Patriot League basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

Semifinals

1) Bucknell vs. 4) Lehigh

In the overtime 92-89 win over the Bison, Tejada came off the bench to score 17 points. But he was the third leading scorer that night for Lehigh, with Pat Andree (24 points) and Jordan Cohen (21 points) having fantastic nights.

The question is simple – can the Mountain Hawks do it again? They have great momentum and have won four straight road games, but it’s hard to believe they’ll win at a place where they lost easily earlier in the year.

Prediction: Bucknell

2) Colgate vs. 3) Navy

The Raiders won both games, although they were very close in terms of both the margin, and how tight it was throughout. But Navy has been a great road team this year, winning five of their last six away from home. Outside of the top team, it’s really a tossup with everyone else. I doubt it’s 100% chalk, so let’s go with the Midshipmen for a tiny upset.

Prediction: Navy

Finals

1) Bucknell vs. 3) Navy

It’s been awhile since a member of the Armed Forces was part of the NCAA Tournament, 13 years in fact. Considering that neither Navy, Army nor Air Force are basketball powers, it’s nice to see a little bit of history possibly coming.

Problem is that Bucknell would be loving this scenario, as the Bison destroyed Navy by at least 20 in both previous games. The problem for the Midshipmen is that while they’re an experienced bunch, they don’t have nearly the firepower to beat Bucknell.

Prediction: Bucknell

Next: Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament preview

Colgate would be a much better opponent for Bucknell, but it’s hard to imagine any team beating the Bison. But that’s why we play the game, waiting to see who shocks the world to getting that precious automatic bid.