CBB: Summit League Conference Tournament Preview

Favorites (odds below +500)

South Dakota State Jackrabbits (+155): No surprises here, Oral Roberts challenged the Jackrabbits run for the last few years but with the Oral Bobs in transition South Dakota State has once again taken command of the Summit League. It felt like their usual one seed was in danger in early February and then the Jackrabbits sprinted away from the pack for the regular season crown. They enter the conference tournament winning their last 5 and 7 of their last 8.

St Thomas Tommies (+290): St Thomas is really an impressive story. They moved up from D3 and they’re already this good. Alas due to antiquated NCAA rules it will be several years before they are eligible to make the tournament. St Thomas is poised to play spoiler though they play a slow grinding style that keeps them in every game.

Sleepers (+500 or above)

Kansas City Kangaroos (+600): The Roos played a tough non conference schedule to prep for conference play but initially it didn’t help them. UMKC struggled for a lot of conference play but really found their stride late. The Kangaroos won their last 6 regular season games including wins over South Dakota State and North Dakota.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks (+850): North Dakota has a really good team. The Fighting Hawks are extremely streaky they’ve gone on long winning streaks and losing streaks this year. They haven’t been consistent lately but the Fighting Hawks are dangerous if they get hot in the tournament.

Denver Pioneers (+1400): I really enjoyed Denver’s strong run to start the year, and for a while it really felt like the Pioneers had a chance to finally make the tournament. Alas Denver faded as of late with a 2-9 finish but I’m not giving up on them!

My Pick:

St. Thomas Tommies (+290): St Thomas is built for a strong tournament run, they’re going to be a tough team to beat and afterwards we’ll all make fun of the NCAA for their terrible rules that don’t make any more sense.