Busting Brackets
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CAA Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Holden Walter-Warner

BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 07: Flags of the schools line the wall during the Colonial Athletic Conference Championship college basketball game tournament between the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks and the Hofstra Pride at Royal Farms Arena on March 7, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 07: Flags of the schools line the wall during the Colonial Athletic Conference Championship college basketball game tournament between the North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks and the Hofstra Pride at Royal Farms Arena on March 7, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Grant Riller #1 of the Charleston Cougars (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Grant Riller #1 of the Charleston Cougars (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

1) Hofstra vs. 9) UNC Wilmington

The one thing UNC Wilmington has going for it is its youth. They have just one senior and he’s played in just a handful of games this season. Maybe inexperience will lessen any intimidation factor as the CAA Tournament enters its second day. UNC Wilmington actually played the Pride close in their first meeting of the season, but they don’t stand much of a chance here.

Prediction: Hofstra 80, UNC Wilmington 60

4) Charleston vs. 5) Delaware

This is probably the must-see game of the CAA quarterfinals. Both teams have the capability to win here, upset Hofstra and clinch a surprising trip to the NCAA Tournament. This could be where Delaware’s lack of depth comes to bite them, but it seems even more likely that this is where Grant Riller reminds the CAA of who he is when he’s at his best.

Prediction: Charleston 79, Delaware 71

2) William & Mary vs. 10) James Madison

The CAA Tournament is taking place in Washington, D.C., meaning it’s a relatively close trip for both of these programs and fans should be able to travel for the Sunday evening contest. Games between these two teams have been surprisingly competitive this season, but Nathan Knight isn’t going to let that happen under the brightest lights.

Prediction: William & Mary 78, James Madison 62

3) Towson vs. 6) Northeastern

It would be fair to call this season a disappointment for Northeastern. Despite the presence of Jordan Roland and Bolden Brace, the defending CAA champs went .500 overall and in conference play. It would be fair to call this season a pleasant surprise for Towson, who went from six CAA wins in 2018-19 to six CAA losses in 2019-20. And yet…

Prediction: Northeastern 67, Towson 66