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Conference USA Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, predictions

By Matt Melton

NORFOLK, VA - MARCH 06 : Conference USA logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Old Dominion Monarchs at the Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 6, 2019 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NORFOLK, VA - MARCH 06 : Conference USA logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Old Dominion Monarchs at the Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 6, 2019 in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Conference USA Basketball Kalu Ezikpe Old Dominion Monarchs (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Conference USA Basketball Kalu Ezikpe Old Dominion Monarchs (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Quarterfinals

1E Western Kentucky vs 4W UTSA

Western Kentucky knows that their only hope of making the NCAA Tournament is to win the C-USA Tournament, and I believe they come out and make a statement in this game. While UTSA is a good team, the Hilltoppers should cruise to a victory here, partly due to the Roadrunners inability to contain Charles Bassey.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 79, UTSA 68

2W UAB vs 3E Marshall

The no-doubt game of the tournament up to this point, this one will be must-see. UAB, while not the best offensive team, is an elite defensive team only allowing 60.1 PPG to opponents. Marshall on the other hand is averaging 80.5 PPG, which ranks 28th in college basketball. I see this game being close throughout, with UAB making a few big shots late to set up a massive semifinal matchup with Western Kentucky.

Prediction: UAB 75, Marshall 71

1W Louisiana Tech vs 4E Florida Atlantic

Louisiana Tech won the West division for a reason. The Bulldogs are very good, but they won’t necessarily blow you away with stats. Florida Atlantic is a very good two-way team, and is very capable of pulling off the upset. Louisiana Tech will win this one, but it will be closer that most people expect.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 75, Florida Atlantic 72

2E Old Dominion vs 3W North Texas

Old Dominion is a good defensive team, but not necessarily on the offensive end. This game will be a good, low-scoring game with North Texas pulling off the upset to move to the semifinals.

Prediction: North Texas 71, Old Dominion 68