March Insanity is right here, and with it begins the very best postseason in American sports activities. Each workforce in DI faculty basketball has the chance to win the nationwide championship so long as they preserve profitable, and that trek begins with the convention tournaments.
We noticed one of many nice runs in NCAA match historical past occur final yr when Saint Peter’s ran all the best way to the Elite Eight with upsets over Kentucky and Purdue. The Peacocks’ run actually began within the MAAC match, the place they beat Monmouth within the title recreation to clinch the auto-bid. Subsequent factor you knew, Saint Peter’s was America’s favourite new Cinderella.
Can we get one other Saint Peter’s this yr? It’s actually potential provided that there hasn’t been a heavy favourite all season on the prime of the lads’s faculty basketball panorama. With convention match season lastly right here, we determined to provide picks for each league. Listed below are our convention match predictions.
Big 12 tournament bracket predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: T-Cellular Heart, Kansas Metropolis, MO
Our decide: Kansas Jayhawks. The reigning champions appear to be a workforce that might very probably grow to be the primary to repeat since Florida in 2006-07. The Jayhawks haven’t been excellent, however the Massive 12 has been a massacre this yr. After dropping three consecutive video games in January, Invoice Self stated he wasn’t remotely involved concerning the state of his workforce. Kansas responded by profitable 10 of their subsequent 11 video games together with an 8-point win over #5 Texas and a 16-point blowout of #9 Baylor. The Bears may problem Kansas, however with a latest ankle harm to their star Keyonte George, Baylor could be extra centered on maintaining wholesome earlier than the large dance. Rock chalk. — Adam Ward
Big Ten tournament predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: United Heart, Chicago, IL
Our decide: Purdue Boilermakers. It’s nearly not possible to lose a top-five NBA draft pick (Jaden Ivey) and probably the greatest massive males within the convention (Trevion Williams) and get even higher, however that’s precisely what Purdue has finished this season. The Boilermakers have been thought of an elite workforce since incomes victories over Duke, Gonzaga, and Marquette early within the season, and for probably the most half Matt Painter’s workforce has remained among the many nation’s greatest ever since. All the pieces Purdue does is constructed round star middle Zach Edey, the 7’4 behemoth poised to be faculty basketball’s nationwide participant of the yr. With two standout freshmen (Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith) and a few savvy vets round him, Purdue’s items simply match higher this yr even when the expertise isn’t as overwhelming. Now it’s time for Painter to show it in March and get to his first Closing 4 ever. — Ricky O’Donnell
SEC tournament predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Bridgestone Area, Nashville, TN
Our decide: Tennessee. The good factor could be to select Alabama, resulting from their consistency and talent to take over video games on either side of the ball. Nevertheless, Tennessee’s protection is primary within the nation in accordance with KenPom, they usually’ve crushed Alabama not too long ago, holding them 30 factors underneath their scoring common. Rick Barnes has bought this workforce to be extraordinarily properly coached, and whereas their offense can lag at occasions, that is an skilled group who is aware of find out how to play deep into the match. Their defensive stress ought to trigger matches for the SEC on their method to the title. — JP Acosta
Big East tournament predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Madison Sq. Backyard, New York, NY
Our decide: Creighton Bluejays. A six-game dropping streak in the midst of the season with out star middle Ryan Kalkbrenner threatened to derail Creighton earlier than they ever bought to March. Since he’s returned, the Bluejays have principally performed as much as their potential as probably the most balanced groups in America. Creighton checks loads of the containers for what you need out of a workforce within the NCAA match: Ryan Nembhard is a gradual hand at level guard, Trey Alexander is an excellent shot-creator and shot-maker subsequent to him within the backcourt, switch Baylor Scheierman is a sniper from three, and Kalkbrenner is an elite rim protector inside. The Big East is loaded this yr so anybody you decide on this match dangers being eradicated early, however the items have all the time been intriguing for the Bluejays they usually’re lastly beginning to come collectively. — ROD
