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MAC Tournament 1st Round Predictions
With the MAC Tournament starting in about 12 hours, it’s time to talk about each game. Let’s start at the top of the bracket…
#12 CMU at #5 Ohio
Some Bobcat fans are worried about this one. Probably because Central Michigan was the team that knocked them out in a major upset (in a 5 v 12 game) 4 years ago. In reality Ohio fans have little to worry about. If the Bobcats have been consistent about anything this season it’s been beating bad teams at home. The Bobcats should roll comfortably in this one, but I expect them to have fits with Miami in the quarterfinal.
#11 EMU at #6 WMU
The media is picking this as the “upset game” for the first round. I don’t see it. Bowler vs Reitz should be a wash, but WMU comes out on-top on just about every other measure of the equation. This includes home court advantage. I just don’t see anyway a team that struggled to win 4 conference games this season can knock off a slightly better than mediocre team like Western Michigan in the first round.
#10 BG at #7 Toledo
Toledo will roll in this one. The loss of Wright hurts the Falcons backcourt, and the Rockets key strength is pressuring the ball and forcing steals. Not to mention the fact that Dakich really hasn’t had his team playing with much enthusiasm lately. This should be the blowout of the night.
#9 Ball State at #8 Buffalo
This game could be very close. It all depends on how Buffalo is shooting. When guys like Cage and Middleton are draining their shots this team is dangerous. When the shooters go cold, watch-out, things could get ugly. Ball State has shown the ability to stick around and give good teams problems throughout the year. Kent State, who Buffalo notoriously plays tough, would probably love to see the 9 over 8 upset here, but in the end I think Buffalo has what it takes to pull it out.
Overall
Boring, I know, I picked all of the favorites. Keep an eye on the shooting percentages in Athens and Buffalo however. Even though I expect both teams to win, if either of these teams come out cold it could spell trouble early. That said, I’d be very surprised to see any of the road teams win on Monday Night, and I’d be utterly shocked to see BG knock off Toledo. |
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By Dan Whitmyer, VanDelaySports.com Head Basketball Writer
published 03.06.06
2006 MAC basketball awards, 1st & 2nd team All-MAC picks
MAC basketball by VanDelay Sports
