2012-2013 Conference Tournament Previews

Big West conference tournament preview

By Mar 14, 2013, 11:00 AM EDT
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Long Beach State, even with heavy personnel losses from last season’s NCAA tournament team, was the preseason pick to win the Big West and Dan Monson’s team did just that. But the 49ers didn’t lack for challengers and that will be the case this weekend when the top eight teams get together at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Any of the eight teams in the field are capable of winning at least one game this weekend, which should make for an entertaining three days in Anaheim.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: Anaheim, California (Honda Center)

When: March 14th – March 16th

Final: March 16th, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Favorite: Long Beach State

The 49ers enter the tournament having lost three of their last four games, with two of those defeats coming on the road against UC Irvine and Pacific, so they don’t enter the weekend rolling so to speak. But the talent for another title run is certainly there, with Ennis and sophomore point guard Michael Caffey leading the way. The addition of DePaul transfer Tony Freeland allowed Ennis to move back to small forward after having to play as an undersized four for much of non-conference play. Also of note are shooting guard Keala King and power forward Dan Jennings, with King giving the 49ers the slasher (in addition to Ennis) this team didn’t have during non-conference play.

And if they lose: Pacific

Seven players average at least five points per game but just one, Lorenzo McCloud (11.4 ppg) is in double figures, which underlines Pacific’s reliance on balance and controlling tempo. The Tigers shoot nearly 39% from beyond the arc and they share the basketball, as their assists per game (15.4) and assist percentage (63.1% of their made field goals are assisted) lead the Big West. With their pending move to the WCC and head coach Bob Thomason retiring, the Tigers won’t lack for motivation this weekend.

Sleepers: This area is loaded with possibilities, beginning with UC Irvine and Hawaii. Both have depth in the front court, with Michael Wilder, Will Davis II and Adam Folker leading the way for the Anteaters while Vander Joaquim, Christian Standhardinger and Isaac Fotu anchor things insider for the Warriors. Cal Poly is similar to Pacific in that they have one player averaging double figures (forward Chris Eversley) and shoot well from beyond the arc. Lastly there’s UC Davis, a team capable of lighting it up offensively with Big West scoring champ Corey Hawkins leading the way.

Studs: 

– F James Ennis (Long Beach State): Big West Player of the Year, Ennis ended the season ranked in the top ten in the Big West in points, rebounds, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, steals and blocked shots.

– Corey Hawkins (UC Davis): Averaging 20.9 points per game on the season, and he lit up Hawaii for 41 earlier this season.

– Alan Williams (UC Santa Barbara): The only player in the Big West averaging a double-double, Williams (17.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg) leads the way for the Gauchos.

Prediction: Go with the “storybook” ending here. Pacific leaves the Big West on top, sending their retiring head coach to the NCAA tournament one last time.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.

2013 Great West Tournament preview

By Mar 14, 2013, 8:30 AM EDT
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Who plays a conference tournament for win an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament isn’t the final prize? Why, the Great West Conference does.

The five-team conference of schools that span from Utah to New Jersey will hold their own version of mini-March Madness starting today with a three-round affair. We at College Basketball Talk are equal opportunity bloggers, so whether we’ll see the tournament champion in the Field of 68 or not, the conference deserves attention.

Two teams will be forced to win three games in three days if they want the title, while three others need only two.

There is a bid to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament on the line. So that’ll have to suffice.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

THE BRACKET/SCHEDULE

Where: Chicago (Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State)

When: March 14-16

Final: March 16, 8:30 p.m. EST (CSU-TV, as well as online streaming HERE.)

Favorite: New Jersey Institute of Technology

With a 16-12 overall record and a 6-2 conference record, the Highlanders hold the top seed in the tournament. They enter winning five of their last six games. Jim Engles team does have wins over Army and South Carolina State out of conference.

And if they lose?:

Texas Pan-American could be the culprit. The Broncs handed NJIT a loss in their regular season finale on Saturday. UTPA holds the two seed in the tournament with a 16-15 overall record and a 5-3 conference mark.

