Great Alaska Shootout 2014: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream, Bracket, TV Info

Most people around the country do not want to think about cold weather, but the Great Alaska Shootout will be worth watching from the comfort of your own home.

While this event does not feature high-profile programs headed to the Final Four, it is a great chance for some smaller schools to jump into the spotlight with early-season wins.

The teams that are successful at this event will likely be the ones that surprise the nation when March Madness rolls around. Following this tournament will almost certainly give you a leg up on your brackets at that point.

Here is a guide for what to look forward to, with predictions for the week of action.

Date*	Time (ET)	Game	Matchup	TV
Nov. 26	11:30 p.m.	1	Pacific vs. Alaska Anchorage	CBS Sports
Nov. 27	2 a.m.	2	Missouri State vs. Colorado State	CBS Sports
Nov. 27	9:30 p.m.	3	Rice vs. Mercer	CBS Sports
Nov. 28	12 a.m.	4	Washington State vs. UC Santa Barbara	CBS Sports
Nov. 28	4 p.m.	5	Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser	-
Nov. 28	6 p.m.	6	Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser	-
Nov. 28	9:30 p.m.	7	Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner	CBS Sports
Nov. 29	12 a.m.	8	Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner	CBS Sports
Nov. 29	4 p.m.	9	Game 5 Loser vs. Game 6 Loser	-
Nov. 29	6 p.m.	10	Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner	-
Nov. 29	9 p.m.	11	Game 7 Loser vs. Game 8 Winner	CBS Sports
Nov. 29	11:30 p.m.	12	Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner	CBS Sports

Full bracket available at GoSeawolves.com. Select games can be viewed online courtesy of CBS Sports.

Player to Watch: Alan Williams, UC Santa Barbara

Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

Although he is not a household name, Alan Williams has been one of the most productive players in the nation over the past few years. After averaging a double-double as a sophomore and a junior, he has been even better to start his senior year.

The 6'8" forward is currently averaging 21 points, 12.3 rebounds, three assists and 2.3 blocks per game, filling up the box score virtually every time out.

ESPN's Fran Fraschilla noted how well the big man played against Kansas:

While UC Santa Barbara goes into the Great Alaska Shootout with a 1-2 record, Williams is the reason the squad was able to remain close against the Jayhawks and in the overtime loss to Florida Gulf Coast. 

He is currently listed as one of the 10 best players in the nation at this stage of the season, according to KenPom.com (subscription required). The Gauchos might struggle, but Williams is worth the price of admission.

Most Intriguing Team: Missouri State

David Welker/Associated Press

Everyone assumes Wichita State will roll through the Missouri Valley Conference this season, and for good reason. However, Missouri State can at least make things interesting.

The squad is led by Marcus Marshall, who is among the best scorers in the nation, with 26 points per game. He has the quickness to get himself open with ease and shows plenty of range, as he's knocked down 13 of 18 shots from beyond the arc this season.

The ability to shoot the three is common throughout the team, as the Bears are hitting 44.2 percent of their outside shots.

While there are more talented squads from top to bottom at this tournament, the ability to make shots from deep is the great equalizer in basketball. If Missouri State gets good looks, this team could leave with a title.

Predicted Winner: Colorado State

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

Last season was nothing short of a disappointment for Colorado State, finishing 16-16 a year after winning a game in the NCAA tournament. In order to turn things around, head coach Larry Eustachy decided to focus on the little things, via Matt L. Stephens of the Coloradoan:

"

I told them I want to be the best teacher on campus and I want them to be the best students. I know they’re capable of it. Maybe not me, but I know they’re capable of being the best students, so I want them to take it in, take constructive criticism and really be more detailed early on than any team I’ve ever had.

"

The attention to detail will be huge for a team that is not short on talent. J.J. Avila and Daniel Bejarano return after creating an excellent inside-out tandem last season, and the duo is joined by North Carolina Central transfer Stanton Kidd.

These three seniors will become leaders for the roster and help create one of the better offenses in the nation.

Although the depth of the Mountain West could end up causing problems later in the year against the Rams, no one in Anchorage will be able to stop them as they earn three wins and a championship.

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