Confrence Tourney Preivews Part I

Big South (Conf RPI 29)
Feb 27-March 3
Campus sites (higher seeds)

Favorite: Winthrop

The Eagles have yet to drop a Big South matchup and may be in line for an at large berth following the big BracketBuster win at Missouri State. The computer numbers still leave something to be desired and would take a hit if they were to drop one to a conference lightweight at home. They don’t want to put this in the committees hand.

Contenders: High Point

The Panthers gave Winthrop the biggest scare in conference in a one point heartbreaker in late January. They have handled business in conference with an 11-3 mark and look to be the clear #2.

Darkhorse: Liberty

The Fightin’ Fallwells are the only other team to post a winning record in the league, but are still below .500 overall. They have given Winthrop their closest game in a month forcing the Eagles to win on a 2nd half rally.

Prediction: Winthrop takes it out of the committee’s hands and holds serve Rock Hill.

Horizon (Conf RPI 12)
Feb 27-March 6
Campus sites (higher seed), Dayton

Favorite: Butler

The Bulldogs have cooled down since their early season tear, but their dance hopes are still in good shape. The unique format of the tournament which gives the top two seeds a bye to the semis.

Contenders: Wright State, Loyola-Chicago

Butler looks to be safe, but regular season co champ and top seed Wright State must win to keep hope alive. Wright State has split with Butler and swept fellow contender Loyola. Also, will be playing in their home state.

The Ramblers haven’t shown much consistency, but had enough in the tank to beat Butler in Indianapolis and come in winning 7 of the last 8.

Darkhorse: Youngstown State

The Penguins just drilled #1 seed Wright State and have a quality win at Kent State. Don’t know if they have what it takes to cut down the nets in Dayton, but this team could be dangerous one game at a time.

Prediction: The Butler does it. One bid for the Horizon.

Ohio Valley (Conf RPI 24)
Feb 27-March 3
Nashville

Favorite: Austin Peay

Despite dropping 3 of the last 4, the Governors won the regular season title by 3 games. They’ve been the team to beat all year and it doesn’t change now.

Contenders: Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Murray State

Murray State has been the premier program in the OVC winning the conference title on a seemingly annual basis, despite turnover in the head coaching spots.

The winner of the likely 2/3 matchup between Eastern Kentuckt and Tennessee Tech could be in a prime position with Peay’s recent downturn and an off year for the Racers of Murray State.

Darkhorse: Samford

The Bulldogs may just be a .500 ballclub, but their 3 point heavy slow down attack can cause problems for a lot of teams. They have a good shot at taking down an athletic Murray State bunch.

Prediction: Tennessee Tech over Murray State in the final. A down year in the OVC. A spot in the NIT for the suddenly struggling Austin Peay.

-PS