College Basketball: How to bring back BracketBusters in the non-conference

Semifinal Matchups

Saint Mary’s (WCC) – Vermont (America East)

This matchup is what this tournament would be all about. Despite going undefeated through conference play, Vermont had very little at-large hope due to the weakness of their schedule. They have a game this season at Kentucky, but very few teams nationwide are capable of winning at Rupp Arena. This would probably be the biggest regular season game the Catamounts would have all year and a must-win at that.

Looking at how these two would look against one another is interesting. Both are veteran savvy teams that like to play slow. The Gaels may not have the advantage on the guard line but Vermont is relatively thin on the inside. No big man in the America East is as good as Jock Landale, who will be the difference as the Gaels move on in a close one. Hypothetical Prediction: Saint Mary’s

Florida Gulf Coast (Atlantic Sun) – Nevada (MWC)

The Eagles are in a similar situation as Vermont, with Nevada expected to be better than any other opponent they might face. The chemistry issue for Nevada with so many new contributors could very well rear its ugly head in this hypothetical round.

The matchup to watch would be down low with the Martin twins of Nevada against Ricky Doyle and Michael Gilmore of FGCU. In what could be the best game of this tournament, the Wolf Pack squeaks by in a high scoring affair. Hypothetical Prediction: Nevada.