Conference USA Basketball: 2022 conference tournament preview
First Round
No. 6E Florida International vs. No. 7E Marshall
Neither of these teams has inspired much confidence this year, particularly disappointing for a Marshall squad that’s typically in the upper echelon of the league. Marshall has lost three straight entering the tournament and lost ten straight at one point earlier this year. They’ve also lost both games they’ve played against the Panthers, though both were close.
Prediction: Marshall 71, FIU 64
No. 6W UTSA vs. No. 7W Southern Miss
Southern Miss has won just one conference game all season. In fact, it was their first Conference USA game of the year … at Texas-San Antonio. UTSA exacted revenge on the Golden Eagles later in the year, winning by 19 on the road. Southern Miss has generally found themselves on the wrong end of a blowout this season. Roadrunners guard Erik Czumbel is coming off the best game of his career, a 22-point performance in the win over Rice.
Prediction: UTSA 80, Southern Miss 68
Second Round
No. 4E Charlotte vs. No. 5W Rice
Charlotte has the benefit of having one of the conference’s best players, guard Jahmir Young, who’s averaging 19.8 points and 3.7 assists per game this season. The 49ers also beat Rice in their one contest this season, a three-point road victory for Charlotte. The Owls have really struggled down the stretch, losing seven of its last nine, with the lone wins coming against Southern Miss and Jarvis Christian.
Prediction: Charlotte 68, Rice 58
No. 3W Louisiana Tech vs. No. 7E Marshall
Earlier this season, Louisiana Tech crushed Marshall by 23 points behind 22 from guard Cobe Williams. While this one won’t be played on the Bulldogs’ home court, the talent difference between the two teams feels significant enough to predict another easy win for Louisiana Tech.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 80, Marshall 65
No. 4W UTEP vs. No. 5E Old Dominion
UTEP is the top sleeper in Conference USA. Old Dominion is not. The Monarchs don’t have a great offense, averaging only 66.5 points per game. UTEP has one of the league’s best scorers (Boum) and should only give up an advantage on the boards and nowhere else in this game. Old Dominion could play the Miners close, but won’t ultimately win this one.
Prediction: UTEP 68, Old Dominion 62
No. 3E Florida Atlantic vs. No. 6W UTSA
Is Florida Atlantic as good as their record? Not sure. They quietly finished as one of the top three teams in their division, but they don’t have a dynamic scorer, outside of occasional bursts from Alijah Martin. Texas-San Antonio also feels better than their record. But it doesn’t seem like it’ll be enough to spring the upset.
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 70, UTSA 64