Conference USA Basketball: 2022 conference tournament preview

Semifinals

No. 1W North Texas vs. No. 3W Louisiana Tech

This could be one of the best games of the entire C-USA Tournament. Louisiana Tech dropped both games to North Texas this season, but only by a combined eight points. The Mean Green needed a three-pointer before the buzzer from Tylor Perry to win the first time. Lofton only scored 13 points in the second game and no other Bulldogs hit double digits. Revenge will be on the mind of Louisiana Tech, but North Texas’ slight talent advantage should help complete the season sweep.

Prediction: North Texas 68, Louisiana 62

No. 1E Middle Tennessee vs. No. 2W UAB

UAB straight-up embarrassed Middle Tennessee earlier in the season, beating the Blue Raiders by 22 points. Walker scored a ridiculous 42 points in the win, a program record. The Blue Raiders won’t be fooled again and will make it difficult for Walker to score each time up the court. But the Blazers have too many other weapons to contain.

Prediction: UAB 77, Middle Tennessee 70

Championship

No. 1W North Texas vs. No 2W UAB

A great game for all the marbles. Both teams are capable of exploding on offense and both are capable of locking down on defense. UAB has the better individual player in Walker. North Texas has the better team unit. The two teams traded victories earlier this season, so it truly does feel like a toss-up.

Ultimately, Grant McCasland’s squad prevails, creating shudders across the nation as the Mean Green emerge as a dangerous bracket foe for the second straight year.

Prediction: North Texas 70, UAB 65