AAC Basketball: 2024 conference tournament preview and predictions

Quarterfinals

No. 1 South Florida vs. No. 8 East Carolina

Here comes the first shocker of the AAC Tournament. After an incredible run throughout the season, the South Florida Bulls could trip up as the top seed here, with all of the pressure in the world to win the tournament and glide safely into the Big Dance. South Florida beat East Carolina by 11 earlier this year, but the Pirates shot abnormally terribly from three in that game.

Prediction: East Carolina 73, South Florida 71

No. 4 UAB vs. No. 5 Memphis

Things got ugly the last time these two programs played. UAB coach Andy Kennedy memorably got heated after a traveling call, got tossed by the referees and then needed to be restrained from going after them. Lost in all that? Memphis clobbered the Blazers - albeit without their coach - by 19 points. The Tigers can hit the Blazers and hit them hard.

Prediction: Memphis 88, UAB 80

No. 2 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 10 Tulane

This could be a dynamic game between two teams with players who can put the ball in the basket. Both of the games between these two teams have been close this season, with FAU winning each by one point and six points, respectively. They should be able to make it a clean sweep in the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Florida Atlantic 79, Tulane 70

No. 3 Charlotte vs. No. 6 SMU

Not enough attention has been paid to the 49ers this year. Charlotte is 19-11 overall and 13-5 in AAC play, despite not having a single 15 point scorer on the roster. Unfortunately, the team's inability to score in bunches or crash the boards makes their record seem a bit like fool's gold. SMU held them to 54 points in a 12-point Mustang victory earlier this season.

Prediction: SMU 70, Charlotte 62