Previewing the MEAC, SWAC, Big Sky, and Southland Conferences

MEAC Tournament Predictions: March 9-12

All games are played in Atlantic City, NJ:

Favorites: Norfolk State 21-6

Darkhorse: Howard 16-12

Predictions: It would seem that Norfolk State is the clear cut favorite in this conference tournament and they probably are. Second place Howard is the main upset choice and has won 8 out of their last 10. But, one of those losses was to Norfolk 83-61 on last Saturday. If the Spartans bring their best game they should cruise to the Big Dance. PAPA DUDES PICK: Norfolk State

SWAC Tournament Predictions: March 9-12

All games are played in Birmingham, AL:

Favorites: Too many to list

Darkhorse: Too many to list

Predictions: There is absolutely no clear cut favorite, as only 2 of the 12 teams finished with a winning record. Alcorn State won the regular season with a 14-4 record, but only finished 15-15. However, they played the first 16 games on the road and didn’t have a home game until Jan.15th. So, you have to take that into account when you judge them. Southern U. finished 17-13 but lost 6 conference games including a 68-64 defeat to Alcorn State. Texas Southern is also a threat but they lost twice to both Alcorn and Southern. I’m going to go with an upset. PAPA DUDES PICK: Southern

Big Sky Tournament Predictions: March 9-12

All games are played in Boise, ID:

Favorites: Montana State 24-7 and Southern Utah 20-10

Darkhorse: Weber State 20-11, Northern Colorado 18-14, and Montana 18-13

Predictions: This conference had 3 teams with 20 wins or more with Montana State winning the regular season title at 16-4. They went 1-1 against Weber State, Northern Colorado, and Montana while defeating Southern Utah twice. There are several teams that can win this tournament but I’m going to stick with the Bobcats. PAPA DUDES PICK: Montana State

Southland Tournament Predictions: March 9-12

All games are played in Katy, TX:

Favorites: Nicholls 21-10, New Orleans 17-12

Darkhorse: SE Louisiana 18-13, Texas A&M CC 20-11

Predictions: There are clearly 4 good teams and 4 bad teams in this league. Any one of the top four can win this tournament. Nicholls went 11-3 in the conference losing 3 times to SE Louisiana. They were 2-0 against Texas A&M CC, and split with New Orleans. The Colonels seem to be the team to beat and if they can stay away from SE Louisiana they are my pick. PAPA DUDES PICK: Nicholls