Patriot League: Conference Tournament Preview

Tournament Begins: March 3

Conference Championship: March 11

Television Coverage: Patriot League Network, CBSSN
Tournament Bracket:  http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/patr/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/2015PLMBBTournamentBracket.pdf

Overview:
The Patriot League lacks a standout team but does not have any weak links either. If you are a betting person, this would not be the conference tournament to put any money on. Of the 10 teams in the Patriot League, here is what we know:

(1) Their RPIs rank from 135 to 260.

(2) They are 3-27 against the RPI Top 100.

(3) Every team has double digit wins and losses.

(4) Their last 12 games range from 4-8 to 9-3.

Come March 3, the Patriot League conference tournament championship race will be wide open, but only one team can represent their league in the NCAA tournament. Here's a look at a few of the teams that have the best shot:

Favorite to Win Tournament: Colgate (15-16, 12-6)

Colgate's season is tough to explain. They have a losing record despite only the 179th strength of schedule. The Raiders' record against teams ranked 100+ in RPI is 14-12. For every one of those wins, there is an equal loss which makes this team tough to predict. The bottom line is that Colgate has showed up when they have played the other top three teams in the Patriot League. The Raiders are 7-1 against those teams with the only loss coming at home to Lafayette. While it is no sure fire pick, Colgate should be the favorite even if only slightly.

Most Likely to Upset Favorite: Bucknell (18-13, 13-5)

It took Bucknell awhile to gain their footing, but the Bison are starting to play their best basketball. Bucknell challenged themselves during non-conference play going 5-8 and stumbled out of the gate in Patriot League play going 2-2. Since then, the Bison have gone 11-3 and stand atop the league at 13-5. Bucknell is vulnerable on the road accounting for four of their five conference losses. If the Bison can overcome their conference road woes, they are one of the strongest teams to win the Patriot League.

Dark Horse to Win Tournament: Holy Cross (13-15, 8-10)

Holy Cross has been a tale of three seasons. They started 4-1 with two of the biggest road/neutral non-conference wins from Patriot League teams by beating Harvard and Albany. The Crusaders could not keep the magic going as they fell into a 2-9 slump. Holy Cross has somewhat righted the ship going 7-5 to finish the regular season. If the Crusaders can stay hot, this team has the best shot to upset the favorites of the Patriot League.

Expected Tournament Bid(s): Conference Tournament Winner

As I mentioned earlier, this is a very mediocre league from top to bottom. Only the conference tournament winner will get into the tournament and that team will likely be a 16 seed. The winner will not be satisfied just to be there and play one of the premiere teams of the 2014-2015 season. The Patriot League and three other leagues will try to become the first 16 seed to upset a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.