Championship – Saturday, March 12
No.1 Iona Gaels vs No.2 Saint Peter’s, 4:00 P.M., ESPNU
Last year heading into the semifinals a lot of people thought this would end up being the championship game. Fairfield had other ideas, upsetting Saint Peter’s 52-47. This time around the Stags are out in the first round while Saint Peter’s and head coach Shaheen Halloway are looking for a major upset.
Saint Peter’s is on a roll this whole season defensively, allowing the least amount of points per game (62.7) in the conference and is just locking teams down, especially down the stretch. Just like the trend through this preview though, Iona and Pitino have gone through a lot and just know it’s way around Saint Peter’s and the MAAC.
Expect a very close game where Saint Peter’s does have a legit shot to win, but Iona and Pitino prevail nonetheless to the NCAA tournament.
Prediction: Iona 70, Saint Peter’s 66
NCAA Tournament seeding: Iona gets an 11 seed as automatic qualifier. No at-large bids given.