Semifinals
#1 Oakland vs. #6 Milwaukee (March 11, 8:00pm)
Oakland won both matchups against Milwaukee, including a double overtime road win back at the end of January. The Raiders have looked like the team to beat in the league this season, but it’s hard to beat one team three times. This first game in Indianapolis should be a tight affair and we’re expecting the Golden Grizzlies to pull out a close one.
Oakland wins
#2 Youngstown State vs. #4 Wright State (March 11, 10:30pm)
Youngstown State are riding a hot streak at this point and beat Wright State by double-digits in each previous matchup. The Raiders could absolutely win this tournament and become the third-straight 4-seed to accomplish that feat, but would round three with the Penguins be a different result? We’re riding with the hotter team here.
Youngstown State wins
Finals
#1 Oakland vs. #2 Youngstown State (March 12, 8:00pm)
The top two seeds advancing to the finals isn’t exactly a regular occurrence in the Horizon League, but a third matchup between Oakland and Youngstown State would have few complaints. Among a solid crew of teams, these have been the two best programs in the league this season; the most consistent down the stretch and throughout league play.
Oakland’s defense has had significant issues, including against these Penguins, but they did win each of the first two matchups, including at Youngstown State on New Year’s Eve. That being said, the Penguins are playing better basketball right now and we’re leaning towards history. Youngstown State reaches the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history while Oakland falls short yet again.
Youngstown State wins the Horizon League Tournament