Ohio Valley basketball: 2018 Conference tournament preview
By Logan Butts
Key teams in the tournament
Favorite to win the OVC: Murray State
The Racers have the most talented team and the best player. They enter the tournament hot on an 11-game win streak. And, perhaps most importantly, this would be the first senior class since the 80s to not reach the NCAA Tournament if Murray fails to receive a bid.
Biggest threat to the favorite: Belmont
Belmont has been neck-and-neck with Murray State all season. They actually beat the Racers at home 79-72 during conference play. The Bruins have upset a top-seeded Murray State team in the OVC Tournament before.
Team to look out for: Tennessee State
TSU is deep, experienced, and athletic. They have already beaten Belmont this season and could take down the Racers if they catch them on the right night. Despite being only one seed apart, the Tigers are significantly better than their first-round opponent. Barring an upset, they would have to upset Austin Peay or Jacksonville State (who I almost put in this spot) before getting a chance to face one of the top teams in the semifinals.