NCAA Basketball: 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament preview

Predictions

Semifinals

Villanova and Tennessee tip things off in the first afternoon game, which should be the better of the two semifinals contests. Either team is capable of getting hot and winning this game. Tennessee has looked better on offense and Villanova has looked worse on defense so far this season. The Vols score a minor upset, 80-77.

Purdue and North Carolina face off in the second contest. Purdue should be a decent favorite, even without the same historic pedigree of the Tar Heels. It will be the first big game of the season for each program, which is where the Boilermakers’ experience and talent should pay off. Purdue proves victorious, 84-72.

Consolation

The consolation game will be played after the championship, but where’s the fun in previewing that second? Villanova and UNC will have the opportunity to run back the 2016 title game, one of the most memorable in college basketball history. Jay Wright is the better coach and Villanova is the better team, so they should be able to defend their title five years. Villanova wins, 90-76.

Championship

Tennessee and Purdue look mighty similar across the metrics, meaning this should be a relatively even game. Where the Boilermakers stand out, however, is their big man depth, with Edey and Williams. Will Tennessee have an answer for Edey? Uros Plavsic is the tallest Vols defender and he’s a full five inches shorter than the Purdue big man. Purdue captures the title, 85-77.

Should be a great weekend of hoops in Uncasville!