Pac-12 tournament predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: T-Cellular Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our decide: UCLA. You could possibly actually go both method between UCLA or Arizona, however I’m giving the Bruins the very best odds to win the Pac-12 match primarily based on their convention resume. It’s true, UCLA did lose to Arizona as soon as this season already, and adopted that up with an unpleasant loss to USC. However that’s it; they’ve gained each different recreation towards a convention opponent. Arizona, however, has dropped some stinkers. From a 13 level loss to barely-.500 Washington State, to a baffling 88-79 defeat at Stanford the place their star Azuolas Tubelis had as many fouls as he did factors. The Cats look fallible, whereas the Bruins are rolling to a #1 seed. — Adam Ward
Mountain West match predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Thomas & Mack Heart, Las Vegas, NV
Our decide: Boise State Broncos. The Mountain West is such a tossup this yr, with the highest 4 groups all having about an equal resume. San Diego State is an NCAA Match lock, and though the Azetcs whipped the Broncos of their first assembly, BSU has appeared stronger and stronger because the season has gone on and bought their revenge on the finish of February. The Broncos personal the tenth greatest protection in all of school basketball, and between their three stars Max Rice, Marcus Shaver and Tyson Degenhart (who all averaged 13+ PPG), they’ve a number of weapons in late recreation conditions. The Broncos have extra match appearances with no win than another college in NCAA historical past, this yr looks like pretty much as good as any to lastly break that streak. — Adam Ward
ACC tournament predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Our decide: Virginia. Within the ACC, the place nothing is sensible and every part is the wrong way up and on fireplace, you must select the workforce that’s been there earlier than, with the teaching that’s been there earlier than. Virginia has been by means of some ups and downs this season, however with Tony Bennett nonetheless pulling the strings the Cavaliers will probably be powerful to beat. They’ll flip any recreation right into a rock struggle with their protection, and all they want are a couple of clutch performs from Reece Beekman and Armaan Franklin to make a future. — JP Acosta
AAC match predictions
Dates: March Ninth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Dickies Area, Fort Value, TX
Our decide: Houston Cougars. The overwhelming favourite coming into March goes to be the Houston Cougars — not simply within the AAC match but in addition within the NCAA match. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has made the Closing 4 and Elite Eight in his final two appearances within the massive dance, however this appears like his most proficient workforce ever. Marcus Sasser could be the very best guard within the nation, blurring daring pull-up jumpers on offense with nasty level of assault protection. Jarace Walker is Sampson’s first true five-star on the recruiting path, and he’s positioned himself as a sure-fire top-10 NBA draft decide with an amazing freshman yr on each ends of the ground. The remainder of this workforce is a bunch of canine: they defend like hell, crash the glass, and personal the paint. I used to be tempted to go Memphis right here as an upset decide, particularly if I decide Houston to win the large dance, but it surely’s simply too laborious to select towards this Cougars workforce. — Ricky O’Donnell
WCC match predictions
Dates: March 2nd-4th & Sixth-Seventh, 2023
Location: Orleans Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our decide: Gonzaga. The Bulldogs secured a break up common season WCC title with Saint Mary’s in a 77-68 win on February twenty fifth, denying the Gaels their first outright common season convention title in over a decade. The Zags are battle-tested, having performed probably the most grueling non-conference schedules of any college this yr, they usually’re led by veteran Drew Timme who is just not solely probably the greatest scorers in faculty basketball, however probably the most environment friendly shot-takers too. Gonzaga appears to thrive in an underdog position, and whereas their presence within the postseason has been probably the most constant issues in faculty basketball for the final 20 years, their journey there this season has been something however assured. With out the stress of being basically excellent like they’ve had over the previous few seasons, the Bulldogs ought to be free to play their greatest ball heading into March. — Adam Ward
