CAA Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, predictions

Semifinals

No. 1 James Madison Dukes vs. No. 4 Hofstra Pride

This is where the loss of Matt Lewis hurts James Madison the most. He’s better than any individual player on Hofstra, but the Dukes’ next best player, Vado Morse, doesn’t quite stack up as favorable with the Pride’s best players. James Madison won both games between the teams by four points each – Lewis scored 20 in the first, but suffered his season-ending injury during the second. His total absence should be enough for Hofstra to overcome.

Prediction: Hofstra 85, James Madison 78

No. 2 Northeastern Huskies vs. No. 6 Drexel Dragons

This could end up being the most fun game in the entire CAA Tournament. Watching Tyson Walker and Camren Wynter duke it out back and forth should be an entertaining affair. Northeastern has experience on its side, as well as a more well-rounded team. Drexel could be hoisting the trophy next year, but they’re not ready yet.

Prediction: Northeastern 88, Drexel 80

Finals

No. 2 Northeastern Huskies vs. No. 4 Hofstra Pride

Where have we seen this matchup before? Oh yes, it was when Hofstra defeated Northeastern for the crown last year, 70-61. And the year before that, when Northeastern took the title with an 82-74 win. So this is a rubber match of sorts.

The Huskies did win both regular-season games, but the intrinsic motivation of making up for last year’s canceled NCAA Tournament appearance might be enough to push Hofstra over the edge and into the Big Dance for the first time since 2001.

Prediction: Hofstra 76, Northeastern 68