March Insanity is right here, and with it begins the very best postseason in American sports activities. Each crew in DI faculty basketball has the chance to win the nationwide championship so long as they maintain profitable, and that trek begins with the convention tournaments.
We noticed one of many nice runs in NCAA event historical past occur final 12 months when Saint Peter’s ran all the way in which to the Elite Eight with upsets over Kentucky and Purdue. The Peacocks’ run actually began within the MAAC event, the place beat Monmouth within the title recreation to clinch the auto-bid. Subsequent factor you knew, Saint Peter’s was America’s favourite new Cinderella.
Can we get one other Saint Peter’s this 12 months? It’s definitely attainable on condition that there has no been heavy favourite all season on the high of the lads’s faculty basketball panorama. With convention event season lastly right here, we determined to present picks for each league. Listed here are our convention event predictions.
Large 12 event bracket predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: T-Cell Heart, Kansas Metropolis, MO
Our choose: Kansas Jayhawks. The reigning champions seem like a crew that might very presumably turn into the primary to repeat since Florida in 2006-07. The Jayhawks haven’t been good, however the Large 12 has been a massacre this 12 months. After shedding three consecutive video games in January, Invoice Self stated he wasn’t remotely involved in regards to the state of his crew. Kansas responded by profitable 10 of their subsequent 11 video games together with an 8-point win over #5 Texas and a 16-point blowout of #9 Baylor. The Bears might problem Kansas, however with a current ankle damage to their star Keyonte George, Baylor could be extra targeted on conserving wholesome earlier than the large dance. Rock chalk. — Adam Ward
Large Ten event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: United Heart, Chicago, IL
Our choose: Purdue Boilermakers. It’s virtually unattainable to lose a top-five NBA draft choose (Jaden Ivey) and probably the greatest massive males within the convention (Trevion Williams) and get even higher, however that’s precisely what Purdue has executed this season. The Boilermakers have been thought-about an elite crew since incomes victories over Duke, Gonzaga, and Marquette early within the season, and for probably the most half Matt Painter’s crew has remained among the many nation’s finest ever since. Every part Purdue does is constructed round star heart Zach Edey, the 7’4 behemoth poised to be faculty basketball’s nationwide participant of the 12 months. With two standout freshmen (Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith) and a few savvy vets round him, Purdue’s items simply match higher this 12 months even when the expertise isn’t as overwhelming. Now it’s time for Painter to show it in March and get to his first Remaining 4 ever. — Ricky O’Donnell
SEC event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Bridgestone Area, Nashville, TN
Our choose: Tennessee. The good factor could be to select Alabama, as a result of their consistency and skill to take over video games on each side of the ball. Nonetheless, Tennessee’s protection is primary within the nation based on KenPom, they usually’ve crushed Alabama just lately, holding them 30 factors below their scoring common. Rick Barnes has received this crew to be extraordinarily effectively coached, and whereas their offense can lag at occasions, that is an skilled group who is aware of find out how to play deep into the event. Their defensive strain ought to trigger matches for the SEC on their option to the title. — JP Acosta
Large East event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Madison Sq. Backyard, New York, NY
Our choose: Creighton Bluejays. A six-game shedding streak in the course of the season with out star heart Ryan Kalkbrenner threatened to derail Creighton earlier than they ever received to March. Since he’s returned, the Bluejays have principally performed as much as their potential as one of the balanced groups in America. Creighton checks loads of the bins for what you need out of a crew within the NCAA event: Ryan Nembhard is a gentle hand at level guard, Trey Alexander is an excellent shot-creator and shot-maker subsequent to him within the backcourt, switch Baylor Scheierman is a sniper from three, and Kalkbrenner is an elite rim protector inside. The Large East is loaded this 12 months so anybody you choose on this event dangers being eradicated early, however the items have all the time been intriguing for the Bluejays they usually’re lastly beginning to come collectively. — ROD