Sleepers:

Houston Baptist handed NJIT their only other conference loss and sit as the four seed in the tournament. The Huskies are 12-16 overall and 3-5 in the conference.

Studs:

Chris Flores, NJIT – He’s the Great West’s leading scorer at 17.2 points per game and can get buckets from anywhere on the floor(es…yea, had to do it).

Brandon Provost, Texas-Pan American – Leads the Broncs with 14.8 points per game, third in the league. He also makes them at a 44-percent clip.

Ben Aird, Utah Valley – Second in the conference in scoring at 15 points per game and leads the conference with nine rebound per game.

Art Bernardi, Houston Baptist – Leads the Huskies in points (14.5 per game) and rebounding (6.9 per game).

CBT Prediction: NJIT. It’s got to be tough knowing that regardless what happens, a win in the conference title game still ends your season, but the Highlanders can take solace in the fact that they are one of the few teams that won their final game of the season, should they take the title back to Newark.

Follow David Harten on Twitter at @David_Harten

2013 Conference-USA tournament Preview

By Mar 13, 2013, 3:15 PM EDT
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Conference-USA has centered around just one team the entire year. The Memphis Tigers have thoroughly dismantled the entire conference, finishing with an unblemished record in league play. While the Tigers have received national acclaim for their performances this season, the rest of the conference has been completely forgotten about, and with good reason. SMU made a splash in the off-season with the hiring of Larry Brown, but that could not cover up the fact that SMU, along with the rest of the conference is not all that good. Southern Miss had a strong showing under Donnie Tyndall, but is lacking the firepower Larry Eustachy had at his disposal a year ago. Tulane has had a nice resurgence, capturing their first winning record in 2008. But those success stories are few and far between, considering the entire conference failed to accrue a single win over a top-25 opponent.

Check out a preview below:

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: BOK Center, Tulsa, Ok.

When: March 13-16

Final: March 16, 11:35 a.m. (CBS)

Favorite: Memphis Tigers
The perennial-favorites have lost just once since Christmas, and finished the season unbeaten in league play. Their lone loss came on the road at Xavier in a rare late-February non-conference game, and they won all of their C-USA games by a 13-point average margin of victory. Memphis’ issue is that they struggled to play up to the level of their competition in non-conference play. Luckily for the Tigers, they won’t find much stiff competition in the C-USA tournament. On top of that, they are also likely to get guard Antonio Barton back, who has been out with a foot injury for the past six weeks.

And if they lose? Southern Mississippi
While not as talented as Memphis, Southern Miss has a strong squad that is offensively gifted and well-balanced. Six different players can be primary scorers on any given night, and JuCo transfer Dwayne Davis, who was named C-USA Newcomer of the Year, has been hot as of late, averaging 28.5ppg in his last four games. Donnie Tyndall’s squad will need to limit turnovers, which has been their primary issue all season. If they can maximize the number of offensive possessions, they will have a real chance to steal a bid from Memphis and the rest of the NCAA tournament bubble.

Sleeper: Tulsa
OK, this is a stretch, a really, really big stretch. Yes, Tulsa is 16-14 overall and just 8-8 in Conference-USA, but I mean, why not? From what we’ve seen this entire season, it would come as no shock to me if Tulsa were to advance to the championship game. They have Danny Manning at the helm this year, the same Danny Manning from the 1988 Kansas “Danny and The Miracles” team. Plus the tournament is being held in Tulsa at the BOK Center. We’ve already seen some bizarre stuff from championship week. Liberty, a team with 20 losses, won the Big South tournament. Anything can happen folks.

Other Studs:

– Josh Davis, Tulane
The junior forward has been the conference-s most dominant player this year and averages a double-double per contest. He has failed to score ten points just three times and has scored 20+ points in nine games. He is Tulane’s catalyst and is involved on nearly every play. He ranks in the top-40 in the country among minutes used, and is among one of the best rebounders in the country, providing the Green Wave with extra possession.

