Previewing the America East, MAAC, Big West, and WAC Conference Tournaments

America East Tournament Predictions: March 5,8,12

All games are played on Campus Sites of the Higher Seeded Teams:

Favorites: Vermont 25-5

Darkhorse: Stony Brook 18-13

Predictions: Since the games are played at the higher seeds home courts, they have a decided advantage. Vermont went through the conference schedule with a 17-1 record, losing only to Hartford. There isn’t much argument as to how anyone else can win this tournament but Stony Brook of UMBC might be another choice. PAPA DUDES PICK: Vermont

MAAC Tournament Predictions: March 8-12

All games are played in Atlantic City, NJ:

Favorites: Iona 24-5

Darkhorse: St.Peters 15-11, Monmouth 18-11

Predictions: Iona is the clear favorite and finished with a 16-2 conference record. That was 4 games better than 2nd place St.Peter’s. The Gaels lost to Niagara and Siena in consecutive games before righting the ship and winning their final five contests. PAPA DUDES PICK: Iona

Big West Tournament Predictions: March 8,10,12

All games are played in Henderson, NV:

Favorites: Too many to list

Darkhorse: Too many to list

Predictions: There is absolutely no clear cut favorite as 6 teams finished within 2 games of the front. The tournament is played out a neutral site so there isn’t much help there either. Long Beach State and Cal-State Fullerton tied for the regular season title but Hawaii and UC Irvine were a game behind. I’ll go with one of those four teams. How’s that for narrowing it down?

WAC Tournament Predictions: March 8-12

All games are played in Las Vegas:

Favorites: New Mexico State 23-6, Seattle 22-8, and Stephen F. Austin 21-8

Darkhorse: Grand Canyon 20-7, Sam Houston 17-13

Predictions: This conference had 4 teams with over 20 wins and ended in the regular season in a 3-way tie for first. The conference tournament should be exciting and feature some really good games. All games are in Vegas so there won’t be a home court advantage. Hard to pick a winner in this one and I’m going to take a shot on Stephen F. Austin. PAPA DUDES PICK: Stephen F. Austin