Busting Brackets
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OVC Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, postseason outlook

By Brock Zimmermann

Belmont's Adam Kunkel (5) puts the Belmont Bruins sticker on the big-ticket after beating the Murray State Racers in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship game at Ford Center Saturday evening, March 7, 2020.Ovc Championship 12
Belmont's Adam Kunkel (5) puts the Belmont Bruins sticker on the big-ticket after beating the Murray State Racers in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship game at Ford Center Saturday evening, March 7, 2020.Ovc Championship 12 /
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Belmont’s Ben Sheppard OVC basketball  Hpt Austin Peay Belmont Basketball 28
Belmont’s Ben Sheppard OVC basketball  Hpt Austin Peay Belmont Basketball 28 /

3. Eastern Kentucky: 21-6 (15-5)

An up-and-down season for the Colonels could end with a postseason appearance (most likely teams ending their season and turning down invites) in the NIT, or if the CBI Tournament manages to find neutral site options.

The highest-scoring team in the league was hurt by the limited out-of-conference opportunities but proved they can hang with the rest of the conference, and had a close OT loss to Xavier. It’s been a strong final season in the OVC, and ending with the automatic bid would surprising but not out of the question.

Outlook: Back and forth battles and a close loss against MSU in semis to end the season

2. Morehead State: 20-7 (17-3)

The Eagles got off to a pretty slow start but managed to make the most of the challenging season and actually established a program record of 17 OVC wins. Considering they didn’t have a winning record until January 9, managing the second seed is a solid accomplishment. Picked to finish 8th in the preseason poll, a postseason opportunity would cap off an overachieving season.

They allow the fewest points against (63.4 per game) and are anchored by Johni Broome on the defensive side who is building a solid case for freshman of the year for the league.

Outlook: OVC title game appearance and an NIT invitation

1. Belmont: 24-3 (18-2)

The only team to crack the KenPom top 100, the Bruins are the clear favorites to win their second-straight OVC conference tournament. They have struggled as of late, with losses against Eastern Kentucky (67-81) and Morehead State (82-89 in double OT).

dark. Next. Predicting regular-season conference champs for 2020-21

They’re the most well-rounded team and likely have a few players that will receive all-conference honors. A bad early-season loss to Samford all but eliminates the at-large opportunity but we should still see Belmont dancing somewhere in the 11-13 range.

Outlook: Close title game win and an automatic bid to NCAA Tournament