Horizon League Basketball: Conference tournament preview and predictions

By John Parker | Mar 4, 2016

Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jalen Hayes (4) high fives guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (30) during overtime against the Michigan State Spartans at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 22, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Detroit Titans forward Gerald Blackshear (25) grabs the ball from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers forward Ben Lawson (14) during the second half at E.A. Diddle Arena. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

6: Detroit Titans

Detroit is the biggest beneficiary of the league’s decision to play every game of the Horizon League tournament in one building. The 6-seed Titans play home games less than 20 minutes away from Joe Louis Arena.

With what amounts to a pair of home games before a potential matchup with in-state rival Oakland, Detroit is one of the top candidates to throw the Horizon League Tournament bracket into a state of chaos.

Led by First Team All-Conference forward Paris Bass, the Titans have wins over 5-seed Milwaukee and 3-seed Wright State in the tournament’s host city. Bass, who averaged 18.7 points and 7.7 rebounds on the season, has been on an absolute tear of late. In his last 7 games, the 6-foot-8 sophomore is averaging 22.9 points and per game while hitting 51.7% of his shots.

With the home court advantage, the Titans should be able to get by first round opponent Youngstown State. The Penguins picked up a pair of big wins early, but the team hasn’t managed a win over a top-6 opponent since. Detroit could definitely knock off 3-seed Wright State while playing in its own backyard, but expect the Raiders to win the rubber match.

Next: 5: Green Bay