CBB: MAC Conference Tournament Preview

Favorites (odds below +500)

Akron Zips (+200): Akron has been the odds on favorite to win the MAC all season. They were the last unbeaten team, and they have a group of players who have been there before. The Zips have a strong defense and the most experienced team in the conference. The challenge is they enter the MAC tournament in a funk, they lost 4 of their last 6 to lose the regular season championship. Can the Zips get back on track?

Ohio Bobcats (+220): Ohio kind of hung around the middle of the MAC but thrust themselves into contention with a 6 game win streak to end the regular season. The Bobcats have an experienced team but their downside is they’ve struggled to beat other MAC tournament foes. Still you can’t rule out the Bobcats.

Toledo Rockets (+330): Toledo comes in as the one seed yet again, it’s been an impressive run of 4 regular season championships in a row for the Rockets. They are once again led by an impressive offense but the question still remains, how does their style of play translate to tournament play? The Rockets are on this awesome run but they still haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 1980. Is this the year?

Sleepers (+500 or above)

Kent State Golden Flashes (+950): Kent State comes into the MAC tournament as an 8 seed but they have the 4th best odds?? There’s a reason for this. It’s been a rough year for the Golden Flashes but they still have the talent, a lot of the year has been them struggling to close out games. They will be a tough matchup for Toledo in the 1st round and if they can upset the Rockets, watch out.

Bowling Green Falcons (+1600): I want to speak this into existence!! The Falcons haven’t made the tournament since 1968, maybe this can be the year! If you aren’t familiar with us, we are BG alums so we are very much rooting on the Falcons to win the Mac tournament. They have an experienced group of players that have learned to play together all season and they have a shot. The key for them is production on offense, if the Falcons offense goes they tend to win, but they’re vulnerable to cold spells too.

My Pick:

Akron Zips (+200): It’s tough to pick against Akron here, yes they got cold at the wrong time but this is a group of seniors that’s used to winning so I believe they’ll be ready to play their best at the right time.