Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

By Andrew Tineo

Jan 21, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Jaden Seymour (22) and Wichita State Shockers forward Clarence Jackson (25) react after the game against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Jaden Seymour (22) and Wichita State Shockers forward Clarence Jackson (25) react after the game against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bracketology Implications (According to Joe Lunardi)

Houston (No. 2 seed)

Houston has been the consensus favorite throughout the majority of the season and has big non-conference performances to back up their resume.

The key wins, include Boise State, South Carolina, and a neutral court win over No. 20 Texas Tech.

The Cougars are bolstered by the second-best

scoring defense in the entire country. Their 57.2 points per game suffocate opponents. Houston has given up 70 once this season and the most they have, was in an 82-73 loss, on a night where East Carolina drained 11 3 pointers.

Houston is a solid lock for a Top 3 seed in the tournament, and winning the AAC would solidify them as a high two seed.

Wichita State (No. 11 seed)

Although the Shockers have a relatively even record with Houston, the Non-Conference slate is not quite as impressive. A road win in Oxford stands out, but the Shockers were close to two major upsets with close losses to Oklahoma State and Missouri.

Isaac Brown has done a masterful job, reviving the program, after the situation with Gregg Marshall imploded, prior to the season beginning.

The before mentioned Etienne has been fantastic for them and they rebound the ball at a very good rate. The Shockers have gotten to the line at a good rate, led by Etienne and UConn transfer Alterique Gilbert

Dexter Dennis and Morris Udeze are the two other standouts for the Shockers, with both recording 9.7 points per game each.

The Shockers need to win at least one game, to feel good about staying in the field. Making the final could push them up a seed and winning the AAC Tournament might jump them into the 8-9 game.

SMU (Next Four Out)

The Mustangs have had the worst luck out of any team in the country, in terms of COVID pauses. SMU has not played a game in over a month and had just four non-conference games on the season.

SMU has played in just 15 games. However, when they have played, they have been a force to be reckoned with. They have a key win over Memphis at home, while also compiling up quality performances including limiting ECU to just 30% from the field.

SMU is in a tough predicament of having to play for the first time in a month. If they are somehow able to win that first game, the Mustangs have a case to be considered as a first four out.

SMU making the title game gives them a shot of getting into the NCAA’s. Unfortunately, an AAC Championship looks to be the only way SMU can make the big dance. It will be the toughest road out of anyone for the Mustangs, without playing a game for over a month.