Big West Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, predictions

Mar 14, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; UC Irvine Anteaters guard Robert Cartwright (3) drives to the basket between UC Riverside Highlanders center Menno Dijkstra (right) and UC Riverside Highlanders guard Dragan Elkaz (0) during the second half in the Big West conference tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 5

Big West Basketball Long Beach State 49ers Colin Slater Cody Glenn-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterfinals

#1 UC Santa Barbara versus #9 Long Beach State

UC Santa Barbara, having yet to face Long Beach State due to their low-intensity schedule, will plow through this game. UC Santa Barbara is better in every facet of the game to include talent and experience. Long Beach State will have a difficult time competing in this game.

PREDICTION: UC SANTA BARBARA 79, LONG BEACH STATE 53

#4 UC Davis versus #5 Cal State Bakersfield

UC Davis, for COVID reasons, did not have an opportunity to play Cal State Bakersfield this year. Despite that, UC Davis should be able to handle them. However, it is a conference tournament with two teams close in talent and experience. Therefore, this will be a close game throughout with UC Davis ultimately moving on.

PREDICTION: UC DAVIS 71, CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD 69

#2 UC Irvine versus #7 Cal State Fullerton

UC Irvine is one of the best defensive teams in the country allowing 63.4 points per game which puts them at 27th in the nation. This game will feature the UC Irvine defense and they will dominate Fullerton. Defense wins championships.

PREDICTION: UC IRVINE 81, CAL STATE FULLERTON 65

#3 UC Riverside versus #6 Hawaii

Hawaii is the ultimate average team. They rank in the middle of nearly every team category and their record reflects the same. Teams like the Rainbow Warriors are dangerous in conference championships. They do not experience the expectations of a higher side and are free to play their game.

Hawaii has been able to knock off some of the tougher Big West Conference opponents this year and they have stuck around in many other games. Hawaii will have the biggest upset of the tournament when they defeat third-seeded UC Riverside.

PREDICTION: HAWAII 73, UC RIVERSIDE 72