2009 Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Tournament Predictions
Written March 6, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The 2009 Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament is in full effect as first round action got under way on March 4. There are just 8 teams remaining with action set to get back underway on Sunday, March 8, with the championship game scheduled for Tuesday, March 10. The 3 top seeds all received first round byes, and all of the top seeds advanced to the 2nd round. While the top 3 seeds have pretty much easy first round matchups, the game of the day will be No.4 North Texas and No.5 Middle Tennessee. With the top 3 teams looking better than the rest of the group, here is a quick recap of how they finished up their season, and sleeper that we think could stay hot and win this thing. Bet the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at Bookmaker.com.
1. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (21-8, 15-3 Sun Belt)
The Hilltoppers won 8 of their final 9 games of the regular season, and the only loss was on the road to a very good Troy team. During that stretch the Hilltoppers won 4 road games, including wins agaisnt Middle Tennessee and Arkansas-Little Rock. The Hilltoppers bring a real solid balance of attack to the floor, as 4 players average in double figures, with A.J. Slaughter leading the way with 15.7 points per game.
2. Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans (22-7, 15-3 Sun Belt)
The Trojans were just as good overall as the Hilltoppers by conference record, but they failed to win in either matchup against them this season. The Trojans are coming into the tournament on a pretty solid role of their own, as they have also won 8 of their final 9 games. Continuing with the similarities with the Hilltoppers, the Trojans also have 4 players averaging at least 10 points a game, but it looks like they will once again be without their leading scoring Steven Moore, as he was kicked off the team just a few games back.
3. Troy Trojans (19-11, 14-4 Sun Belt)
I have already mentioned that this team has a big win over Western Kentucky under their belt, but have also beat Arkansas-Little Rock as well. The Trojans went on a pretty good run to finish the regular season, as they come into the tournament winners of 12 of their last 13 games, and the only loss was a 1 point heartbreaker on the road to FIU. The Trojans also get scoring from a number of players, but the guy that leads this team is Brandon Hazzard and his 15.9 points per outing. I am going with the team that seems to be playing the best basketball, and I like that they will get a weaker Arkansas-Little Rock team without their leading scorer.
Sleeper: North Texas Mean Green (19-11, 11-7 Sun Belt)
The Mean Green don’t have an easy path to the finals, as they first have to get back Middle Tennessee and then likely a very good Western Kentucky team, but this team might not be too worried, as they have beat Middle Tennesse on the road, and lost by just 4 points on the road to Western Kentucky. The Mean Green keep the trend going with a number of players contributing instead of just a couple guys who can put it in the basket, as North Texas has 4 guys averaging over 10 points per game, and another 3 averaging between 6 and 9 points a contest.
Prediction: Troy Trojans
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