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Patriot League Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Collin Helwig

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Tucker Richardson #15 of the Colgate Raiders reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Tucker Richardson #15 of the Colgate Raiders reacts during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 8: Selection committee (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 8: Selection committee (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) /

Patriot League Bracketology

Assuming that Colgate will prove Vegas right and repeat as tournament champions, our projections see the selection committee offering them 14 seeded slot. After more notable teams such as Auburn, Clemson, and Syracuse all steamrolled Colgate earlier this year, a conference tournament title paired with their overall 23-8 record, unfortunately, comes with little significance due to the weak competition which the Patriot League offers.

However, a win total potentially reaching 26 should allow them to avoid anyone or two seed opponents during the first round, unlike last year. Nonetheless, if any team upsets Colgate, they would see their campaign come to an early end, as they or any other potential victor are extremely unlikely to earn an at large bid again due to the conference’s frail competition.

Upon an American or Boston University tournament victory, a 15-16 seed appears more likely however due to their win totals falling far behind Colgate’s, even with a few more possibly tacked on during a potential title run. This may set up another entertaining David vs. Goliath matchup similar to last year when Colgate gave Tennessee a real scare, losing by just seven points. Beyond that, if any other team seeded below these three hypothetically came away with the title, they would definitely slide into the 16 seed slot.