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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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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: Eli Pemberton #5 of the Hofstra Pride (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: Eli Pemberton #5 of the Hofstra Pride (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Semifinals

1) Hofstra vs. 4) Charleston

This game is going to be challenging for both teams. The teams split their season series, with both teams winning at home. A key player to look out for in this one is Hofstra forward Isaac Kante. The junior is averaging 11.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and will match up well against Riller, potentially giving Hofstra’s guards a chance to run amok.

Prediction: Hofstra 71, Charleston 69

2) William & Mary vs. 6) Northeastern

People are making a big deal out of how this is Nathan Knight’s last chance to reach the NCAA Tournament and that should be a big motivation for the tribe. It’s Jordan Roland’s last chance to make it back there, too. Dane Fischer would be a deserving choice for CAA Coach of the Year in his first season with the Tribe, but the tutelage of Bill Coen with the Huskies will be too much to handle.

Prediction: Northeastern 67, William & Mary 62

Finals

1) Hofstra vs. 6) Northeastern

This sets up a rematch of last year’s CAA Tournament final, which Northeastern won 82-74. Hofstra has been itching for revenge all season long, topping the Huskies by a combined six points in two Pride victories this season.

In a conference this wide open, it’s been trendy to see people pick against the top seed. Hofstra is an experienced roster with a combined eight junior and senior players and this might be their last chance at the NCAA Tournament for several years.

Next. Predicting 2019-20 tournament winners. dark

They finally get it done on Tuesday night.

Prediction: Hofstra 81, Northeastern 72