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 9, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wis-Milwaukee Panthers guard Derek Rongstad (20) celebrates the Wis-Milwaukee Panthers victory over the Wisconsin Badgers with guard Akeem Springs (2) at the Kohl Center. Wis-Milwaukee defeated Wisconsin 68-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

4: Milwaukee Panthers

Milwaukee might be the most interesting team in the league tournament this year. The Panthers’ lineup features two seniors and three juniors, good size for a mid-major, and five starters who can shoot. Everything about that reads like a potential Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament, not a team hoping to play spoiler in the Horizon League Tournament.

The Panthers seem to be a better team than their record and the league standings indicate. KenPom rates Milwaukee 115th in the nation, third best in the league behind Valparaiso and Oakland. While Wisconsin didn’t look like the at-large team it’s turned into, Milwaukee beat the Badgers in the Kohl Center. All 12 of its losses have come by 14 points or fewer, with 10 coming by eight points or less and eight being decided by a single possession or in overtime.

In short, Milwaukee is a team that will likely be competitive with whichever team ultimately ends its season. The Panthers have been prone to giving up big runs from opponents, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see them lose Saturday.

Still, if Milwaukee can avoid spotting its opponents a double-digit lead and a few of its starters stay hot from long range, the Panthers could be the wild card that flips the Horizon League Tournament on its head.

Next: 3: Wright State