MEAC
Everyone in the MEAC is currently sitting at 6-8 or worse. It is clearly anyone’s league.
1) Norfolk State vs. SC State (1/25)
Norfolk State tested themselves a lot in non-conference play. They were the league favorite throughout the regular season last year. That may be the case this year. South Carolina State has a lot to prove, but they can compete for the MEAC as well.
Missouri Valley
The Missouri Valley is always a league worth following. Teams from the Missouri Valley always earn big victories and pull of NCAA Tournament upsets left and right. As of right now, it is looking like a three-team race.
2) Northern Iowa vs. Drake (2/8, 2/29)
Northern Iowa is sitting at 11-1 and Drake is 10-3. These matchups are not until February, but they will both be near the top of the league.
1) Northern Iowa vs. Bradley (1/4, 1/18)
Northern Iowa will look to turn their non-conference dominance into something special in league play. Bradley is out to prove that the league is very much theirs, just like it was last year. We will find out early who the team to beat is in the Missouri Valley.
Mountain West
This league is one of the toughest mid-major conferences in NCAA Basketball. Just as it was last year, it will most likely be one that receives two NCAA Tournament bids. There are three teams at the top that will make it very interesting.
3) New Mexico vs. Utah State (2/29)
Both of these teams average over 80 ppg. Their backcourts are deadly and the matchup between Jaquan Lyle of New Mexico and Sam Merrill of Utah State will not disappoint.
2) New Mexico vs. San Diego State (1/29, 2/11)
If Utah State and San Diego State are the two Mountain West teams receiving all the national attention, then New Mexico must do something to show they are an NCAA Tournament team as well. A home game against high scoring San Diego State is a huge opportunity for them to send a message.
1) Utah State vs. San Diego State (1/4, 2/1)
These two are the favorites and New Mexico is just trying to crash the party. If one of these squads drops both of these games, then that team is very much in trouble.