Pac-12 event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: T-Cell Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our choose: UCLA. You may actually go both means between UCLA or Arizona, however I’m giving the Bruins the very best odds to win the Pac-12 event primarily based on their convention resume. It’s true, UCLA did lose to Arizona as soon as this season already, and adopted that up with an unsightly loss to USC. However that’s it; they’ve gained each different recreation in opposition to a convention opponent. Arizona, then again, has dropped some stinkers. From a 13 level loss to barely-.500 Washington State, to a baffling 88-79 defeat at Stanford the place their star Azuolas Tubelis had as many fouls as he did factors. The Cats look fallible, whereas the Bruins are rolling to a #1 seed. — Adam Ward
Mountain West event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Thomas & Mack Heart, Las Vegas, NV
Our choose: Boise State Broncos. The Mountain West is such a tossup this 12 months, with the highest 4 groups all having about an equal resume. San Diego State is an NCAA Event lock, and though the Azetcs whipped the Broncos of their first assembly, BSU has seemed stronger and stronger because the season has gone on and received their revenge on the finish of February. The Broncos personal the tenth finest protection in all of school basketball, and between their three stars Max Rice, Marcus Shaver and Tyson Degenhart (who all averaged 13+ PPG), they’ve a number of weapons in late recreation conditions. The Broncos have extra event appearances with no win than another college in NCAA historical past, this 12 months looks as if pretty much as good as any to lastly break that streak. — Adam Ward
ACC event predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Our choose: Virginia. Within the ACC, the place nothing is sensible and all the pieces is the wrong way up and on hearth, it’s a must to select the crew that’s been there earlier than, with the teaching that’s been there earlier than. Virginia has been by means of some ups and downs this season, however with Tony Bennett nonetheless pulling the strings the Cavaliers might be powerful to beat. They will flip any recreation right into a rock struggle with their protection, and all they want are a number of clutch performs from Reece Beekman and Armaan Franklin to make a future. — JP Acosta
AAC event predictions
Dates: March Ninth-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Dickies Area, Fort Price, TX
Our choose: Houston Cougars. The overwhelming favourite coming into March goes to be the Houston Cougars — not simply within the AAC event but in addition within the NCAA event. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has made the Remaining 4 and Elite Eight in his final two appearances within the massive dance, however this seems like his most gifted crew ever. Marcus Sasser could be the very best guard within the nation, blurring daring pull-up jumpers on offense with nasty level of assault protection. Jarace Walker is Sampson’s first true five-star on the recruiting path, and he’s positioned himself as a sure-fire top-10 NBA draft choose with an incredible freshman 12 months on each ends of the ground. The remainder of this crew is a bunch of canines: they defend like hell, crash the glass, and personal the paint. I used to be tempted to go Memphis right here as an upset choose, particularly if I choose Houston to win the large dance, but it surely’s simply too onerous to select in opposition to this Cougars crew. — Ricky O’Donnell
WCC event predictions
Dates: March 2nd-4th & Sixth-Seventh, 2023
Location: Orleans Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our choose: Gonzaga. The Bulldogs secured a cut up common season WCC title with Saint Mary’s in a 77-68 win on February twenty fifth, denying the Gaels their first outright common season convention title in over a decade. The Zags are battle-tested, having performed one of the grueling non-conference schedules of any college this 12 months, they usually’re led by veteran Drew Timme who is just not solely probably the greatest scorers in faculty basketball, however one of the environment friendly shot-takers too. Gonzaga appears to thrive in an underdog function, and whereas their presence within the postseason has been one of the constant issues in faculty basketball for the final 20 years, their journey there this season has been something however assured. With out the strain of being basically good like they’ve had over the previous few seasons, the Bulldogs must be free to play their finest ball heading into March. — Adam Ward