– Joe Jackson, Memphis
He’s the Tigers’ team leader, top scorer and most important player. The Memphis-native is one of the most efficient offensive players in the country, and does a bit of everything for the Tigers, averaging 4.9apg, 3.1rpg and 1.7spg. In all but one of Memphis’ losses this season Jackson has struggled to assert himself in the offense. Luckily none of the losses came against C-USA competition, which means he is likely to be a force for the next four days.

– Elijah Pittman, Marshall
The junior forward leads the team in points and has been playing some of his best basketball since February 1st. Teamed with guard DeAndre Kane, the Thundering Herd have one of the better 1-2 punches in Conference-USA. They will need to ge the most out of their duo if they want to steal a bid from league-leading Memphis.

CBT Prediction: Memphis is going to win the tournament but only because I envision mass chaos throughout the entire C-USA bracket. This tournament often provides us with the unexpected, which could lead to a final between Memphis and 5-25 Rice.

You can contact Troy Machir on Twitter at @TroyMachir

Big Ten Conference Tournament Preview

By Mar 13, 2013, 1:21 PM EDT
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I’m not sure I can remember a more anticipated conference tournament than this year’s Big Ten.

Maybe the 2009 Big East tournament, the year that UConn, Pitt and Louisville all got No. 1 seeds and Villanova made the Final Four.

But even that Big East can’t compare to this year’s Big Ten in terms of excitement. The league is loaded this season, and while there were top ten and top 20 matchups seemingly twice a week, it felt like every single one of those games lived up to the hype. Over and over and over again, the Big Ten provided us with a Game of the Year candidate, as the heavyweights that dominate the top of the conference took turns beating up on each other.

And frankly, there’s no reason that can’t happen again this week. Look at some of the early round matchups: the Illinois-Minnesota winner gets a rematch with Indiana in the quarters, with the winner of that game to play the winner of Michigan-Wisconsin for the right to go to the title game. When an NCAA tournament Final Four contender has to be eliminated before the Final Four of the conference tournament, you know it’s going to be exciting.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: United Center (Chicago)

When: March 14-17

Final: March 17th, 3:30 p.m. ET CBS

Favorite: Indiana

If the Hoosiers aren’t the best team in the country, than they are right there in the conversation. Indiana has a couple of the most impressive wins that anyone has notched this year, going into Ann Arbor and East Lansing and to sweep both Michigan schools. In fact, Indiana went 5-2 against the other top five teams in the Big Ten. When they are focused and ready to play, there may not be a team in the country better than them.

If there is a reason to be concerned about the Hoosiers winning the Big Ten title, it’s that their path there is going to be quite difficult. They’ll need to beat either Minnesota or Illinois in the quarterfinals and Wisconsin or Michigan in the semifinals before they even get to the title game.

And if they lose?: Michigan State

How confident are you betting against Tom Izzo this month? I’m not, especially when Adreian Payne is playing hard and Gary Harris is hitting shots from the perimeter. The key for Michigan State comes down to the play at the point guard spot: which Keith Appling is going to show up this week? The one that looked awful in losses to Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State, or the one that took over in the second half against Wisconsin? Appling missed 17 straight threes at one point. He also had a couple of games this season where he looked like the best point guard in the conference not named Trey Burke.

Other contenders: I never thought that I would be saying this, but Ohio State looks like a serious challenger for the Big Ten tournament crown. They get either Purdue or Nebraska in the quarters before a potential rematch with Michigan State in the semifinals. I think the Spartans are a better basketball team, but with Aaron Craft’s ability to shut down Appling, they are a hot shooting night from their role players away from a trip to the finals.

And the, obviously, there is Michigan and Wisconsin. As impressive as the Badgers have been this season, I just can’t see them winning the Big Ten tournament, but that’s the thing about Bo Ryan’s program: they are always lurking just below the surface, waiting for someone to overlook them. Michigan was this close to beating Indiana on Sunday, and there is no question they have the talent to win this tournament. The problem? They have to win four games in four days, with the final three eventually being Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan State or Ohio State. That’s tough.

