The 2021 Conference USA Basketball Tournament tips off in Frisco, TX on Monday. Here’s a preview of the action.
Conference USA Basketball – Men’s Tournament
The 2021 Air Force Reserve #CUSAMBB 🏀 Championship Bracket!#HoopsAtTheStar tips off Tuesday at 7pm CT! pic.twitter.com/1AmK7q22hK
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) March 7, 2021
The Favorite: Western Kentucky
The No. 1 seed for a reason, Western Kentucky is the clear favorite to cut down the nets. Charles Bassey will be the best player on the court whenever the Tops play and the supporting cast is equally as impressive and experienced.
The Contender: Louisiana Tech
Although they received less fanfare than Western Kentucky along the way, Louisiana Tech won a divisional title as well. Kenneth Lofton and Isaiah Crawford, both of whom somehow were only named to the All-Conference Third Team and not higher, are a formidable tandom capable of taking down anyone — even WKU.
The Sleeper: North Texas
One of the best defensive teams in the conference, North Texas can win ugly. When they’re in a rhythm and Javion Hamlet is making his shots, they’re a tough out. If anyone’s making out of the “first round”, the Mean Green might have a decent shot.
Conference USA Basketball – Women’s Tournament
The 2021 Air Force Reserve #CUSAWBB 🏀 Championship Bracket!#HoopsAtTheStar tips off Tuesday at 4pm CT! pic.twitter.com/tlszxPMFlv
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) March 7, 2021
The Favorite: Rice
Rice has lost four conference games in their last three seasons. They’ve proven themselves to be mortal, but it’s hard to pick anyone to beat them outright. Led by Nancy Mulkey and a deep bench, the Owls’ defense has led them to three consecutive regular-season conference titles. They enter 2021 as the defending tournament champions after last season’s event was halted after the first round.
The Contender: Middle Tennessee
Despite the run of success from Rice, Middle Tennessee was picked to win the conference in the preseason polls. The two teams never met in the regular season. Could they meet in the Tournament? Led by 26.8 points per game from Anastasia Hayes, the Blue Raiders can run up the score quickly.
The Sleeper: Marshall
Marshall was far from the most consistent team this season, but they earned a unique distinction in the final weeks of the regular season. They won games against Rice and Middle Tennessee, something no other team in Conference USA can claim. Sometimes tournaments are all about getting hot at the right time. If Marshall can beat those two teams, they’ve got the ammo to beat just about anyone else.
