Previewing the Missouri Valley, Ohio Valley, Sun Belt, and Big South Conference Tournaments

Missouri Valley Tournament Predictions: March 3-6

All games are played in St.Louis:

Favorites: Loyola Chicago 22-7, Northern Iowa 18-10, Missouri State 22-9, and Drake 22-9

Darkhorse: Bradley 17-13

Predictions: This is a difficult league to predict since everyone at the top is very similar. Probably Northern Iowa has been the most consistent and they play well in St.Louis. But, Loyola is tournament tested and will be a tough out. Missouri State has the best individual player but they have a way of choking every year and losing. And you can’t count out Drake and Bradley. Keep your money in your pockets for this one. PAPA DUDES PICK: Northern Iowa

Ohio Valley Tournament Predictions: March 2-5

All games are played in Evansville, IN.:

Favorites: Murray State 28-2, Belmont 24-6

Darkhorse: Morehead State 21-10

Predictions: There are a lot of bubble teams from major conferences who have their eyes on this tournament. Murray State is a definite lock for the NCAA tournament whether they win the conference tournament or not. Therefore, if someone else upsets them, they will get the automatic bid to the Big Dance, and this league will get two teams in. That would eliminate a bubble team. It’s hard to pick against Murray State, but anything can happen on any given night. PAPA DUDES PICK: Murray State

Sun Belt Tournament Predictions: March 3,5,7

All games are played in Pensacola, FL:

Favorites: Texas State 21-6

Darkhorses: Troy 19-10, South Alabama 19-10, Appalachian State 18-13, and Arkansas State 17-10

Predictions: Texas State won the regular season title by three games over second place App State. But this league is very competitive and there is a good chance of an upset. Hard to tell what might happen with all games at a neutral site. PAPA DUDES PREDICTION: Texas State

Big South Tournament Predictions: March 2,4,6

All games are played in Charlotte:

Favorites: Longwood 23-6, Winthrop 21-8

Darkhorses: Campbell 15-12, Gardner-Webb 17-12

Predictions: Barring an unforeseen upset, this looks like a two-team tournament. Longwood lost only 1 conference game and Winthrop lost 2. In the head-to-head matchup Longwood beat the Eagles 92-88 on their home floor. Winthrop is tournament tested and I think they are the choice to make. PAPA DUDES PICK: Winthrop