Convention USA match predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Ford Heart at The Star, Frisco, TX
Our decide: FAU. The Owls are cruising into the Convention USA match after profitable the common season championship final weekend. Led by Coach of the 12 months candidate Dusty Might, the Owls have a bevy of scorers and guards who can warmth up at any time. By KenPom rankings, the Owls are the very best workforce within the convention, and it may not be shut. Their adjusted offensive rating is prime 40 within the nation and have a whopping seven gamers taking pictures over 30% from deep. The Owls 37.4% three-point share is thirty seventh within the nation, and defensively they trigger havoc. This Owls workforce is constructed for March. — JP Acosta
WAC match predictions
Dates: March Seventh & Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Michelob ULTRA Area & Orleans Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our decide: Sam Houston State. Head coach Jason Hooten has been main the Bearkats for 13 years, and he simply gained 20+ video games for the sixth time in his tenure. Regardless of a bunch of excellent seasons, Hooten has by no means made the NCAA match with this system. This might be the yr that adjustments. Sam Houston State is an elite defensive membership, presently rating within the top-20 of the nation in effectivity. The Bearkats play a hyper-aggressive fashion that forces a ton of turnovers and will get them out in transition. Qua Grant, a 6’1 senior guard, could be the very best participant on this subject as a flooring common who can also be able to filling it up as a scorer. This match feels broad open, however we’ll take Sam Houston State. — Ricky O’Donnell
Atlantic 10 match predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Ninth, Eleventh-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Barclays Heart, Brooklyn, NY
Our decide: Saint Louis Billikens. Dayton and VCU really feel just like the favorites heading into the A-10 match, and Fordham is hard sufficient defensively to win it, too. Nonetheless, we’ll go along with the Billikens due to their mixture of dimension and shot-making. Veteran level guard Yuri Collins led faculty basketball with 10.2 assists per recreation this yr, and serves as the last word table-setter for this group. His greatest weapon the perimeter is Gibson Jimerson, a 6’5 wing, who hit 40 % of his threes on a excessive quantity of makes an attempt. Former Oregon switch Francis Okoro is an impressive shot-blocker and rebounder at this degree, and Javon Pickett and Javonte Perkins can get a bucket in a pinch. This feels just like the time for head coach Travis Ford to make his second massive dance look with Saint Louis. — Ricky O’Donnell
Solar Belt match predictions
Dates: February Twenty eighth, March 2nd & 4th-Sixth, 2023
Location: Pensacola Bay Heart, Pensacola, FL
Our decide: Marshall. Don’t let the convention standings idiot you. Whereas Southern Miss enters the match atop the Solar Belt, Marshall is well the very best workforce within the convention — assuming they will preserve their composure. Consistence has been the Thundering Herd’s largest enemy, and that might come again to chew them within the match until they pull themselves collectively. Their backcourt sharpshooters Taevion Kinsley and Kamdyn Curfman each shoot over .400 from three, and if both get sizzling it’s unclear who within the match can cease them. — James Dator
Ivy League match predictions
Dates: March Eleventh-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Jadwin Health club, Princeton College
Our decide: Yale Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are the Seventieth-ranked workforce in accordance with Ken Pomeroy, and have the very best total file clocking in at 19-7 on the yr. Whereas their 9-4 file inside the convention is matched by each Penn and Princeton, Yale swept the Tigers and break up the season sequence with Penn. As the one workforce ranked within the prime 100 by Ken Pomeroy, the Bulldogs appear to be the secure decide. — Mark Schofield
Massive West match predictions
Dates: March Seventh & Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Greenback Mortgage Heart, Henderson, NV
