Officially, the NCAA tournament begins in 12 days. But for some it’s already underway. Eight teams from mid-major conferences were knocked out Tuesday. Eight more went down Wednesday.
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What mid-major conference tournaments hold the most intrigue this weekend? Here are three:
Horizon
With seven straight wins to close the regular season, No. 2 Butler (21-9/46 RPI) might be in, though a quarterfinal loss in the tournament might give the selection committee pause. With two losses to Butler, Norris Cole and No. 3 Cleveland State (25-7/43) probably need to win the tournament to get in.
Team to watch » Surprising No.?1 Milwaukee (18-12/96) got the top seed by sweeping Butler. In the Horizon, that carries a lot of weight; the Panthers will host the quarterfinals and semifinals this weekend and the title game Tuesday if they win out.
Ohio Valley
What is more fierce — Kenneth Faried‘s work on the boards or his hairdo? Either way, the standout forward makes this tournament watchable as long as he can keep No. 2 Morehead State (22-9) afloat. This is a one-bid league with worthy contenders in No. 1 Murray State (23-7) and No. 4 Tennessee Tech (18-11), which enters on a five-game winning streak.
Team to watch » No. 3 Austin Peay (19-12) has the advantage of playing in Nashville, less than an hour from campus. Many will be pulling for the Governors, if for no other reason than the potential of a radio rant from announcer Greg Walker as he pulls for his beloved “Govs.”
Missouri Valley
The league that produced four NCAA teams in 2006 and a 2010 Cinderella in Northern Iowa must settle for one bid after a dreadful BracketBuster weekend. Still there are high-profile contenders in No. 2 Wichita State (23-7) and No. 4 UNI (19-12).
Team to watch » In a season in which traditionally strong Drake, Southern Illinois and Creighton have been mired in mediocrity, No. 1 Missouri State (23-7) has risen. The Bears have the advantage of playing in their home state, opening Friday in the quarterfinals in St. Louis.
