AAC Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals

#1 Wichita State vs. #5 Cincinnati

The Bearcats made the game much more difficult for Wichita State and have had success in the Tournament. Cincinnati has won the last two AAC Tournaments, with incredible performances from Gary Clark and Jarron Cumberland.

However, neither of those players is wearing the red and black anymore. It’s the down-low presence of Chris Vogt that makes the Bearcats dangerous. The transfer from Northern Kentucky has started in 47 games over the past two seasons and has been excellent for the Bearcats.

The backcourt is the key for Wichita State and scoring well at all three levels. Late free throws and some timely defensive stops elevate the Shockers into the title game.

Prediction: Wichita State 65, Cincinnati 60

#2 Houston vs. #6 UCF

UCF’s Cinderella run comes to a screeching halt when they meet the Buzzsaw of the Cougars. Houston’s defense is just too much, and Quentin Grimes shows out en route to Houston advancing to the AAC Championship.

Prediction: Houston 85, UCF 67

Finals

#1 Wichita State vs. #2 Houston

Two of the top teams, that have started down very different paths over the past four months. Houston being the projected favorites of the conference and ranking as high as No.5 in the country.

Meanwhile, Wichita State had partially considered the season gone, before even starting with interim coach Isaac Brown at the helm. With the unknown of the new coach, Wichita State has since thrived and firmly put itself in the NCAA Tournament.

The two faced off on February 18, with the Shockers pulling off the upset victory, inside Charles Koch Arena in Wichita. However. the environment is much different, with a slight home-court advantage for Houston with the tournament being played in Fort Worth.

In an unexpected turn of events, Houston plays quite possibly one of its best games of the season and cruises to an AAC title, behind terrific shooting nights from Grimes and Dejon Jarreau.

Both teams make the NCAA Tournament and Houston wins their first American Conference Tournament Championship.

Prediction: Houston 81, Wichita State 68