NCAA Basketball: 2018 Hall of Fame Belfast Classic preview and predictions

Who will win the Samson bracket?

In the Samson bracket, the game between Dartmouth and Marist is a game where the two teams have combined for just two Division I wins. Marist sits at 1-4 while Dartmouth is 3-3. Even though the record doesn’t show it, the Red Foxes have been in all their games, over their first four games, no game was decided by more than six points. Dartmouth, on the other hand, has had two decisive wins over non-D1 schools, while their Division I games have been a bit closer, a three-point loss to Davidson, a two-point win over Loyola (MD), before being overmatched by Buffalo and San Francisco.

As I said earlier, both teams shoot the three-point shot very well, but in an early sample size the Red Foxes have played better defense, and have the best player in the game with Parker. Because of that reason, I think Marist has the edge in this one and moves on to the title game.

Prediction: Marist

In the second game in the between Long Island-Brooklyn and Albany, we have a high-powered offense against a stinger defense. So far this season LIU-Brooklyn has averaged 81.6 points per game, while their opponents have given up just 69.8. Statistically speaking these two teams are relatively even, except when it comes to three-point shooting. Albany has shot the long ball at 35.9% clip and the Blackbirds at just 29.9% even though they have attempted 42 more shots.

Both teams have had recent post-season success and this is another game where the backcourts will be the thing to keep an eye on. The Blackbirds’ three-guard lineup of Clark, Agosto, and Batts taking on Clark and Healy. I see this game as a coin flip and no more than a six-point margin either way, but I see Albany pulling out the win and facing Marist for the Samson bracket title.

Prediction: Albany

In the consolation game, I have Dartmouth facing LIU-Brooklyn.  This could be a high-scoring affair with the Blackbirds trying to do their damage inside the three-point arc, while nearly half of Dartmouth’s attempts have come from beyond the line. The difference for me in this game is the fact that so far this season Dartmouth has been more efficient at all three levels on the offensive end. The Big Green shoot 45.3% from the field, 76.5% from the free throw line, and 44.2% from three-point land while Long Island shoots 41.7%, 71.2%, and 29.9% in those areas. Dartmouth should come away with the win in this one.

Prediction: Dartmouth

In the title game, Marist will battle Albany. This is another game between two evenly matched teams, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and turnovers are all within six of each other. There are some slight differences when it comes to the percentages. Marist has a better field goal percentage, 45.2% compared to 40.7%, Albany is a better free throw shooting team, but the Red Foxes shoot the three at a higher clip. In the end, I think the combination of Clark and Healy will be too much for Marist and coach Brown and the Great Danes will take home the title.

Prediction: Albany