Busting Brackets
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Summit League basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

By Nolan Schmidt

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 16: Mike Daum is the best player in the Summit League, and one of the best players overall in the country. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 16: Mike Daum is the best player in the Summit League, and one of the best players overall in the country. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 16: Mike Daum
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 16: Mike Daum /

Semi-finals and Final predictions

Semi-finals

#1 South Dakota State vs #4 Fort Wayne

The two games between these teams have been rather contentious. South Dakota State only defeated Fort Wayne by two points at home on January 27th. They also played their final regular season game against one another with the Jackrabbits winning by seven in Fort Wayne. The final match-up of Mike Daum and Bryson Scott will be entertaining and this game will be competitive. However, I just do not see South Dakota State missing the finals.

Prediction: South Dakota State

#2 South Dakota vs #3 Denver

Call it blind optimism, but I see something special in this Pioneer team. They are a fantastic rebounding team, but they can also become complacent when they hold a big lead. South Dakota will be at the top of their game, or at least we assume they will be. Despite that, I think Denver is a team of destiny this season. They already hold a head-to-head win over the Coyotes, and I believe the Pioneers have the winning formula.

Prediction: Denver

Finals

#1 South Dakota State vs #3 Denver

I may be overly confident in Denver coming into this tournament, but I know how they stack up against the Jackrabbits. They dropped the two games they played against them this regular season and they are wholly inferior offensively. Granted, very few teams are as talented on the offensive side as South Dakota State.

Never the less, the Pioneers will not have the rebounding advantage as both teams are relatively even in that respect. The only real chance Denver has is to turn the Jackrabbits over multiple times during the game.

Next: Patriot League conference tournament preview

That is a hard task to accomplish, but it is possible. However, I just do not see South Dakota State relinquishing their vice grip on this conference. There is just too much working in their favor heading into March.

Prediction and champion: South Dakota State