Convention USA event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Ford Heart at The Star, Frisco, TX
Our choose: FAU. The Owls are cruising into the Convention USA event after profitable the common season championship final weekend. Led by Coach of the Yr candidate Dusty Could, the Owls have a bevy of scorers and guards who can warmth up at any time. By KenPom rankings, the Owls are the very best crew within the convention, and it won’t be shut. Their adjusted offensive rating is high 40 within the nation and have a whopping seven gamers taking pictures over 30% from deep. The Owls 37.4% three-point proportion is thirty seventh within the nation, and defensively they trigger havoc. This Owls crew is constructed for March. — JP Acosta
WAC event predictions
Dates: March Seventh & Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Michelob ULTRA Area & Orleans Area, Las Vegas, NV
Our choose: Sam Houston State. Head coach Jason Hooten has been main the Bearkats for 13 years, and he simply gained 20+ video games for the sixth time in his tenure. Regardless of a bunch of fine seasons, Hooten has by no means made the NCAA event with this system. This might be the 12 months that modifications. Sam Houston State is an elite defensive membership, at present rating within the top-20 of the nation in effectivity. The Bearkats play a hyper-aggressive fashion that forces a ton of turnovers and will get them out in transition. Qua Grant, a 6’1 senior guard, could be the very best participant on this area as a flooring common who can also be able to filling it up as a scorer. This event feels huge open, however we’ll take Sam Houston State. — Ricky O’Donnell
Atlantic 10 event predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Ninth, Eleventh-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Barclays Heart, Brooklyn, NY
Our choose: Saint Louis Billikens. Dayton and VCU really feel just like the favorites heading into the A-10 event, and Fordham is hard sufficient defensively to win it, too. Nonetheless, we’ll go together with the Billikens due to their mixture of dimension and shot-making. Veteran level guard Yuri Collins led faculty basketball with 10.2 assists per recreation this 12 months, and serves as the last word table-setter for this group. His finest weapon the perimeter is Gibson Jimerson, a 6’5 wing, who hit 40 % of his threes on a excessive quantity of makes an attempt. Former Oregon switch Francis Okoro is an impressive shot-blocker and rebounder at this degree, and Javon Pickett and Javonte Perkins can get a bucket in a pinch. This feels just like the time for head coach Travis Ford to make his second massive dance look with Saint Louis. — Ricky O’Donnell
Solar Belt event predictions
Dates: February Twenty eighth, March 2nd & 4th-Sixth, 2023
Location: Pensacola Bay Heart, Pensacola, FL
Our choose: Marshall. Don’t let the convention standings idiot you. Whereas Southern Miss enters the event atop the Solar Belt, Marshall is well the very best crew within the convention — assuming they will maintain their composure. Consistence has been the Thundering Herd’s greatest enemy, and that might come again to chunk them within the event except they pull themselves collectively. Their backcourt sharpshooters Taevion Kinsley and Kamdyn Curfman each shoot over .400 from three, and if both get scorching it’s unclear who within the event can cease them. — James Dator
Ivy League event predictions
Dates: March Eleventh-Twelfth, 2023
Location: Jadwin Fitness center, Princeton College
Our choose: Yale Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are the Seventieth-ranked crew based on Ken Pomeroy, and have the very best total document clocking in at 19-7 on the 12 months. Whereas their 9-4 document inside the convention is matched by each Penn and Princeton, Yale swept the Tigers and cut up the season sequence with Penn. As the one crew ranked within the high 100 by Ken Pomeroy, the Bulldogs look like the secure choose. — Mark Schofield
Large West event predictions
Dates: March Seventh & Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Greenback Mortgage Heart, Henderson, NV
