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NCAA Basketball: 2023 Summit League Tournament preview, predictions

By Tommy McGowan

Nov 14, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oral Roberts Golden Eagles guard Max Abmas (3) sets the play during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oral Roberts Golden Eagles guard Max Abmas (3) sets the play during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Summit League Oral Roberts Golden Eagles Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Summit League Oral Roberts Golden Eagles Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Semifinals

1 Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. 5 St. Thomas Tommies

Could the Tommies be the first Summit League to topple Oral Roberts in 2022-23? They’ve given them two hard fights during the regular season but came up short both times. Both games were full of offense fireworks, and I think we’ll see the same here. However, I’m just not sure St. Thomas has an effective counter to Connor Vanover down low; although he didn’t play as much as usual during their last matchup, I think we’ll see a heavy dose of him here.

Oral Roberts wins

2 South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. 3 North Dakota State Bison

Fierce rivals collide in what should be an entertaining one, pitting Zeke Mayo against Grant Nelson. Mayo went off for 41 against NDSU earlier in the season, but I actually think the Bison backcourt has improved drastically since then, and I still believe they have the edge up front. As long as they’re able to contain Mayo to a certain degree, they should have a good shot. This Jackrabbits team is simply not as deep or balanced as past editions.

North Dakota State wins

Championship

1 Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs. 3 North Dakota State Bison

Can NDSU pull off consecutive wins over two of the league’s best players, Mayo and Abmas? It’s certainly not impossible, but they would need two of the best games of the season and Nelson to absolutely dominate offensively. The thing about Oral Roberts is that it’s not just Abmas and Vanover, even if they draw the headlines. Guard Isaac McBride is the type of complementary piece that helps the Golden Eagles win these types of games. His smooth shooting from three should provide the extra spark Oral Roberts needs to come out as Summit League Champions.

Oral Roberts wins

Next. 2023 WCC Tournament preview, predictions. dark

2023 Summit League Champion: Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Is it boring to roll with the regular season champion? Perhaps, but it’s hard to find any reason not to pick Oral Roberts here. They are loaded with talent top-to-bottom and have one of the best offenses you’ll find anywhere in the country. This doesn’t feel like a team that’s going to be looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament, either. Abmas is aiming to end his college basketball career with a bang, and this will be a fine appetizer.