Big West Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Connor Hope | Mar 11, 2020

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Russell Turner of the UC Irvine Anteaters reacts to a call during the 2017 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the UC Irvine Anteaters at the Orleans Arena on November 24, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Head coach Russell Turner of the UC Irvine Anteaters speaks to Collin Welp (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Although UC Irvine finished the season with a three-game lead, the Big West Basketball Tournament without spectators could be more interesting than it appears. What should fans look out for?

Big West Basketball appears to have taken a slight step back this season, but that does not mean that the tournament will be any less exciting than usual. The Big West has provided plenty of fun games over the past few years and has won four NCAA Tournament games in the past decade.

Last season’s UC Irvine team may be the most impressive in recent memory, beating 4-seed Kansas State in the first round of the Big Dance. Despite losing a lot of productivity, the Anteaters are once again at the top of the Big West pecking order.

Despite their huge lead in the conference standings, they are not the only team to watch this week. Both UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Northridge have elite talent, that could cause some trouble for the conference favorites. Hawaii and UC Davis, may not be quite as talented, but their team play has elevated them in multiple games this season.

With no fans in attendance, no team will have the noise advantage which should make for some interesting games. Let’s take a look at what to expect when the event tips off on Thursday.