AAC Basketball: 2024 conference tournament preview and predictions
Semifinals
No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 8 East Carolina
Not really the semifinals anyone expected, right? Unfortunately, it may not be that entertaining. During their lone meeting this season, Hardaway's squad blew out the Pirates. Memphis crushed ECU, 82-58, behind a big game from Nae'Qwan Tomlin. The Pirates still don't have a great answer upfront for the Tigers' size.
Prediction: Memphis 80, East Carolina 69
No. 2 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 6 SMU
These teams match up in a really fun and even way. For instance, watching FAU's Johnell Davis go toe-to-toe with SMU's Zhuric Phelps should be electric, especially with a big crowd in the stands. Ultimately, talent will win out, and that talent is in Florida Atlantic.
Prediction: FLorida Atlantic 85, SMU 76
Finals
No. 2 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 5 Memphis
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At the beginning of the season, this seemed like the most likely matchup for the AAC Tournament title game, the way these teams get here may not have been precedented, but it should be a memorable game, especially as the Tigers fight for their NCAA Tournament lives. Hardaway is going to need to do a lot of sweating after this one.
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 81, Memphis 79