The regular season title is one the line in Conference USA between Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. Will the Blue Raiders win in outright, or can the Hilltoppers prevent that outcome?
TV schedule: Thursday, March 1, 8:00 p.m. ET. CBSSN
Arena: Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
With all due respect to the Old Dominion Monarchs, the two best teams in Conference USA has been Middle Tennessee 23-5 (15-1) and Western Kentucky 22-7 (14-2). Both teams have benefited from high-level transfers this season, and have put themselves into position for an at-large bid.
In our latest Bracketology, the Blue Raiders earned themselves a 10 seed, meaning they would warrant an at-large bid if the season ended today. But unfortunately it doesn’t, and the team will have to avoid a bad their way. Right now, the Hilltoppers are clearly on the outside looking in, but a quality win over Middle Tennessee could get them right back in the conversation.
More from Busting Brackets
- NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 5 teams for top-100 SG Larry Johnson
- Oregon Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24
- Big East Basketball: Ranking all head coaches going into 2023-24 season
- Florida State Basketball: Is Seminoles roster good enough to win in 2023-24?
- SEC Basketball: 10 potential additions for the league if they ever expanded
In the first meeting between these teams, it was a high-level battle. The game went as expected, with Western Kentucky’s offensive balance going up against one of the best mid-majors in the country in Alabama transfer Nick King. The senior star went for 28 points, to lead Middle Tennessee to a great road win at the Hilltoppers, with the final score being 66-62.
The goal for Rick Stansbury and Western Kentucky is to find a way to stop King, who’s averaging 23 ppg in his last six contests. But don’t forget players like senior Giddy Potts, who has shown over his time at Middle Tennessee that he can have clutch performances when needed.
If Western Kentucky wins this game and ties it up, the last game will determine who is the No. 1 seed in the Conference USA Tournament. The Hilltoppers remain on the road at a capable UAB squad, while Middle Tennessee is at home with an explosive Marshall offense coming to town.
Next: Why Giddy Potts in the most important Blue Raider in school history
If these teams play 100 times, I firmly believe that it at best would be a 55-45 split for either team, that’s how close in talent and coaching these teams have. It’s going to be a raucous environment for the Blue Raiders, but the high-major veterans for Western Kentucky are equipped to handle it, getting some revenge from earlier in the season.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 76 – Middle Tennessee 72