Sleeper: Purdue

The Boilermakers played really well late in the season, winning at Wisconsin and blowing out Minnesota to sandwich a loss to Michigan in a game that they probably should have win. Purdue has some quality guard play and an underrated youngster in the paint in AJ Hammons. If Matt Painter can get them to get stops, they have a favorable draw — relatively speaking — to the title game.

Deeper sleeper: Illinois and Minnesota

We’ve seen how good these two teams can be when they play well. Both were ranked in the top 15 at one point. Both have wins over Indiana. And both have also lost to Northwestern. They play in the 8-9 game. Someone has to win that before getting a rematch with the Hoosiers.

Studs:

– Trey Burke, Michigan: He’s our National Player of the Year.

– Cody Zeller, Indiana: This year’s national love affair has been with Victor Oladipo, but I have a feeling that Zeller is going to put on a show in the United Center this week.

– Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State: He shoots a lot, but when he gets into a rhythm, he’s a lot of fun to watch. And he can carry the Buckeyes.

CBT Prediction: I’d love to pick something out of the ordinary here, but I just think that Indiana is going to flex their muscles. They’re the best team in the conference. I think they leave no doubt.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.

Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Preview

By Mar 13, 2013, 10:30 AM EDT
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The Atlantic 10’s automatic bid isn’t going to be the only NCAA tournament berth on the line at the Barclays Center this week, as there are a quartet of teams that are still looking to solidify an at-large berth into the Big Dance. St. Louis, Butler and VCU are all sitting pretty right now, but what about Temple, La Salle, UMass and Xavier?

Temple and La Salle will both likely get a bid with a win in their first game. La Salle will likely play Butler in the 4-5 game while Temple gets the winner of UMass and George Washington. If UMass can get past GW and Temple and lose to VCU in the semifinals, they might be able to get an at-large bid. Xavier would probably have to beat St. Joseph’s, VCU and Temple and get to the finals to feel comfortable about their at-large standing.

But based on the way that the Atlantic 10 played out this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if any — or all — of that happened.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: Barclays Center (Brooklyn)

When: March 14-17

Final: March 17th, 1:00 p.m. ET CBS

Favorite: St. Louis

In what was a largely competitive and balanced Atlantic 10 conference throughout much of the season, the Billikens did everything they could to stake their claim to being conference title favorites late in the year. they blew out Butler, VCU and La Salle in St. Louis. They knocked off the Bulldogs in Hinkle. Outside of a head-scratching, overtime loss to Rhode Island at home, the Billikens were dominant once they got Kwamain Mitchell back from his foot injury.

The Billikens are a veteran group that excel on the defensive end of the floor and execute offensively, but what makes their season so special is that they are playing for more than just a league title. As you certainly know by now, their head coach, Jim Crews, got the job when Rick Majerus had to leave with heart issues that eventually ended his life in December. That’s who they are playing for.

And if they lose?: Temple

I’m buying Fran Dunphy’s club. I love Khalif Wyatt — there may not be a player with more moxie in the country, and I’m not sure there are five players that I would want taking a big shot over Wyatt. They have versatile big men, particularly Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, and they can defend. The problem with the Owls is that they are one of those teams that seem to play to the level of their opponent. I can see them winning the A-10 title and I can see them losing to UMass in their first game.

Other contenders: VCU is the No. 2 seed and another team quite capable of making a run through the A-10 tournament. The Rams, as you know, play an aggressive style of pressing defense that can be a nightmare for teams with issues handling the ball. La Salle is the No. 4 seed and a team with a sensational perimeter attack, but I’m not sure they can get by No. 5 Butler, let alone No. 1 St. Louis. And clearly, Butler is going to be a contender in every tournament that they are involved in.

Sleeper: Xavier

Keep an eye on the Musketeers. Chris Mack’s club has a really good back court and some athletic big men that are starting to playing better. They’ve beaten some quality teams this season, and if they didn’t blow a 17 point second half lead to VCU at home and if they won at Butler in a close game to close out the regular season, they’d be on the tournament bubble.