Our choose: UC Irvine. This event is an absolute tossup. It’s solely attainable that any of the California groups, or Hawaii might win this — however ultimately UC Irvine is the very best guess for who will come out of the convention. The Anteaters may need some entrance courtroom weaknesses, however their strong rotation of guards is deep, giving them the flexibility to put on their opponents down off the bench and may allow them to eek out a win right here. — James Dator
Missouri Valley event predictions
Dates: March 2nd-Fifth, 2023
Location: Enterprise Heart, St. Louis, MO
Our choose: Drake Bulldogs. The Missouri Valley has principally been a two-horse race between Drake and Bradley all season, and it’s organising for an exceptional battle for the auto-bid at Arch Insanity. We’ll go together with Drake for a pair causes: a) sophomore wing Tucker DeVries is the very best participant within the area and must be the MVC Participant of the Yr, b) Drake has surrounded him with so many veteran function gamers, together with guards DJ Wilkins and Roman Penn who’re 25 years outdated, and c) Darnell Brodie is a legit massive man who can lock down the paint. If the Bulldogs get in to the large dance, they’re ok to win a recreation or two. — ROD
Large Sky event predictions
Dates: March 4th-Eighth, 2023
Location: Idaho Central Area, Boise, ID
Our choose: Montana St. Bobcats: Head coach Danny Sprinkle led Montana St. to its first NCAA event look since 1996 final season by profitable the Large Sky event, and his crew could be even higher this 12 months. The Bobcats get it executed on the defensive finish, with the one top-100 protection within the convention. They thrive limiting offensive rebounds and forcing turnovers. The offense generally is a bit extra of a wrestle, however Washington switch RaeQuan Battle has had a breakout season as a wing scorer who serves because the crew’s major choice within the halfcourt. This seems like probably the most balanced crew within the area, so it’s our choose. — ROD
MAC event predictions
Dates: March Ninth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Our choose: Akron Zips. The Zips gained this event final 12 months to get into the large dance, the place they gave UCLA a hell of a struggle within the first spherical. John Groce has his crew on the doorstep once more, and this 12 months’s group could be even higher. Akron has two of the highest gamers within the convention in Chicago-bred guard Xavier Castaneda and 6’7 ahead Enrique Freeman. Akron chucks a ton of threes, with 44 % of their area targets coming from deep. That fashion of play offers them a ton of variance on a game-to-game foundation, but in addition makes them able to beating anybody. This crew might be harmful in the event that they get scorching. — ROD
Atlantic Solar event predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty seventh-Twenty eighth & March 2nd & Fifth, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our choose: Kennesaw State. I’m excessive on the Owls, who’ve seen a miraculous turnaround thanks to educate Amir Abdur-Rahim. Kennesaw State went 1-28 simply 4 seasons in the past, and now may be very possible heading to their first NCAA event look at school historical past. They’ve received a well-balanced roster, they shoot 37% from three as a crew, they usually get to the free throw line quite a bit. Admittedly Liberty is best on paper, and has the celebrity in Darius McGhee, who is among the most prolific scorers in faculty basketball. When Kennesaw State and Liberty met in mid-February, McGhee lit up the Owls to the tune of 43 factors. The one downside for Liberty: KSU gained that recreation, 88-81. Give me Kennesaw once more within the ASUN Championship, punching the ticket to their first dance. — Adam Ward
Southern Convention event predictions
Dates: March Third-Sixth, 2023
Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Heart, Asheville, NC
Our choose: Furman. The 24-7 Paladins have been probably the most constant crew within the convention this season, and have great firepower due to senior guard Mike Bothwell. Bothwell ranks 59th in faculty basketball in offensive ranking, based on Ken Pomeroy — and has proven a knack for not simply enjoying massive in opposition to poor competitors, however stepping up in opposition to their A-tier opponents as effectively. The most important menace to Furman heading to the event comes from UNC Greensboro, who they cut up their head-to-head with this season, however ultimately Furman has proven to be probably the most dependable crew within the convention and may be capable of get issues executed. — James Dator
