MEAC Conference Tournament 2010

The MEAC conference (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for those of you who may not be familiar with the acronym) has had its woes in recent years, but as with every year in the NCAA tournament, there's no telling what can happen. Anyone remember a certain George Mason team from 2006 that defined what it is to be a bracket buster? It's why the athletes play the game, and it's why we watch the game. Everyone wants to see a Cinderella. Could this year's Cinderella team be from the MEAC? Before any team starts thinking Sweet Sixteen though, they'll have to make it through their conference tournament. Here's a quick rundown of the first round games, and predictions for future rounds. Keep in mind the first three games listed are pre-determined matchups. Everything beyond that is solely a prediction.

March 9^th, 2010
Game 1 - #7 Bethune-Cookman vs. #10 Florida A&M. This inner state rivalry game will be sure to entice some Florida residents as well as the school's alumni, but probably not too many people outside of those categories will have much of an opinion on this game. Florida A&M brings a balanced offense to the table, with their top six scorers averaging within each other. Bethune-Cookman accumulates much of their scoring from So. Guard C.J. Reed, who averages a dazzling 38 minutes per game. Although these two teams split the season series, I expect Bethune-Cookman to get the win.

Game 2 -- #8 Howard vs. #9 North Carolina A&T. As with every tournament, these 8 vs. 9 matchups are hard to predict. Howard has trouble putting numbers up on the scoreboard (58.5 points/gm), probably due to their conference worst .376% shooting from the field. I'm going with North Carolina A&T because of Howard's offensive struggles.

March 10^th, 2010
Game 3 -- #11 Coppin State vs. #6 Maryland Eastern Shore. Coppin State's poor play this season has produced them with not only a less than stellar record (8-21), but the last seed in the MEAC conference. If it's any consolation, they do have the highest free throw percentage (.738) in the whole conference. Unless Maryland Eastern Shore commits an inconceivable amount of fouls, I don't see this game being an upset. I pick Maryland Eastern Shore for the win.

Game 4 -- #2 Delaware State vs. # 7 Bethune-Cookman. Delaware State, like Howard, has trouble scoring. In fact they average .2 less points per game. Bethune-Cookman will need a big game out of their star C.J. Reed, but I don't think it would be enough to catapult the Wildcats to a win. I'm going with Delaware State.

Game 5 -- #1 Morgan State vs. #9 North Carolina A&T. Morgan State is a team everyone should have at least on their radar, but first they'll have to win their conference tournament (we'll get to more about that later.) Morgan State's record (24-9 overall, 15-1 conference) aren't anything to shake your head at. Reggie Holmes' 22.4 points/gm is just short of reaching the top 5 amongst the entire nation. This game could be the biggest blowout of the tournament. I fully expect Morgan State to win, most likely by 20+ points.

March 11^th, 2010
Game 6 -- #3 South Carolina State vs. # 6 Maryland Eastern Shore. One would think a number three seeded team would have to watch out for an upset on a number six seeded team, but don't expect that here. South Carolina State has put together an impressive season, including the honor of handing Morgan State their only loss in conference play. A stretch away from home hurt the Bulldogs towards the end of the season, but they recovered wins at home against Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, respectively. My pick: SC State over Maryland E. Shore.

Game 7 -- #4 Norfolk State vs. #5 Hampton. This should be an interesting game. Norfolk State has taken conference powerhouse Morgan State into overtime in both their conference meetings, and Hampton has shown glimpses of greatness at times too. Hampton has three scorers (Vincent Simpson, Michael Freeman, and Darrion Pellum) all averaging over 10 points/gm, while Sr. Michael Freeman averages 7.7 rebounds/gm. However, I feel Hampton may have to catch a bit of a lucky break to win this game. I'm picking Norfolk State for the win.

March 12^th, 2010
Game 8 -- #4 Norfolk State vs. #1 Morgan State. This particular game is probably in essence the title game. It just happens to be in the semi-final round. Norfolk State has Morgan State's number this season, but the Spartans just can't quite seem to close the deal. Morgan State certainly can't sleep on this game, but I don't expect them to. Instead, I expect a big game out of the Bears' Kevin Thompson, who is currently 3^rd in the nation with 12.0 rebounds/gm. I personally feel this should be the championship game, but Norfolk State just happened to catch an unlucky break and meet this stellar Morgan State team in the semi-finals. I'm picking Morgan State in a game probably decided by less than 5 points.

Game 9 -- #2 Delaware State vs. #3 South Carolina State. Although they have managed to capture the number two seed in the tournament, Delaware State's lack of offense scares me, and that's why I'm reluctant to pick them in this game. South Carolina State will have to come ready to play, but I see the 1-2 punch in the backcourt from Jason Flagler and Darnell Porter carrying the Bulldogs to the victory in this game.

March 13^th, 2010
Game 19 -- Championship Game. #3 South Carolina State vs. #1 Morgan State. Again, it's somewhat disappointing that the Morgan State/Norfolk State game is only a semi-finals match because it should be the championship matchup. I see Morgan State coming on strong this game and proving any doubters they've had this season wrong. Morgan State will raise the MEAC conference champions banner in Hill Field House.

Noteworthy: Morgan State may not have a high seed in the NCAA tournament, but every team should have the Bears on their upset alert watch. Don't be too surprised to see this relatively unknown team from Maryland sneak into a second round NCAA tournament game.

Stats provided by espn.go.com

Conference tournament matchups provided by meacsports.com