Deeper sleeper: St. Joseph’s

The Hawks did not have a very good year, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a team that has talent all over their lineup. They are big and athletic up front and they have a pair of really talented guards in their back court. Can they put it all together for four days in Brooklyn?

Studs:

–  Chaz Williams, UMass: The Minutemen are one of the more entertaining teams in the conference to watch, as they play uptempo and like to pressure the ball. Williams, a 5-foot-9 dynamo that is as productive and creative as anyone, is the sparkplug.

– Ramon Galloway, La Salle: He looks awkward when he’s dribbling and shooting the ball, but Galloway can flat-out score. The South Carolina transfer has as much raw ability as anyone guard in the league.

– Juvonte Reddic, VCU: VCU’s pressuring defense and back court contingent of “Wild Dogs” get all the attention, but Reddic’s presence inside is a big reason the Rams finished second in the conference.

CBT Prediction: This is going to be one of the wilder league tournaments. I like Temple taking out Butler behind 35 points from Khalif Wyatt in the final.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.

Big Sky conference tournament preview

By Mar 13, 2013, 9:30 AM EDT
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Entering the season Montana and Weber State were expected to be the class of the Big Sky and that’s how the race played out, with Weber State’s loss at Montana State proving to be the difference in the race for the regular season crown. As a result it’s Montana who hosts the tournament and receives a bye to the semifinals, but with leading scorer Mathias Ward (foot) done for the year and Will Cherry banged up as well the Grizzlies have health issues to contend with. Weber State is the Big Sky’s deepest team and that could serve them well this weekend. Will the two Big Sky titans once again meet with a trip to the NCAA tournament on the line? That certainly seems to be the case.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: Missoula, Montana (Dahlberg Arena)

When: March 14th – March 16th

Final: March 16th, 9 p.m. (ESPNU)

Favorite: Weber State 

Even though Randy Rahe’s team won’t have home-court advantage they’re the favorite here due to their depth. Seven players play between 22 and 32 minutes per game with guards Davion Berry and Scott Bamforth leading the way, and the Wildcats have quality options inside such as veterans Kyle Tresnak and Frank Otis and freshman Joel Bolomboy.

Bolomboy and guard Gelaun Wheelwright are two of the best reserves in the Big Sky, and Weber State led the conference in many of the major statistical categories both offensively and defensively. A road game in the final against Montana will be difficult but they lost by just two points back on January 26 (76-74). Weber State’s more than capable of turning that result around, especially with Ward injured.

And if they lose?: Montana 

What needs to be pointed out about Wayne Tinkle’s team is that even with the injuries the Grizzlies still won the regular season title outright. A big reason why: junior wing Kareem Jamar, who was named Big Sky MVP. Jamar’s versatility makes him a matchup problem for just about any opponent they face, and if Cherry’s at full strength those two will be a handful on the perimeter.

But without Mathias Ward the interior depth, something that was an issue when Ward was healthy, becomes even more of a concern. Spencer Coleman and Eric Hutchison are two of the players Montana needs to step up if they’re to repeat as Big Sky tournament champions.

Sleepers: How about North Dakota? In their first season in the Big Sky North Dakota won 12 league games, and in guard Troy Huff they’ve got a player capable of carrying them to three straight wins. Montana State (who beat Weber State on January 24) and Northern Colorado (three straight wins) may be able to pull off an upset as well.

Studs: 

– G/F Kareem Jamar (Montana): The league MVP averages 14.2 points per game and ranks in the top ten in the Big Sky in assists (third) and assist-to-turnover ratio (seventh) as well.

– G/F Davion Berry (Weber State): The Cal-State Monterrey Bay transfer hit the ground running in his first season of Division I basketball, averaging 15.1 points and 3.6 assists per game.

– G/F Troy Huff (North Dakota): Huff is averaging 19.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game for Brian Jones’ team.

Prediction: The two favorites will once again meet in the title game, but unlike last season look for Weber State to pick up the win on the road. 

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.