Tournament championship games in the Colonial, MAAC and Southern conferences will all play out on Monday afternoon and evening, giving the NCAA Tournament its three newest enrollees.
Analyst William Whelan takes a look at each match up and determines whether or not there are possible NCAA Tournament bid thieves, as well as predicting each conference’s representative in the Big Dance.
Colonial Conference Championship: Northeastern vs. William & Mary
A match up of No. 1 and No. 2, just the way we like it. These two split the regular season series 1-1, with each winning on their own floor. Both are tested, though call me crazy, I think W&M’s experience from the non-conference pays off here and they grab the Colonial’s big for the Big Dance.
MAAC Conference Championship: Iona vs. Manhattan
The Jaspers have certainly been here before, but this season’s Gaels look to be a on a mission. If there is a single team from today’s action that has a shot of an at-large, it’s Iona. Ultimately though, I don’t think they’ll need it as they are the favorite in this match up.
Southern Conference Championship: Wofford vs. Furman
At just 5-13 in conference play, no one could have predicted this kind of run from Furman. Yet, here they are. Unfortunately for them, they face quite the task in trying to upset the Terriers, and I do feel like that will be too big of a task for them. Wofford needs this though, as their at-large chances are hopeful at best, right now.