MAC Basketball: 2022 conference tournament preview and predictions

Semifinals – Friday, March 11

No. 1 Toledo vs. No. 5 Buffalo – 5 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Buffalo is a very talented team capable of making a run to the MAC title. That being said, Toledo defeated them by double-digits twice this year. The tournament setting should make this game a little bit closer, but the Bulls have yet to find an answer for the Rockets’ relentless offensive attack. Toledo clears Buffalo by five points in average game margin – this will be an entertaining game with plenty of offense, but no upset.

Prediction: Toledo 82, Buffalo 76

No. 2 Kent State vs. No. 3 Ohio – 30 min following Semifinal 1, CBS Sports Network

This would be an excellent game between the two top contenders to defeat Toledo for the conference crown. Kent State brings their exceptional defense and a ton of momentum to this game while Ohio boasts a veteran lineup. Ultimately, the Bobcats have valuable tournament experience and just enough offensive firepower to get the victory this time around.

Prediction: Ohio 70, Kent State 68

MAC Championship – Saturday, March 12

No. 1 Toledo vs. No. 3 Ohio – 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Toledo has gotten the better of Ohio twice this season, both times by a very wide margin. The duel between Mark Sears and Ryan Rollins should be a phenomenal watch while JT Shumate and Ben Vander Plas battle as secondary scoring options.

Ohio shouldn’t lay down easily as they did before, but Toledo feels like the team of destiny this year. Hopefully, we get to see them in the NCAA Tournament.

What’s great about MAC Basketball this year is that upwards of four or five teams have a legitimate case for the conference title, and a few of them are good enough to win games in the NCAA tourney. In these predictions, it’s the Toledo Rockets getting the autobid.

Predictions: Toledo 79, Ohio 72