Horizon League Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview, predictions
By Ryan Kay
SemiFinals
Detriot Mercy vs. Cleveland State
Patton vs. Davis, Kuol vs. Beaudion, the match-ups for this game will be amazing as both teams have come a long way from last season. These two teams faced off against one another very recently when the Titans defeated the Vikings seven in the last meeting on Cleveland State’s home court.
The first time they played one another, Cleveland State came back from a 16-point halftime deficit and won by six points. The Titans are not the team the Vikings want to play in the semifinals. Cleveland State will battle but after Detroit Mercy defeating Northern Kentucky, the Titans’ confidence will be very high and Davis and his father who is the head coach Mike Davis will lead Detroit Mercy into the Finals.
Prediction: Detroit Mercy 78 Cleveland State 76
Oakland vs. Wright State
The Raiders defeated the Golden Grizzlies by 39 points on Oakland’s home court. In the second game between the two schools, the Golden Grizzlies shocked Wright State by defeating them by 10.
On a neutral court, Wright State will be prepared and focused on advancing to the championship game. Unless Williams makes 10 three’s as he did against Oklahoma State or coach Kampe has a secret plan to stop both Love and Holden, The Raiders should win this game and advance to the championship game.
Prediction: Wright State 89 Oakland 73
Finals
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy
A No. 2 seed versus a No. 5 seed in the finals may look like an unusual championship match up but it is more possible than you think. Detriot Mercy looks to play the role of the underdog as Wright State is the overwhelming favorite and looks to get their first tournament championship since 2018.
The Titan’s last league championship was back in 2012 but they have the look of a team that could pull off the upset. Both teams are coached by proven veterans as Nagy has coached four NCAA tournament teams with having been to the second round of the tournament twice as a coach and Davis has taken a team to the NCAA championship game as well as coaching nine teams in the NCAA tournament. However, the coaches won’t determine who takes the title.
Detroit Mercy has done an excellent job in the transfer portal bringing in players who not only contribute but start for the Titans. The Titans have a star in Davis leading them but he has a solid surrounding cast around him that he didn’t necessarily have the past two seasons. Wright State’s four of their top five leading scorers are sophomores but the leader of their team Love is a proven senior looking to carry his team to victory.
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In the two games that they faced off against one another this season, Wright State won on Detriot Mercy’s home court twice by 23 and 13 points. However, those two games were played back in December and the Titans have improved a lot since then. This game will be closer than some may think but the Raiders will come away with the victory and the championship trophy.