Horizon League Basketball: 2020 Conference Tournament preview
By Ryan Kay
Semifinals Predictions
No. 6 Oakland vs. No. 1 Wright State
Winner: Wright State
Unfortunately for Oakland, this is not a good matchup for the Golden Grizzlies. Fortunately, this is an ideal matchup for the Raiders as Wright State defeated the Golden Grizzlies on their home floor by a score of 96-69. In their last meeting, the Raiders beat Oakland again, 83-71. The Golden Grizzlies have had difficulty on defense against the Raiders and Wright State wins this game moving them to the championship game.
Prediction: Wright State 82 Oakland 73
No. 4 seed UIC vs. No. 2 Northern Kentucky
Winner: Northern Kentucky
For the 2nd year head coach of Northern Kentucky, he is looking to make his first NCAA tournament appearance since he led Western Kentucky to one in 2008. His team, Northern Kentucky, has played well in conference play but they have a difficult game in their semifinals match up with UIC. In their last meeting, Illinois-Chicago stunned Northern Kentucky by beating 73-43 on the road. Northern Kentucky in early January went UIC and defeated them by a score of 68-52. No one would argue the fact that UIC can win this game but Northern Kentucky having two byes and UIC playing their third game in six days, gives the Norse a slight edge.
Prediction: Northern Kentucky 79 UIC 76
Championship Game
No. 1 seed Wright State vs. No. 2 seed Northern Kentucky
Winner: Wright State
In their first matchup of the season, Wright State defeated Northern Kentucky 95-63 in convincing fashion. However, the Norse on their home court gave the Raiders all they can handle but fell short losing 64-62.
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Some would argue that this game will be close and may go into overtime but on a neutral court in Indianapolis, the Raiders will win by 8 or more and earn a berth to the NCAA tournament.
Prediction: Wright State 75 Northern Kentucky 67