Patriot League Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals

(1) Colgate vs (5) Lafayette

With two victories over them already, everyone knows Lafayette matches up well against the Raiders. As they proved earlier this year, Lafayette has enough shooters to outscore Colgate while their astute team defense simultaneously slows things down on the other end, but with their occasional tendencies to turn the ball over opposing Colgate’s stern discipline, the Raiders may look apply more pressure than usual on their opponent.

Prediction: Colgate 70 – Lafayette 65

(2) American vs (3) Boston University

The Eagles attack offensively slightly better than BU, averaging a few more points per game and shooting beyond the arc at a higher percentage. Although the Terriers contrarily play defense at a slightly higher level, nobody forces more turnovers than American, as Sa’eed Nelson fuels them on that end as well, averaging a conference-high 2.8 SPG. Between these similar teams, this ability to force turnovers allows American to barely outstretch as the more likely winner.

Prediction: American 69 – Boston University 62

Finals

(1) Colgate vs (2) American

Wielding the balanced offensive attack that allowed them to reign atop all else during the regular season, Colgate defeated American both times during the regular season. But just as I expect Colgate to make the adjustments necessary to at last defeat Lafayette, I expect American to do the same against Colgate and bear down defensively by locking up shooters.

Big moments often favor the team with the best player, rather than the best overall team, so I see Sa’eed Nelson and the Eagles to pulling this one out in the clutch.

Prediction: Colgate 71 – American 73