAA basketball tournament is only a few weeks away so it’s time to start getting your brackets together to wager on March Madness. Sure, it’s easy to predict how the top ranked teams in the power conference will measure up, but here you can find some of the lesser known squads to look out for that are predicted to make an impact in the tournament.

New Mexico

The Mountain West Conference team hasn’t received much national attention this season. The Lobos have quietly put together a 25-3 record and won their last 11 games with three left in regular season. Junior guard/forward Darington Hobson leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. Former Iowa head coach Steve Alford has done well and may get a three or four seed for his squad in the tournament.

Butler

Butler could wind up with a perfect regular season in the Horizon League. The Bulldogs are 17-0 in conference play heading into Friday’s matchup at Valparaiso. Sophomore guard/forward Gordon Hayward is leading the team averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds per game. Since the Horizon League is in the lower echelon of conferences, Butler looks to be the only team from the conference to reach the NCAA tournament and will probably earn a fifth or sixth seed.

Northern Iowa

Northern Iowa has already secured the Missouri Valley Conference championship with two games left. But, the Panthers will probably have to settle for a number five or six seed because of their average competition as well. The team doesn’t have a player that averaging more than 13 points per game, but the style of play will be difficult to match. The Panthers are second in the country in points allowed at just above 55 points per game.

Old Dominion

Old Dominion lost at Northern Iowa last weekend in what was a “bracket busters” game. But, the Monarchs can still win the Colonial Athletic Association title this week. They have two games left before the conference tournament and are tied with Northeastern at the top of the standings. Senior forward Gerald Lee leads the team with 14 points per game. Old Dominion is just 8-5 in non-conference play, but a December win at powerhouse Georgetown may earn a nine seed in the tournament. While the Monarchs are just 8-5 in non-conference play, a December win at Georgetown could enable the team to land a nine seed in the NCAA field.

Siena

Siena has made its mark in the last two NCAA tournaments with opening round wins over Vanderbilt and Ohio State. The Saints were overmatched against Butler last weekend, but no team wants to draw them in the first round. The team has is 15-1 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and has four players averaging at least 14 points per game. Siena has a dynamic offense with plenty of matchup problems that could get the team to the Sweet 16.