Sun Belt Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview, predictions

Game-By-Game Bracket Prediction (1st Round)

Arkansas State (4W) vs. Georgia Southern  (5E)

In the opening game of the tournament, I have Georgia Southern defeating Arkansas State. The game should be close for a while, but the high-flying and flashy dunks by Zack and Cam Bryant, as well as Kamari Brown will create momentum for the Eagles. Georgia Southern plays a fun style of basketball, and I think they will be locked in and ready to go.

Prediction: Georgia Southern

South Alabama (3E) vs. ULM (6W)

This game should be the blowout of the tournament. South Alabama was only half a game outside of first place in the East division, whereas ULM was 5-13 in conference play. South Alabama has the leading scorer in the conference in Mike Flowers. He is complemented by other guys who can score such as Sam Iorio and Tyreke Locure. The Jaguars can shoot the 3 very well, and the Warhawks should stand no match.

Prediction: South Alabama

UTA (3W) vs. Troy (6E)

Troy is a lot better team than their record indicates, but they sometimes struggle to shoot. They have had a few games where they have been lights out, but the lack of consistency is worrisome. Nick Stampley and Khalil Waters are key if the Trojans want to pull off the upset, however, the consistency of UTA, led by Junior guard Shahada Wells, the do it all for the Mavs, should not have too much trouble advancing to the Quarterfinals.

Prediction: Texas-Arlington

App State (4E) vs. UALR (5W)

This should be the best game of the whole first round. Both of these teams underperformed their preseason expectations, especially Little Rock. Although Kamani Johnson transferred right before the season, the Trojans still have Ruot Monyyong and Ben Coupet. They were the favorites in the preseason, but when Markquis Nowell opted out of the season in February, it severely hinders their ceiling. App State was only a couple of games out of the Sun Belt East race, and with Justin Forrest and Adrian Delph leading the way, I think they squeak out a close victory.

Prediction: Appalachian State

Quarterfinals

Georgia Southern (5E) vs. Georgia State (1E)

These teams have only played once this year, resulting in a Georgia State victory. I expect Justin Roberts and the Panthers to dictate the pace and as long as they can slow down Georgia Southern’s dunkers on the fast break, they should roll to victory.

Prediction: Georgia State

South Alabama (3E) vs. Louisiana (2E)

Louisiana has had a solid season but has not done anything spectacular. I expect the guards of South Alabama in Locure and Flowers to put on a show. Louisiana has better bigs, but the guard play of South Alabama will be extremely hard to contain, which is why I have the Jaguars advancing into the Semifinals.

Prediction: South Alabama

Coastal Carolina (2E) vs. UTA (3W)

UTA will be coming off a win vs. Troy, a team that Coastal swept 4-0 this season. UTA is an overall solid team, but should be no match for the Chants. Tyrik Dixon will be back in the lineup, making it the first time in 2 months that Coastal is at full strength. The combo of Jones and Tipler in the backcourt with Ebrima Dibba and Essam Mostafa in the frontcourt grabbing rebounds. I anticipate a close game throughout, with Coastal pulling out the victory.

Prediction: Coastal Carolina

Appalachian State (5E) vs. Texas State (1W)

The west and the east clash in this quarterfinal matchup between a team that overperformed and a team that has underperformed. Overall, this seems like an extremely even matchup on paper, but I am going to give the advantage to App State due to their depth and veteran guards. App State has been overlooked all season, and Texas State has basically been handed the Sun Belt already by the media, so the Mountaineers have no pressure.

Prediction: Appalachian State