Our decide: UC Irvine. This match is an absolute tossup. It’s totally potential that any of the California groups, or Hawaii may win this — however in the long run UC Irvine is the very best guess for who will come out of the convention. The Anteaters may need some entrance courtroom weaknesses, however their strong rotation of guards is deep, giving them the flexibility to put on their opponents down off the bench and will allow them to eek out a win right here. — James Dator
Missouri Valley match predictions
Dates: March 2nd-Fifth, 2023
Location: Enterprise Heart, St. Louis, MO
Our decide: Drake Bulldogs. The Missouri Valley has principally been a two-horse race between Drake and Bradley all season, and it’s establishing for an outstanding battle for the auto-bid at Arch Insanity. We’ll go along with Drake for a pair causes: a) sophomore wing Tucker DeVries is the very best participant within the subject and ought to be the MVC Participant of the 12 months, b) Drake has surrounded him with so many veteran position gamers, together with guards DJ Wilkins and Roman Penn who’re 25 years previous, and c) Darnell Brodie is a legit massive man who can lock down the paint. If the Bulldogs get in to the large dance, they’re ok to win a recreation or two. — ROD
Massive Sky match predictions
Dates: March 4th-Eighth, 2023
Location: Idaho Central Area, Boise, ID
Our decide: Montana St. Bobcats: Head coach Danny Sprinkle led Montana St. to its first NCAA match look since 1996 final season by profitable the Massive Sky match, and his workforce could be even higher this yr. The Bobcats get it finished on the defensive finish, with the one top-100 protection within the convention. They thrive limiting offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers. The offense is usually a bit extra of a wrestle, however Washington switch RaeQuan Battle has had a breakout season as a wing scorer who serves because the workforce’s main possibility within the halfcourt. This appears like probably the most balanced workforce within the subject, so it’s our decide. — ROD
MAC match predictions
Dates: March Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Our decide: Akron Zips. The Zips gained this match final yr to get into the large dance, the place they gave UCLA a hell of a struggle within the first spherical. John Groce has his workforce on the doorstep once more, and this yr’s group could be even higher. Akron has two of the highest gamers within the convention in Chicago-bred guard Xavier Castaneda and 6’7 ahead Enrique Freeman. Akron chucks a ton of threes, with 44 % of their subject objectives coming from deep. That fashion of play offers them a ton of variance on a game-to-game foundation, but in addition makes them able to beating anybody. This workforce could be harmful in the event that they get sizzling. — ROD
Atlantic Solar match predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty seventh-Twenty eighth & March 2nd & Fifth, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our decide: Kennesaw State. I’m excessive on the Owls, who’ve seen a miraculous turnaround thanks to educate Amir Abdur-Rahim. Kennesaw State went 1-28 simply 4 seasons in the past, and now could be very doubtless heading to their first NCAA match look in class historical past. They’ve bought a well-balanced roster, they shoot 37% from three as a workforce, they usually get to the free throw line lots. Admittedly Liberty is best on paper, and has the celebrity in Darius McGhee, who is among the most prolific scorers in faculty basketball. When Kennesaw State and Liberty met in mid-February, McGhee lit up the Owls to the tune of 43 factors. The one drawback for Liberty: KSU gained that recreation, 88-81. Give me Kennesaw once more within the ASUN Championship, punching the ticket to their first dance. — Adam Ward
Southern Convention match predictions
Dates: March Third-Sixth, 2023
Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Heart, Asheville, NC
Our decide: Furman. The 24-7 Paladins have been probably the most constant workforce within the convention this season, and have super firepower because of senior guard Mike Bothwell. Bothwell ranks 59th in faculty basketball in offensive score, in accordance with Ken Pomeroy — and has proven a knack for not simply enjoying massive towards poor competitors, however stepping up towards their A-tier opponents as properly. The largest menace to Furman heading to the match comes from UNC Greensboro, who they break up their head-to-head with this season, however in the long run Furman has proven to be probably the most dependable workforce within the convention and will be capable of get issues finished. — James Dator
