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Ohio Valley Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

By Harry Schroeder

Dec 10, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Murray State Racers forward KJ Williams (0) drives to the basket during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Murray State Racers forward KJ Williams (0) drives to the basket during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Morehead State Eagles Ohio Valley Basketball Ovc Mens Championship 8
The Morehead State Eagles Ohio Valley Basketball Ovc Mens Championship 8 /

Ohio Valley Basketball Bracketology

Murray State is a virtual lock for the NCAA Tournament. The 28-2 squad has amassed a NET ranking of 24 and that number, barring a ‘bad loss’ in Evansville will only improve. Their wins over Middle Tennessee (NET 98), Memphis (NET 45), and Chattanooga (NET 69) are destined to grow in value over the next two weeks.

A favorable March Madness seed level would be the icing on the cake for Murray State if they win the OVC Tournament. National experts disagree about the Racers, but all currently rank them as a seven, eight, or nine in their current brackets.

Should the Racers lose a game in Evansville the tournament winner would head to ‘The Big Dance’ and Murray’s seeding would suffer. Since Murray is the regular-season champion, no OVC squad will automatically be invited to the National Invitation Tournament.

Belmont (25-6) has earned a 62 NET ranking and Bruin wins over Drake (NET 90), Saint Louis (NET 64) and Chattanooga help improve their resume and the NIT could be very possible. ‘Seed Stealers’ happen in the NIT too. Other mid-major regular-season champions being upset in their conference tournaments could bump the Bruins to ‘The Basketball Classic’ (the old CIT) or the College Basketball Invitational.

Morehead State (119 NET) has an opportunity to play post-season basketball but needs to win at least two games in Evansville. The Eagles’ lack of a signature non-conference win is hurtful. A win in the quarterfinals and then a semifinal win over Belmont would strengthen their post-season credentials.