Predictions
We won’t be giving explicit breakdowns on each game, as varying results could happen, but we’ll give brief rundowns on our predictions for the field in this Charleston Classic.
We expect Miami to take care of Drake in the first opener, but the mid-major teams can absolutely win the other three early contests. We’ll give a slight edge to a battle-tested Florida Atlantic team and won’t be surprised if Seton Hall falters in their first high-profile opportunity. Nevada against Vanderbilt might be the best of the bunch, but the Wolf Pack already know how to win together.
The first semifinal sees an all-Florida matchup, and we’re leaning slightly towards the Hurricanes, a team with just more talent and potential. On the other side, we’re trusting in Davidson and the Wolf Pack against a strong VCU team. On the consolation side, Oklahoma State does enough late to take care of Drake while Vanderbilt edges a reeling Seton Hall squad that could really use a win.
Speaking of which, we’re thinking that Seton Hall can get past Drake in what could be a really competitive game for 7th place. The consolation title game leans Vanderbilt in a matchup of two first-year head coaches with intriguing young talent. Florida Atlantic has the talent to beat VCU for 3rd place, though we’re leaning with the talent and experience that the Rams possess instead. As for the title game, anything can happen between Miami and Nevada but we’re riding with Steve Alford’s squad and the talented Wolf Pack to claim the championship.
In reality, this tournament could look entirely different based on one or two different results. Nearly any team in this field is a reasonable favorite to walk away with the title on Sunday. The Charleston Classic doesn’t need a ranked team or a powerhouse; it’s going to be great basketball and twelve riveting matchups. Who do you think will be the last unblemished team by the end of the weekend?