Horizon League match predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty eighth & March 2nd & Sixth-Seventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites & Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, IN
Our decide: Youngstown St. Penguins: The Horizon League has some nice depth on the prime this yr, with 4 groups who may legitimately declare the autobid. Nonetheless, we’re going with the favorites from Youngstown St. as a result of the offense is simply unbelievable. The Penguins begin 5 seniors, led by All-Convention guard Dwayne Cohill. Cohill shoots 46 % from three, and he’s flanked by one other knockdown shooter in 6’3 guard Brandon Rush. There’s additionally sufficient dimension with 6’8 Adrian Nelson and 6’7 Malek Inexperienced to maintain groups from gashing them inside. It’s uncommon to see a low-major offense flirt with the top-30 of the nationwide effectivity rankings, however Youngstown St. has had sufficient firepower to do it. This will probably be a preferred Cinderella decide if they will get within the dance. — ROD
Massive South match predictions
Dates: March 1st & Third-Fifth, 2023
Location: Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
Our decide: UNC Asheville. There’s a case to be made for Longwood right here as properly, however in the end the Bulldogs find yourself punching their ticket. UNC Asheville has been extraordinarily good in convention this season, racking up a 16-2 file. Ahead Taijon Jones is the participant to observe. Among the finest taking pictures gamers in all of school basketball this season (.459) he has the flexibility to utterly take over video games by himself, which he’s already finished a number of occasions this season. — James Dator
MAAC match predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Boardwalk Corridor, Atlantic Metropolis, NJ
Our decide: Iona. It is a chalky decide, however the Gaels have been the category of the MAAC this season. They presently sit atop the convention with a 22-7 file with two recreation remaining, forward of Rider, who’re second within the convention with a 15-12 file. The Gaels have three of the very best gamers within the convention together with massive man Nelly Junior Joseph, a 6’9 ahead averaging 15 factors and 10 rebounds a recreation. The Gaels have an amazing backcourt tandem in guards Daniss Jenkins — averaging 15 factors and 5 assists a recreation — and Walter Clayton Jr., who has averaged 17 ppg on the yr. — Mark Schofield
Summit League match predictions
Dates: March Third-Seventh, 2023
Location: Denny Sanford Premier Heart, Sioux Falls, SD
Our decide: Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. Not solely do I assure ORU will win the Summit Match (they’re undefeated in convention play this yr), I’m taking it additional and guaranteeing they win no less than one recreation within the NCAA Match. Oral Roberts has a prime 25 offense in all of school basketball, performs a blistering tempo (prime 10 amongst doubtless match groups), and are #2 in turnover fee in the complete nation. Senior guard Max Abmas led the Golden Eagles to a Candy Sixteen look in 2021, and he’s solely gotten higher since then. That is his second. — Adam Ward
America East match predictions
Dates: March 4th, Seventh & Eleventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our decide: Vermont. Sure, the America East match is shaping as much as be a two-horse race between UMass Lowell and Vermont, and there are loads of causes to select the River Hawks. They’re the very best workforce within the convention taking pictures the three, as their three-point share of 37.4% is tops within the America East and Twenty eighth within the nation. The River Hawks additionally enter with the higher total file, clocking in at 24-7 on the yr, in distinction to Vermont’s 20-10 file. Nevertheless, the Catamounts are the decide for a couple of causes. First, Vermont has the nation’s third-longest energetic win streak, which reached 12 with Tuesday’s win over Albany. So John Becker’s squad enters the match on a sizzling streak. Second: They’re skilled. They begin 5 seniors, and rely on a couple of extra seniors of their rotation.A few of these seniors, together with forwards Robin Duncan and Finn Sullivan, had been key contributors to the Vermont workforce that made the match as a #13 seed a yr in the past, dropping to Arkansas by 4 within the first spherical. That have will assist these subsequent few weeks. — Mark Schofield
CAA match predictions
Dates: March Third-Seventh, 2023
Location: Leisure & Sports activities Area, Washington, D.C.
