AMERICAN
ATHLETIC
CONFERENCE
FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn.
Mar. 12-15
CinciNNATI
Record: 26-5, 15-3
Unfortunately for the Bearcats, the coin toss actually helped out Louisville. Cincy now gets the task of playing either UConn or Memphis in the semis which won’t be easy. They have a 4-seed in the Big Dance locked up, but could move that up by winning this Tourney.
Not many give the Bearcats credit due to an incredibly inconsistent offense, but they have 26 wins for a reason. They should have no problems in the first Game, but that second one will be tricky, especially if it’s UConn, who they just scored 45 points against.
LOUISVILLE
Record: 26-5, 15-3
As for the Cardinals, their semifinal matchup will be SMU or Houston. Louisville has jumped all the way up to the No. 5 team in the AP Polls, yet still come in as a 4-seed in most brackets, mostly because of a poor non-Conference Schedule.
However, not many will argue that this is the best team in the AAC. They are coming off a 13-point win at SMU and 33-point win vs. UConn, so expect a run to the championship in this Tourney.
SMU
Record: 23-8, 12-6
By all means, SMU had a great season, currently in the AP Top 25 and already with 23 wins. However, their poor non-Conference Schedule is hurting them and puts them at No. 44 in the RPI (as of Monday). This is a solid team, no doubt, but with added pressure, can they win Games? The Mustangs are projected as a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tourney.
They’ll get a feisty Houston team in the first Game of this Tourney, although they did sweep the Cougars, it still won’t be easy. But then after that comes Louisville, who they just lost to at home.
CONNECTICUT
Record: 24-7, 12-6
The Huskies are in an interesting situation. They are locked into a 6-seed for the NCAAs, but if they can win a couple Games in this Tourney, a 4 or 5 seed may be possible. That’s what happens when they could face three straight ranked teams if they keep winning.
UConn already swept Memphis, although the seeding doesn’t matter at this point. If they can get past the Tigers, another matchup with Cincy awaits, a team they split with. UConn is a tough team to follow, beating Cincy one week then losing by 30-plus to Louisville the next. Shabazz Napier is a senior and not someone who will be easy to stop.
MEMPHIS
Record: 23-8, 12-6
The Tigers are in a similar situation to the Huskies, but face a tougher battle as they lost all Four Games to UConn and Cincy this season. With a loss, they could fall to an 8-seed in the Big Dance, which isn’t good.
As a team, Memphis lacks consistency. Even with a range of guards that can all score, their down low presence isn’t good enough to match top teams.
Houston is a tricky team for SMU in the first round, but outside of the Cougars, none of the other teams should really make a dent in this Tournament.
Louisville is the favorite, while the top of the bracket is a pure toss-up. Cincinnati obviously has the edge, but they aren’t a given.