Horizon League event predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty eighth & March 2nd & Sixth-Seventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites & Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Indianapolis, IN
Our choose: Youngstown St. Penguins: The Horizon League has some nice depth on the high this 12 months, with 4 groups who might legitimately declare the autobid. Nonetheless, we’re going with the favorites from Youngstown St. as a result of the offense is simply unbelievable. The Penguins begin 5 seniors, led by All-Convention guard Dwayne Cohill. Cohill shoots 46 % from three, and he’s flanked by one other knockdown shooter in 6’3 guard Brandon Rush. There’s additionally sufficient dimension with 6’8 Adrian Nelson and 6’7 Malek Inexperienced to maintain groups from gashing them inside. It’s uncommon to see a low-major offense flirt with the top-30 of the nationwide effectivity rankings, however Youngstown St. has had sufficient firepower to do it. This might be a preferred Cinderella choose if they will get within the dance. — ROD
Large South event predictions
Dates: March 1st & Third-Fifth, 2023
Location: Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
Our choose: UNC Asheville. There’s a case to be made for Longwood right here as effectively, however in the end the Bulldogs find yourself punching their ticket. UNC Asheville has been extraordinarily good in convention this season, racking up a 16-2 document. Ahead Taijon Jones is the participant to look at. Among the best taking pictures gamers in all of school basketball this season (.459) he has the flexibility to utterly take over video games by himself, which he’s already executed a number of occasions this season. — James Dator
MAAC event predictions
Dates: March Seventh-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Boardwalk Corridor, Atlantic Metropolis, NJ
Our choose: Iona. It is a chalky choose, however the Gaels have been the category of the MAAC this season. They at present sit atop the convention with a 22-7 document with two recreation remaining, forward of Rider, who’re second within the convention with a 15-12 document. The Gaels have three of the very best gamers within the convention together with massive man Nelly Junior Joseph, a 6’9 ahead averaging 15 factors and 10 rebounds a recreation. The Gaels have an incredible backcourt tandem in guards Daniss Jenkins — averaging 15 factors and 5 assists a recreation — and Walter Clayton Jr., who has averaged 17 ppg on the 12 months. — Mark Schofield
Summit League event predictions
Dates: March Third-Seventh, 2023
Location: Denny Sanford Premier Heart, Sioux Falls, SD
Our choose: Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. Not solely do I assure ORU will win the Summit Event (they’re undefeated in convention play this 12 months), I’m taking it additional and guaranteeing they win not less than one recreation within the NCAA Event. Oral Roberts has a high 25 offense in all of school basketball, performs a blistering tempo (high 10 amongst possible event groups), and are #2 in turnover price in all the nation. Senior guard Max Abmas led the Golden Eagles to a Candy Sixteen look in 2021, and he’s solely gotten higher since then. That is his second. — Adam Ward
America East event predictions
Dates: March 4th, Seventh & Eleventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our choose: Vermont. Sure, the America East event is shaping as much as be a two-horse race between UMass Lowell and Vermont, and there are loads of causes to select the River Hawks. They’re the very best crew within the convention taking pictures the three, as their three-point proportion of 37.4% is tops within the America East and Twenty eighth within the nation. The River Hawks additionally enter with the higher total document, clocking in at 24-7 on the 12 months, in distinction to Vermont’s 20-10 document. Nonetheless, the Catamounts are the choose for a number of causes. First, Vermont has the nation’s third-longest lively win streak, which reached 12 with Tuesday’s win over Albany. So John Becker’s squad enters the event on a scorching streak. Second: They’re skilled. They begin 5 seniors, and rely on a number of extra seniors of their rotation.A few of these seniors, together with forwards Robin Duncan and Finn Sullivan, had been key contributors to the Vermont crew that made the event as a #13 seed a 12 months in the past, shedding to Arkansas by 4 within the first spherical. That have will assist these subsequent few weeks. — Mark Schofield
CAA event predictions
Dates: March Third-Seventh, 2023
Location: Leisure & Sports activities Area, Washington, D.C.