Our decide: Charleston Cougars. Pat Kelsey’s soar from Winthrop to Charleston has already made the Cougars the category of the CAA and probably the greatest mid-majors within the nation. The Cougars are an extremely balanced workforce with 5 gamers averaging double-figures in scoring whereas rating within the top-85 nationally of each offensive and defensive effectivity. The Cougars take 47 % of their pictures from three, and make them at a 34 % clip. On the opposite finish of the ground, Charleston can defend with out fouling and does properly to carry up on the glass regardless of not having a ton of dimension or rim safety. This workforce is extremely cohesive and is able to make noise within the NCAA match. — ROD
Patriot League match predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty eighth & March 2nd, Fifth & Eighth, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our decide: Colgate Raiders. Colgate completed with a 17-1 file in Patriot League play this season, setting a brand new convention file with these 17 wins. Their one loss got here towards American, who would wish to win three video games simply to see the Raiders within the Championship Recreation. Navy could be Colgate’s hardest check, however the Raiders swept their two assembly this yr. Oh, and the Raiders are the nation’s greatest workforce from three-point land this yr. — Mark Schofield
MEAC match predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, VA
Our decide: Norfolk State Spartans. Senior guard Joe Bryant Jr. leads the Spartans who want to return to their third consecutive NCAA match after solely reaching the large dance as soon as beforehand. The Spartans have far and past probably the most potent offense within the MEAC with 4 totally different gamers averaging double figures in scoring. They might see a scare from North Carolina Central, who boasts an extremely environment friendly protection, however I’m going with my intestine and saying senior expertise wins out for the Spartans. Now we’ll see if they will make an upset within the match like they did in 2012. — Adam Ward
Ohio Valley match predictions
Dates: March 1st-4th, 2023
Location: Ford Heart, Evansville, IN
Our decide: Morehead State … I suppose? Look, the Ohio Valley isn’t nice when stacked up towards nearly another convention in faculty basketball, however the one factor going for it this season is parity — and to that finish it’s been extraordinarily compelling. There isn’t a nice decide for who will stamp their ticket, with 5 groups being ranked inside 30 locations within the mid 200s in KenPom. Morehead State narrowly edges out the competitors because of level guard Mark Freeman, who’s the very best distributor and offensive distinction maker within the OVC. — James Dator
Southland match predictions
Dates: March Fifth-Eighth, 2023
Location: Legacy Heart, Lake Charles, LA
Our decide: Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Islanders gained the Southland final yr earlier than falling within the First 4. They’ve the expertise to win the convention match once more and get again within the massive dance this yr. Guard Terrion Murdix returns to cleared the path for a workforce that performs tremendous quick on offense. Their aggressive fashion usually will get them to the free throw line, the place they not often miss: Corpus Christi shoots 80 % from the foul line as a workforce, which ranks No. 2 in America. If it will get shut late on this match, their foul taking pictures might be the distinction. — ROD
SWAC match predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Bartow Area, Birmingham, AL
Our decide: Grambling. The Tigers have by no means made the lads’s NCAA match in program historical past, however this might be the yr. Head coach Donte Jackson led the workforce to a 20 win season for less than the second time ever, and the primary time since 1980. Grambling has juniors and seniors up and down the lineup, led by 6’6 senior wing Cameron Christon who might be SWAC POY. That is their yr. — ROD
Northeast match predictions
Dates: March 1st, 4th & Seventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our decide: St. Francis (PA). Look, any person has to win this match. It’s true, the NEC is ranked thirty second out of the 32 conferences in accordance with Ken Pomeroy, and all 9 of the groups are ranked 300 or larger in Pomeroy’s Adjusted Effectivity Margin (AdjEM). Merrimack, the workforce with the very best file within the convention (12-4), has a 15-16 file total proper now. Wagner, the highest-ranked NEC workforce in Pomeroy’s AdjEM — 315, one spot forward of Merrimack — has an total file of 15-12. However St. Francis (PA) is the decide right here, regardless of their 12-17 file and their rating of 342 in AdjEM. Why? First, they will shoot the three, having transformed 36.7% of their three-point makes an attempt this yr, greatest within the NEC and forty eighth within the nation. Second, their Efficient Subject Purpose share is 54.7% in convention play this season, greatest within the NEC. The guess is that the Crimson Flash get sizzling and shoot their method into the match from behind the arc. — Mark Schofield
