MID-MAJOR WEEK

MID-MAJOR WEEK

It’s time to give some love to the mid-major’s this week. The mid-major’s are jockeying for conference tournament seeding, as come March, match-ups matter and it could be the difference between wearing cinderella’s slipper or going home early. The parity in College Basketball is real, and it is time to get those sleeper teams on the radar screen.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Loyola-Chicago v. Missouri Sate

Loyola-Chicago has not had the season they were hoping for after a wild ride to the 2018 Final-Four. However, they are still the team to beat in the Missouri Valley Conference. Even though they did not win any of their key non-conference games, they are still a tested and proven group that will not go down without a fight. They may not make another Final-Four run this year, but they are still capable of winning an opening round game. Missouri State will play them tougher then expected, but Loyola-Chicago will prevail.

Prediction: Loyola-Chicago over Missouri State

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Hofstra v. James Madison

Which team has not lost a game since Thanksgiving? The answer: The Hofstra Pride. Hofstra comes into this game sitting atop of the Colonia Athletic Association with a 7-0 conference record. Justin Wright-Foreman is an elite scorer who has had numerous 30 and 40-point scoring nights. When you have a player who can fill-it-up as easy as Wright-Foreman, you will always be the in the game. Hofstra should have no problem beating James Madison, and will extend its 14-game winning streak. 

Prediction: Hofstra over James Madison

North Texas v. UAB

If you are looking for that 15-seed that could pull a stunning upset, North Texas may be a candidate. The Mean Green won the College Basketball Invitational last year, and make no doubt about it, that post-season experience matters. The Mean Green have a very balanced team, and are seemingly led by a different player each night. Although they have not played a very difficult schedule to date, they have won the games that matter. UAB will play North Texas tough, but North Texas will prevail. 

Prediction: North Texas over UAB

Murray State v. Belmont

Who is the mid-major team that will make a run to second weekend of the tournament? It’s the Murray State Racers. Who is arguably the nations player of the year? That’s Ja Morant. Averaging a double-double in Points and Assists, Ja Morant is poised to lead the Racers to a deep March run. Ja Mornat is high-major talent, that can compete night in and night out with anyone. Belmont has historically been a thorn in Murray State’s side. However, Murray State is too strong this year and will beat Belmont on Thursday. Murray State should be the first team in the tournament capturing the Ohio Valley’s automatic berth on March 9^th.   

Prediction: Murray Sate over Belmont

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Vermont v. Stony Brook

Both teams should come into this matchup undefeated in Conference play. Vermont has played well this season, and has held their own in big-time road games against Kansas and Louisville.  Vermont seems poised to make another American East title game appearance. Meanwhile, Stony Brook has pieced together a very respectable season. Early season wins against South Carolina and Rhode Island, shows that the Seawolves are capable of pulling off a March upset. This is the same conference that sent UMBC to the dance last year, to only see them knock off Virginia in arguably the greatest tournament upset of all time. This game has the making for a great conference battle. Stony Brook gets the slight edge for homecourt, and wins in a one- possession game. 

Prediction: Stony Brook over Vermont

Saint Louis v. Davidson

In what may be the Atlantic 10 title game preview, these two schools not only have an eye towards the tournament, but expectations of a first-round upset. With the exception of the Florida State game, Saint Louis has been in every game this year and have resume boosting wins against Butler and Seton Hall. Saint Louis is a very balanced team and an above-average defensive team which can make then a very difficult out come March. Davidson will be looking to give Saint Louis its first conference loss, and a Davidson win, would put Davidson in the Atlantic 10 driver’s seat. Davidson can certainly score the ball however, Saint Louis will get the stops they need down the stretch to win a close one. Keep an eye on Saint Louis come March!

Prediction: Saint Louis over Davidson

Wofford v. Chattanooga

Coming off a very good win against an underrated Furman team, Wofford is putting themselves in position for the number one seed in the Southern Conference tournament. Sitting atop of the Conference with a 7- 0 record, Wofford should have no problem with Chattanooga on Saturday. Wofford is tested having played the likes of: Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi State, North Carolina and South Carolina (win) in the non-conference. Wofford is that 12-seed that will make a run! 

Prediction: Wofford over Chattanooga

Gonzaga, Nevada and Buffalo are mid-majors by conference affiliation only. These three teams have already arrived!