Busting Brackets
Fansided

MAC basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

By Charlie Salek

OMAHA, NEBRASKA-NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Nate Oats of the Buffalo Bulls reacts during their game against the Creighton Bluejays at the CenturyLink Center on November 29, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NEBRASKA-NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Nate Oats of the Buffalo Bulls reacts during their game against the Creighton Bluejays at the CenturyLink Center on November 29, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 24: Wes Clark
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 24: Wes Clark /

Key Players

CJ Massinburg and Wes Clark, Buffalo

Massinburg is one of the premiere scorers in the MAC (17.4 ppg). The junior guard is capable of getting buckets from anywhere and is especially dangerous from deep (40.5% 3FG). His backcourt mate, senior Wes Clark, is equally important to the Bulls’ offense. Clark is a stabilizing force and provides experience and leadership for this Buffalo squad. He also scores (14.8) and creates for his teammates (5.4 assists). The Bulls have a loaded roster, but these are their two most important players.

James Thompson IV, Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan’s frontcourt is its headliner. Thompson may be EMU’s second-leading scorer (15.3), but his main impact is on the glass (11.5 rpg). If you average a double-double, you are deserving of a shoutout. Thompson also demonstrates explosiveness and athleticism and will be a tough matchup throughout this tournament.

Thomas Wilder, Western Michigan

If Western Michigan makes an extended run through the MAC Tournament, Wilder will be the catalyst. The senior guard has a great feel for the game and affects the game in many areas (18.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.0 spg). Occasionally, though, he appears too passive. Wilder will have to constantly be in attack-mode on offense for the Broncos to have any chance at a championship. He has certainly shown that he’s capable of carrying a squad to victory.

Tre’Shaun Fletcher, Toledo

The senior guard leads Toledo in points (18.7), rebounds (8.2), and assists (4.5). Fletcher has a versatile game and does it all for the Rockets. His size and ability to stretch the floor make him a tough matchup. If Toledo wins the MAC, it will likely be a result of Fletcher’s performance.