Ohio Valley basketball: 2018 Conference tournament preview
By Logan Butts
Top players in the OVC Tournament
SR Jonathan Stark – Murray State
2017-18 stats: 21.7 ppg 2.8 rpg 4.0 apg
Stark is the OVC’s leading scorer, and he does it at an efficient clip. He posts 47-42-89 shooting splits and is fifth in the conference in assists.
Stark has been the best player on the best team in the conference this season, and he’s a senior looking for his first NCAA Tournament appearance. If there’s one player to watch in the OVC tournament, it’s Stark.
JR Dylan Windler – Belmont
2017-18 stats: 17.6 ppg 9.3 rpg 2.7 apg
The league’s top rebounder challenges Stark in the scoring efficiency department. Windler shoots 56 percent from the field and 43 percent from three. He “only” shoots 72 percent from the line, which is solid from a post player.
Windler is also a strong defender, averaging nearly a block and a steal per game.
JR Nick Mayo – Eastern Kentucky
2017-18 stats: 18.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg
The junior has gone for 20-plus 12 times this season, including six of the last season games. If EKU is going to do anything in the OVC Tournament, Mayo will need to continue that hot streak.
FR Terry Taylor – Austin Peay
2017-18 stats: 15.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.0 bpg
The OVC’s breakout freshman, is one of only three players (Windler is another) in the top 10 for both points and rebounds in the conference. For APSU to upset a top team, Taylor will need to collect a double-double.
SR Amanze Egekeze – Belmont
2017-18 stats: 16.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.0 apg
Windler’s partner in crime provides a veteran presence and second scoring threat for the Bruins. Both will need to be hitting in order for Belmont to end a two-year tournament drought.