CBI 2014: Predicting Winners of Quarterfinal Games

The 2014 College Basketball Invitational isn't drawing the same attention other tournaments are amid March Madness, but there is still plenty at stake for the programs still alive entering the quarterfinals.

It's an opportunity to build a foundation, establish postseason success and aid the effort to recruit talent for future improvement. Penn State coach Pat Chambers is in his third season and isn't taking the invitation to this tournament lightly, per the Albany Times Union's Mark Singelais:

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We wanted to play in the postseason. That was our goal and we have a young team and for us to continue to develop and put us ourselves in game-type situations with fans and now we get a chance to play on the road with officials and things like that. It can only help us in our development. So we’re excited to be part of the CBI.

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The Nittany Lions will square off against Siena on Monday in one of four games. Most of the teams participating are floundering around .500, but accumulating experience here beats sitting at home after a lackluster regular season.

Here is a look ahead at every game, along with predictions as to how they will play out.

Note: To view the complete CBI bracket, visit GazelleGroup.com.

Siena vs. Penn State

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Chambers alluded to how it will be difficult to play at Siena, yet it will be a great test for Penn State. D.J. Newbill is an excellent scorer who can help the Nittany Lions stay within striking distance in a hostile environment.

But another senior, Tim Frazier, is a key leader for Penn State, too, who doesn't have anyone else averaging in double figures.

That lack of scoring output from the rest of the rotation might cost the Nittany Lions a shot at extending their season. Then again, Siena executes terribly on offense, shooting just 42.1 percent as a team and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc.

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The Saints have the edge with home-court advantage, but it won't do much good if they can't score against a foe that beat NCAA tournament sixth-seeded Ohio State twice in 2013-14.

An unimpressive 11-9 mark in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doesn't bode well for Siena against a frustrated but up-and-coming Big Ten program. Newbill and Frazier should outgun the likes of Rob Poole and Brett Bisping to give Penn State a key road win.

Prediction: Penn State 62, Siena 54

Old Dominion vs. Radford

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Monarchs are one of the most inept offensive teams in the country, averaging just 63.4 points per contest and 10.3 assists as a team to go with 42.7 percent shooting. A combination of bad shot selection, lackluster talent and ball movement all contribute to a rather woeful half-court set.

Even though Radford hails from the Big South, its ability to put the ball in the hoop has to scare Old Dominion. Four players score in double figures, and the Highlanders are an excellent 48.1 percent from the field.

Ya Ya Anderson drained seven three-pointers in Radford's 96-92 victory over Oregon State in the first round, and the Highlanders assisted on 24 of 37 field goals. That type of offensive execution is something Old Dominion can't even imitate. Radford coach Mike Jones commended his squad's effort after beating the Beavers, per RadfordAthletics.com:

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What a great win for our program. We certainly came out with an aggressive mindset, competed hard and played together. We knew at every position they were taller than us, but I told our guys it doesn't matter about the size of their bodies, it matters about the size of our heart and what beats inside that chest.

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An uptempo style from the Highlanders will be tested by the Monarchs' preference for a plodding, methodical brand of basketball. However, there are too many red flags for Old Dominion offensively to endorse it as a victor in this one.

Playing at home will help the Monarchs keep it close, but Radford's explosive scoring will be insurmountable.

Prediction: Radford 75, Old Dominion 62

Illinois State vs. Texas A&M

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Jamal Jones is going to need some help if the Aggies are to pull this one out on the road, because the junior guard is the only man on his team to average in double figures.

In a first-round win over Wyoming, Jones was just 1-of-9 shooting for six points, while Kourtney Roberson and Antwan Space stepped up with 14 and 11 points respectively.

The Redbirds had a 9-9 record in the Missouri Valley Conference, which has little depth beyond No. 1 NCAA tournament seed Wichita State. Illinois State struggles mightily offensively yet ranks higher in adjusted efficiency, per KenPom.com.

As GoRedbirds.com points out, Illinois State is the least-experienced team in the nation. This home game is an invaluable opportunity for the squad's young nucleus to build momentum heading into next season and improve an already stellar 17-15 record considering the circumstances.

However, the disparity in athleticism is likely to doom the Redbirds in this one. In what should be a defensive affair, Texas A&M will escape with a narrow win.

Prediction: Texas A&M 56, Illinois State 54

Fresno State vs. Princeton

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulldogs play a lot of small ball, and the tandem of Tyler Johnson and Marvelle Harris will have to carry them if they're meant to advance to the semifinals.

Johnson is a lankier 6'4" guard, yet he averages 7.4 rebounds per contest in addition to scoring 15.7 points and displaying outstanding shooting proficiency from the perimeter. It's a rare combination and a testament to the progression a player can experience by continual hard work and staying in college for four seasons.

Princeton provides a stiff challenge for Fresno, though. The Tigers' 8-6 finish in the Ivy League was behind only Harvard—who made a decent push for the Sweet 16—and Yale.

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Senior T.J. Bray averages 18 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest, so it will be exciting to see how he matches up with the Bulldogs' formidable backcourt rotation.

Bray made history in a 56-55 win over Tulane in the first round of the CBI, per the Tigers' Twitter account:

Neither of these teams have a lot of size on the inside, so it should turn into a shootout from beyond the arc. Both teams shoot around 72 percent from the charity stripe, so it comes down to which stars shine brightest.

The Tigers have a bit more balance in their rotation and the best player on the floor in Bray, which should help them through to the semis.

Prediction: Princeton 70, Fresno State 65

So the CBI should offer its fair share of entertainment. Even though there aren't many teams capable of putting on offensive fireworks outside of Radford, there are several teams bidding to make a rise in their conferences in the coming years. This provides a glimpse into their progress.

This may be the least heralded postseason tournament in men's college basketball, but that doesn't diminish the impact it could have for the teams involved. With a lull in the NCAA tournament action, Monday is a good time to check in on what transpires here.