Bracketology 2024: 5 MTEs that will impact the bracket in March

Hall of Fame Tip-Off

November 18-19, Uncasville, CT, Nov. 18-19

The Hall of Fame Tip-Off in Uncasville, CT is another four-team field that based upon some of the preseason prognostications at least a couple of the teams could be squarely on the bubble as March approaches. In the first game Mississippi State (3-0) takes on Washington State (2-0), followed by Rhode Island (3-0) battling the Northwestern Wildcats (3-0). The reason this tournament is important is the performances of Mississippi State and Northwestern here could be big in March when their resumes get compared to similar teams (perhaps even each other) in the at-large pool. Whoever comes home with the trophy in this MTE, especially if it is the Bulldogs or Wildcats, will be a big early-season bullet point for them.

From a bracketology standpoint, this tournament is about the Bulldogs and the Wildcats as both seem to figure to be on the fringes of the bubble talk this season. Mississippi State is unblemished so far after handily beating North Alabama in their last game. Chris Jans’ team has three players in double figures as they try to tread water until their team leader Tolu Smith, Jr. returns from injury by the time conference play starts. Winning this tournament will be important for the Bulldogs as they live life without their leader. Northwestern is in the same boat as Mississippi State, likely to be on the bubble headed toward March, making these two games and a potential matchup with Mississippi State in the title game, crucial for their resume.