News
Here are the links to all previous predictions:
Big Ten, Northeast & Ohio Valley
MAAC, Missouri Valley, Southern & West Coast
Three more tournaments get underway on Saturday, including MidcoSN's Summit League Tournament. Here's a look at the America East, Colonial Athletic Association, and the Summit.
America East Tournament
It's straight chalk in the America East, but that does not mean this tournament will be without excitement. Vermont is far and away the best team in the league, but a semifinal duel with Albany could get interesting. Albany is accustomed to getting to the tournament championship and the NCAA tournament, so they will not be a pushover. In the end, however, I think Vermont will have enough horses to get the job done. UMBC has put together a nice season as well, but they've been blown out in their two games against the Catamounts, so while I'm anxious to pick an upset, the smart money lies with Vermont.
Colonial Athletic Association Tournament
It's hard to imagine many, if any, upsets in the CAA, much like the America East. Charleston is the favorite, and while I'm tempted to go Northeastern, it's important to note that the Cougars have the benefit of not traveling for this tourney. That puts Charleston in the driver seat with everyone else chasing. James Madison, William & Mary, and Northeastern all have potential to knock off the top seed, but a 'home crowd' will prove too much to overcome.
Summit League Tournament
I don't envision a great deal of surprises here either, but I do like Oral Roberts in an upset over Denver in the quarterfinal round. The Golden Eagles almost knocked off the Pioneers in their last meeting, and their ability to get hot from the perimeter gives ORU the edge. All signs point to an all-South Dakota championship, and I see it playing out that way. Fort Wayne definitely possesses the ability to upset SDSU in the semifinal round, but I think the Jacks escape with only a scare there. I like South Dakota to earn the NCAA Tournament bid in what should be a thrilling championship match. The Coyotes have a deeper team that plays better defense than SDSU, and that in the end, will be a difference maker.
Up Next: Two tournaments tip-off on Monday (MAC & MEAC). I'll have a full preview of both out on Sunday (3/4)