Summit League Basketball: Tournament preview and predictions

By Doug Winkey | Mar 3, 2016

Mar 10, 2015; Sioux Falls, SD, USA; North Dakota State Bison forward Spencer Eliason (30) celebrates their win against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the championship game of the Summit League Conference at Denny Sanford Premier Center. The North Dakota State Bison beat the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 57-56. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 5, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the emblem of the Summit League on the floor of Magness Arena before the game between the Air Force Falcons against the Denver Pioneers. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Summit League basketball tournament will tip-off on Saturday in Souix Falls, SD.

The Summit League saw two teams enter in a dead heat for the number one seed and favored position. Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne and South Dakota State both finished regular season play at 12-4, with the IPFW Mastodons getting the top spot by the slimmest of margins.

IPFW team features a terrifying guard trio in Max Landis, Mo Evans, and John Konchar. If these three played on Power 5 team, the media would be all over them. They combine to score 50 points a game (in addition to two other double figure scorers), giving the team the offensive firepower to outgun almost any opponent.

The two primary challengers are South Dakota State and Nebraska-Omaha. Each team has led the Summit at different times this year. Omaha faltered a bit down the final stretch, but still lights up the scoreboard enough to ensure a quality run in Sioux Falls.

After these teams, IUPUI and North Dakota State round out the schools who finished at least .500 in conference play, but neither should threaten the three names above them.

If you want to watch one player outside of the top three schools, try watching Oral Roberts‘ Obi Emegano. The junior guard is an absolute fireball on offense. He averages 23.4 points and 5.1 assists. He gets almost no offensive help, but his ability to score against any defense is worth watching.

The first round matchup I would keep my eye on is IUPUI-North Dakota State. The matchup will largely center around the Bison and their top-30 defense in points allowed. Given the greater balance and depth for NDSU, I like their chances to pull the 5 over 4 “upset”. The other three matchups slant hard in favor of the higher seed, so if any team gets upset, it’s the fourth-place IUPUI Jaguars.

With all that laid out, we’ll journey to the summit of the league, starting at the bottom. Quick note: last place Western Illinois did not qualify for the postseason after finished 3-13 in league play.

Next: 8: South Dakota Coyotes