The AAC Tournament will kickoff on Thursday with some bad teams playing in some worse games, but that doesn't mean this still can't be an exciting tournament. Here are my predictions. As always Go Bearcats!
First Round March 9th
#9 East Carolina vs. #8 Temple (3:30 ESPNU)
I said earlier that Temple was a team that I was glad too see on the opposite side of the bracket of the Bearcats. They kept it close in both games against Cincinnati. Plus Fran Dunphy is great coach. With that being said, they have been playing to their level of comptetion. ECU has a top 20 defense and I like Kentrell Barkley and the Pirates to advance. However, I do think Temple would have a least a little bit of a chance against SMU, unlike East Carolina. BJ Tyson has a breakout game as well.... PICK: East Carolina
#10 Tulane vs. #7 Tulsa (6:00 ESPNews)
These teams met on Sunday night and Tulane got their 3rd win in conference play this year. Cameron Reynolds and Tulane I think slip this one past Tulsa. Mike Dunleavy and the Wave have been close in a lot of games this year. Meanwhile, Tulsa has ten newcomers on their team and they have struggled in close games. The Golden Hurricane is trending in the wrong direction loosing 8/10. PICK: Tulane
#11 South Florida vs. #6 UConn (8:00 ESPNews)
The Huskies simply won't lose this game. Not on their home floor at least. The Bulls won just one conference game this season and the last time they met in Storrs it was a 48 point beat down. Geno Thorpe is the only player capable of the Bulls. I think Brimah can do some work on the boards and get enough 2nd chance points to lead UConn past South Florida. Jalen Adams will put up 20 and the Huskies roll into the quarterfinals. PICK: UConn
Second Round March 10th
#9 East Carolina vs. #1 SMU (12:00 ESPN 2)
The Mustangs have been a run away freight train in these last couple months and I don't see that changing any against East Carolina. The Pirates have a solid defense, but they can kill ECU on the boards and Semi Ojeleye/Shake Milton won't be stopped. ECU's only chance is too make it ugly, but that won't happen. Ponies in a blowout. PICK: SMU
#5 Memphis vs. #4 Central Florida (2:00 ESPN 2)
Two teams trending in opposite directions in this one. Memphis has lost 5/6 while Central Florida has won their last 5 including a win over Cincinnati. The Knights are #1 in field goal percentage defense because of big man Tacko Fall. The Knights are also last in turnover margin and that is Memphis' strength. This one will be tight, but I think Dedric Lawson and the Tigers pull this on out. I think Memphis can contain BJ Taylor in this one. Winner of this may get a spot in the NIT. PICK: Memphis
#10 Tulane vs. #2 Cincinnati (7:00 ESPNU)
Cincinnati blew them out in the first two meeting and I expect much of the same. UC is just so much better than the Wave. I don't see any Mike Dunleavy magic in this one. Bearcats all over the Wave. PICK: Cincinnati
#6 UConn vs. #3 Houston (9:00 ESPNU)
A couple weeks ago I really thought UConn had a shot to win this, but not anymore. They have no momentum and they are extremely banged up. Jalen Adams must go off if the Huskies want a win. Rob Gray Jr. will carry to Coogs who are clinging to the bubble, to the semifinals. They got waxed on the boards on Sunday to Cincinnati and Galen Robinson who is very underrated can rebound. Too much Rob Gray in the end. PICK: Houston
Semifinal March 11th
#5 Memphis vs. #1 SMU (3:00 ESPN 2)
It was a 45 point thrashing by the Mustangs when they met up on Saturday. It won't be that bad this team because Tubby Smith will get his team ready. But SMU is one of the best defensive teams in the nation and they will shut down Dedric Lawson. Mustangs win by 15+. PICK: SMU
#3 Houston vs. #2 Cincinnati (5:00 ESPN 2)
This game will be a little closer than the first two, but its going to be low scoring. However, I just don't think Houston can handle Cincinnati. The Bearcats crushed them on the boards in the first two previous meetings, but UC also made a lot of three's in those games. Watch out for Damyean Dotson and the Cougars could pull out the upset if Rob Gray is on. For now, I'll take the 'Cats.
PICK: Cincinnati
Championship March 12th
#2 Cincinnati vs. #1 SMU (3:15 ESPN)
These are the two best teams in the conference and this is the game everyone wants to see. You bet your ass this will be a defensive struggle, but in the end it will just come down to guard play. Can Evans/Caupain/Johnson beat Ojeleye/Brown/Milton. I'll say yes. It will be a dog fight with two good rebounding teams. Caupain hits the game winning shot and UC goes into the locker room celebrating on Selection Sunday. PICK: Cincinnati
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