Bracketology 2023: 5 key mid-major games as the season winds down

Mar 5, 2022; St. Louis, MO, USA; Drake Bulldogs guard Tucker Devries (12) celebrates with fans after scoring the game winning point in overtime against the Missouri State Bears in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bracketology Preston Spradlin of the Morehead State Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

UT-Martin Skyhawks 18-12 (10-7) vs. Morehead State Eagles 20-10 (13-4)

Saturday, February 25, Morehead, KY, 3:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Morehead State was picked to finish first before the season began and by the time they battle second-place Tennessee-Martin in the regular season finale on Saturday that prognostication has come to fruition. With the regular season title wrapped up, the Eagles will be looking to exact some revenge and earn a season split with Tennessee-Martin.

In the first meeting, the game was tight all the way through before Tennessee-Martin ended the game on a 9-2 run in the final 90 seconds for the victory. In that game Morehead State shot under 33% from two and just 4-18 from three, contributing to the loss. While on the flip side, Tennessee-Martin shot an even 50% from inside the arc, giving them the advantage and the win.

Even if the eagles have the regular season title and the top seed in the OVC tournament wrapped up, this game could be key psychologically should the two teams meet for a third time with a trip to the NCAA tournament at stake. Preston Spradlin’s Eagles would be looking for their second tournament title in three years and their first regular season crown in 20 years. The Skyhawks on the other hand are seeking their first regular season title since 2009 and their inaugural trip to the Big Dance.

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