Our choose: Charleston Cougars. Pat Kelsey’s soar from Winthrop to Charleston has already made the Cougars the category of the CAA and probably the greatest mid-majors within the nation. The Cougars are an extremely balanced crew with 5 gamers averaging double-figures in scoring whereas rating within the top-85 nationally of each offensive and defensive effectivity. The Cougars take 47 % of their pictures from three, and make them at a 34 % clip. On the opposite finish of the ground, Charleston can defend with out fouling and does effectively to carry up on the glass regardless of not having a ton of dimension or rim safety. This crew is extremely cohesive and is able to make noise within the NCAA event. — ROD
Patriot League event predictions
Dates: Feb Twenty eighth & March 2nd, Fifth & Eighth, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our choose: Colgate Raiders. Colgate completed with a 17-1 document in Patriot League play this season, setting a brand new convention document with these 17 wins. Their one loss got here in opposition to American, who would want to win three video games simply to see the Raiders within the Championship Sport. Navy could be Colgate’s hardest check, however the Raiders swept their two assembly this 12 months. Oh, and the Raiders are the nation’s finest crew from three-point land this 12 months. — Mark Schofield
MEAC event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, VA
Our choose: Norfolk State Spartans. Senior guard Joe Bryant Jr. leads the Spartans who need to return to their third consecutive NCAA event after solely reaching the large dance as soon as beforehand. The Spartans have far and past probably the most potent offense within the MEAC with 4 completely different gamers averaging double figures in scoring. They may see a scare from North Carolina Central, who boasts an extremely environment friendly protection, however I’m going with my intestine and saying senior expertise wins out for the Spartans. Now we’ll see if they will make an upset within the event like they did in 2012. — Adam Ward
Ohio Valley event predictions
Dates: March 1st-4th, 2023
Location: Ford Heart, Evansville, IN
Our choose: Morehead State … I suppose? Look, the Ohio Valley isn’t nice when stacked up in opposition to virtually another convention in faculty basketball, however the one factor going for it this season is parity — and to that finish it’s been extraordinarily compelling. There isn’t a nice choose for who will stamp their ticket, with 5 groups being ranked inside 30 locations within the mid 200s in KenPom. Morehead State narrowly edges out the competitors due to level guard Mark Freeman, who’s the very best distributor and offensive distinction maker within the OVC. — James Dator
Southland event predictions
Dates: March Fifth-Eighth, 2023
Location: Legacy Heart, Lake Charles, LA
Our choose: Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Islanders gained the Southland final 12 months earlier than falling within the First 4. They’ve the expertise to win the convention event once more and get again within the massive dance this 12 months. Guard Terrion Murdix returns to paved the way for a crew that performs tremendous quick on offense. Their aggressive fashion usually will get them to the free throw line, the place they hardly ever miss: Corpus Christi shoots 80 % from the foul line as a crew, which ranks No. 2 in America. If it will get shut late on this event, their foul taking pictures might be the distinction. — ROD
SWAC event predictions
Dates: March Eighth-Eleventh, 2023
Location: Bartow Area, Birmingham, AL
Our choose: Grambling. The Tigers have by no means made the lads’s NCAA event in program historical past, however this might be the 12 months. Head coach Donte Jackson led the crew to a 20 win season for under the second time ever, and the primary time since 1980. Grambling has juniors and seniors up and down the lineup, led by 6’6 senior wing Cameron Christon who might be SWAC POY. That is their 12 months. — ROD
Northeast event predictions
Dates: March 1st, 4th & Seventh, 2023
Location: Campus Websites
Our choose: St. Francis (PA). Look, any individual has to win this event. It’s true, the NEC is ranked thirty second out of the 32 conferences based on Ken Pomeroy, and all 9 of the groups are ranked 300 or larger in Pomeroy’s Adjusted Effectivity Margin (AdjEM). Merrimack, the crew with the very best document within the convention (12-4), has a 15-16 document total proper now. Wagner, the highest-ranked NEC crew in Pomeroy’s AdjEM — 315, one spot forward of Merrimack — has an total document of 15-12. However St. Francis (PA) is the choose right here, regardless of their 12-17 document and their rating of 342 in AdjEM. Why? First, they will shoot the three, having transformed 36.7% of their three-point makes an attempt this 12 months, finest within the NEC and forty eighth within the nation. Second, their Efficient Area Aim proportion is 54.7% in convention play this season, finest within the NEC. The wager is that the Crimson Flash get scorching and shoot their means into the event from behind the arc. — Mark Schofield
