Patriot League Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

Quarterfinals

(1) Colgate vs (9) Loyola

With the first opportunity to swing at the conference’s top team, expect Loyola to attack with more confidence than most having already defeated Colgate earlier this year. However, the high-scoring, shootout based formula used then may render useless this time around. If Kostecka remains unavailable, expect Loyola to instead try and force Colgate into a gritty, slow-paced, and physical game. This comes as no easy task though when stacked up against the conference’s highest-scoring program.

Prediction: Colgate 62 – Loyola 50

(4) Army vs (5) Lafayette

With Army shooting the highest from the field amongst Patriot League teams set to face Lafayette, who owns the league’s lowest opponent field goal percentage, this matchup comes in as a battle of “what’s gonna give?” To come away with the win, Army must continue their offensive playstyle from the regular season, passing frequently (most APG) and keeping the offense moving at a fast pace, which could attack Lafayette’s lone defensive flaw: their inability to force turnovers (lowest SPG). On the other hand, Lafayette might aim to slow things down and yield their opponent’s offensive flow, building the game around their strengths instead.

Prediction: Army 50 – Lafayette 53

(2) American vs (7) Bucknell

Just as it has for all teams facing off against Eagles, containing Sa’eed Nelson ascends as the number one objective for upset-hunting Bison. However, during Bucknell’s first game against American, they held Nelson to 10 points yet lost, but when he dropped 28 points on them a month later, they walked away victorious. Nelson’s ability to change a game still makes him the x-factor going into this one even when noting the peculiar results following his performances against Bucknell, but make sure to still pay attention to the other 9 players on the court.

Prediction: American 68 – Bucknell 54

(3) Boston University vs (6) Navy

Proficient rebounding teams more often than not go the distance during March, and no Patriot League team does this better than BU. Their adept rebounding combined with Navy’s stagnant offense makes a scenario involving the Midshipmen moving onto the next round difficult to visualize. However, if Navy manages to at least keep stride with their opponent and keep this a low scoring affair, they could try and squeeze this one out.

Prediction: Boston University 57 – Navy 45