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NCAA Basketball: 2019 Myrtle Beach Invitational preview and predictions

By Joe Chambers

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 28: A Nike Elite Championship basketball on the court during play between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at American Airlines Center on December 28, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 28: A Nike Elite Championship basketball on the court during play between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at American Airlines Center on December 28, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 23: Isaiah Austin #21 of the Baylor Bears runs up the floor against the Creighton Bluejays during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the AT&T Center on March 23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 23: Isaiah Austin #21 of the Baylor Bears runs up the floor against the Creighton Bluejays during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the AT&T Center on March 23, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Bottom of Bracket

Ohio Bobcats

Ohio enters the Myrtle Beach Invitational with a solid record. At 3-1, they have wins against St. Bonaventure, Heidelberg, and Iona. They lost to Villanova, who they could possibly play in the invitational. They have lots of good talent on their team and can make a stand in the invitational. The Bobcats are coming off their only loss to Villanova so they’ll be hungry to get back into the win column. The Bobcats are led by Jason Preston and Ben Vander Plas.

Preston is their leading scorer this season with 17.5 ppg and Vander Plas averages 15.3 ppg. Both of these gentlemen have what it takes to be threats while on the court. They have a ton of potential to be able to produce and put up points for the Bobcats. The sophomores (Vander Plas is a redshirt sophomore) are shooting at a great clip as well at above 50% from the field. This is impressive because it shows that the Bobcats have two leaders in Vander Plas and Preston. Preston is a guard and Vander Plas is a forward, so they can execute the pick’n’roll as well.

Baylor Bears

The Bears open up the invitational against Ohio. The Bears are a combined 2-1 with both wins coming on their home court. Their loss to Washington was at a neutral site (Armed Forces Classic in Anchorage, Alaska). Their season opener was against Central Arkansas, Washington, and Texas State. They beat put up 105 points against Central Arkansas in their big win. This was a good statement win for the Bears to show they are here to play.

The Bears leading scorers are led by Jared Butler and MaCio Teague. Butler is averaging 21 ppg and Teague is averaging 12.7 ppg. They both average 31 minutes per game too so they will be on the court for the majority of the game. They are both shooting above 45% from the field and are shooting above 38% from the 3-point line. If their opponents cannot stop these two, look for it to be the Bears controlling the game from the jump.

Utah Utes

Remember when Utah destroyed Mississippi Valley State 143-49. Yeah, they’re still red hot right now. They are 3-0 currently with wins over Nevada, Mississippi Valley State, and Minnesota. Do not be surprised if the Utes make a run to the championship round and possibly the finals. They are a great time who is capable of putting up big numbers. Their games between Nevada and Minnesota was a 5-point win (Nevada) and 4 point win (Minnesota). Even though they were around 70+ points, it’s still impressive the points the Utes can put up against their opponents.

The Utes are led by Timmy Allen and Both Gach. Allen averages 22.7 ppg and Gach averages 17.7 ppg. They’re both shooting above 52% from the field and are shooting above 69% from the free throw line. Both are good at rebounding the ball too with each averaging above 5.0 rpg. They also are good at not fouling during the games too. If your key players are able to stay in the game and not foul much, this can be a game-changer for late-game situations in terms of free throw shooting and getting the right shot off too. If Utah can be consistent in having their star players not be in foul trouble, this invitational will cause trouble to many teams.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The Chanticleers are entering the invitational at 2-2 on the season. They have wins against Hampden-Sydney and Middle Tennessee (Non-bracketed game) and they lost to Campbell and Northern Kentucky each by one point. Heartbreaking for the Chanticleers to lose both games by one point. Coastal Carolina is the host of this tournament so all of the games will be played on their home court so they will be at an advantage playing on their home court and not at a neutral site.

Coastal Carolina is led by their two leading scorers in Tyrell Gumbs-Foster and DeVante Jones. Gumbs Foster averages 16.3 ppg and Jones averages 15 ppg. For a mid-major school in the Sun Belt conference, this is a tough team that can cause trouble for many opponents. The Chanticleers put up good fights even if it results in a nail-biting loss. They have five players who are averaging double digits in the scoring column so they have guys who can score and get Coastal Carolina to where they need to be at in order to win. The question is will the ball bounce their way.

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