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Atlantic 10 Basketball: 2023 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Adam Bernstein

Mar 14, 2021; Dayton, Ohio, USA; A view of the A10 championship trophy after the final game of the Atlantic 10 tournament with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2021; Dayton, Ohio, USA; A view of the A10 championship trophy after the final game of the Atlantic 10 tournament with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlantic 10 Basketball Duquesne Dukes Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterfinals

(1) VCU vs (9) St Bonaventure

I believe St Bonaventure will turn a lot of heads in the quarterfinal matchup and make it a close and competitive game for the fans in Brooklyn. These two teams met on January 28th; VCU took down the Bonnies at home 61-58. I could see the Bonnies double-teaming Ace Baldwin Jr, allowing him to go cold for a while; however, Brandon Johns Jr and Jalen DeLoach will show the rest of the conference why the Rams are the one seed. The scoring clinic from the VCU depth will propel them to the semifinal round.

Prediction: VCU

(4) Saint Louis vs (5) George Mason

This game should be another coin-flip matchup that could favor either team, but I think the Patriots are going to continue to roll through the tournament with a win over the Billikens. Saint Louis escaped with a 63-62 victory at home last time, but Josh Oduro’s 26 points and 15 rebounds did not go unnoticed. If the senior forward could put up similar numbers, Francis Okoro and the Billikens may not have an answer for him. This may result in Saint Louis getting into foul trouble and the Patriots winning at the line.

Prediction: George Mason

(2) Dayton vs (7) George Washington

The fans will finally get their first taste of the dominant Dayton Flyers on Thursday in a matchup with the George Washington Colonials. The last time these two teams faced off was in Washington, D.C., where George Washington put together one of their best wins of the season. The key to the game was limiting Daron Holmes II, even though he posted a quiet 14 points and ten rebounds. I believe the Flyers’ defense will prevent James Bishop IV and Brendan Adams from attaining the same success this time.

Prediction: Dayton

(3) Fordham vs (6) Duquesne

The Fordham Rams have seen some of the best success this season that they’ve had in a long time, but for first-year head coach Keith Urgo playing into March will be something he will have to get used to. Fordham will meet Duquesne in the quarterfinals, which will be a good experience for this team. I believe the senior leadership from Khalid Moore, Darius Quisenberry, and Rostyslav Novitskyi will take charge to give the Rams the advantage.

Prediction: Fordham  

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