Colonial
This conference has been strong of late, thanks to George Mason’s Final Four run in 2006 and Virginia Commonwealth’s upset of Duke in 2007.
The ringleader of that team for No. 1 VCU is still there in Eric Maynor.
As the top seed last year, the Rams were upset before the final, allowing George Mason to win the title.
The race this year has been crazy, and as many as seven teams have a chance at pulling off a run.
With all of the upsets that have occurred during the regular season, it is hard not to see one coming.
However, the top two teams should advance to the final, where VCU will get the best of Mason in a classic Monday night.
Champ: VCU
Horizon
This has been Butler’s league for much of the decade, and the road will go through Hinkle Fieldhouse again this year.
However, Butler looks much more vulnerable as it has lost a home game to No. 8 Loyola and just got by No. 3 Cleveland State Saturday.
Expect to see a rematch between the Bulldogs and Vikings Tuesday, with Butler winning for the third time this year in another close game.
Champ: Butler
Metro Atlantic
The MAAC is set up for a great championship game Monday between No. 1 Siena and No. 2 Niagara.
Niagara beat Siena Friday at home, but the conference tournament will be played on Siena’s court.
The only team who could stop this game from happening is No. 3 Rider, who would play Niagara in the semifinals and beat Siena earlier in the year.
The top two seeds should advance though, and it should be one of the best games of championship week.
In the end the Saints will go marching on, looking to repeat last year’s NCAA performance of a first round upset.
Champ: Siena
Missouri Valley
What used to be a three or four-bid league earlier in the decade has turned into a likely one-bid year this season.
The only hope for an at-large comes from No. 2 Creighton, who is red hot.
However, I think it will fall in the semifinals to No. 3 Illinois State in a rematch from Saturday.
On the other end, No. 1 Northern Iowa has struggled of late, and No. 4 Bradley could pull off the upset.
ISU takes advantage to win the tournament Sunday, while Creighton awaits a week for Selection Sunday.
Champ: ISU
Northeast
In a top-heavy conference, it should come down to the top three seeds (Robert Morris, Mount St. Mary’s, and Sacred Heart).
The home court throughout should help Robert Morris move through and punch its ticket for the big dance Wednesday.
Champ: Robert Morris
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