Busting Brackets
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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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LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 12: Tim Bond
LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 12: Tim Bond /

Key Teams

Buffalo Bulls

Buffalo is the deepest and most talented team in the conference. The Bulls cruised through the MAC season with a 15-3 conference record. Massinburg and Clark are the key players, but Buffalo has so many other options as well. Nick Perkins comes off the bench and scores 16.7 ppg. Jeremy Harris is a versatile player and an important offensive contributor (15.0 ppg, 41.7% 3FG). Davonta Jordan is an excellent playmaker and averages 4.3 assists. The Bulls are the favorites for a reason.

Toledo Rockets

Fletcher is the engine for these Rockets, who finished second in the MAC. Toledo can score at an impressive rate and has four players averaging double-figures. The question will be if the Rockets can stop anyone defensively. Toledo is a dangerous opponent with its high-flying offense and its perimeter shooting (40.6% 3FG). But if the Rockets have an off night from the field, they will be susceptible. That is, unless they can get stops on defense.

Eastern Michigan Eagles

The Eagles may be the hottest team in the league as they enter the tournament on a six-game winning streak. Eastern Michigan is the best defensive team in the conference and therefore, it will be a tough out. The Eagles have an excellent frontcourt in Thompson and Elijah Minnie, who leads the Eagles in scoring (16.8).

But the backcourt has also been playing well lately. Guards Paul Jackson and Tim Bond provide a spark for the Eagles on both ends of the court. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Eastern Michigan swept Toledo in the regular season.