It’s the start of Championship Fortnight, so let’s gear up for the next 13 days of games by breaking down each of the Other 26’s conference tournaments as they get under way.
Ohio Valley Tournament
Dates: March 4-7
Site: Nashville Memorial Auditorium (Nashville, TN)
What to expect: What do Kentucky and Murray State have in common other than inhabiting the Bluegrass State? The answer is that they own the nation’s two longest active winning streaks. The Racers reeled off 24 straight victories to end the season and breezed through their Ohio Valley schedule – a run of dominance that should continue in Nashville. Still, Eastern Kentucky took them to overtime in January and Belmont gets the benefit of playing in its own backyard, so nothing is guaranteed. Even the #8 seed, Southeast Missouri State, came close to beating the champs a few weeks ago. Both the Racers and Colonels receive byes to semifinals, so look for Jeff Neubauer’s club – last season’s NCAA Tournament representative – to emerge if Murray State falters. Third-seeded Belmont could also be a factor because, well, it’s Belmont.
Favorite: Murray State. The Racers are equipped with the conference’s best backcourt player (Cameron Payne) and frontcourt player (Jarvis Williams); their offense ranks 36th nationally in adjusted efficiency; and they have not lost since way back on November 29. They are the team to beat.
Darkhorse: Morehead State. If it gets past Southeast Missouri State tonight and Tennessee-Martin tomorrow, Morehead State would get a crack at the Racers on Friday. The Eagles played Murray State tough in their only meeting this season, keeping the champs at arm’s length until the four-minute mark. Sean Woods’ group is talented, experienced and playing its best basketball of the season, so pay close attention to this team this week
Who wins: Murray State. Who else? This team – commonly projected as a #12 or #13 seed – has Cinderella written all over it.
Player to watch: Cameron Payne – Murray State. Payne does it all, ranking among the top three in the Ohio Valley in points (20.2 PPG), assists (5.7 APG) and steals (2.0) per game, and ranking eighth nationally in assist rate. The sophomore’s ability to take over games offensively or spread the wealth (his rapport with teammates is excellent) makes him one of the better point guards in college hoops.