2012 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Odds and Predictions to Win 2012 MAAC Tournament – 2012 MAAC Championship Favorites, Sleepers, Schedule and TV Listings plus Expert Picks: When most college basketball here someone mention the MAAC, the Mid-American Conference comes to mind. However, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference goes by an identical-sounding abbreviation and has plenty to offer, as well. The MAAC has some NBA-caliber players and one of the top scoring teams in the country. The conference will also send just a single team to the NCAA tournament, which makes winning the conference tournament a season-saving endeavor.
The Favorite – 2012 MAAC Tournament Odds, Predictions and Expert Picks
To say that the Iona Gaels (24-6) are a good offensive team is an understatement. The Gaels are averaging more points per game (83.4) than any other team in the country, dish out more assists than any other team, and have the second-best field goal percentage. Point guard Scott Machado runs the show, averaging more than 10 assists per game, while forward Mike Glover leads the team with 18.1 points per game. Iona has outscored opponents all season, and after powering their way to the regular season title, a MAAC tournament title and an NCAA tournament bid could be in the works for the Gaels.
The Dark Horses – 2012 MAAC Tournament Odds, Predictions and Expert Picks
Although the Loyola Greyhounds (21-8) aren’t the deepest or most explosive team in the MAAC, they did manage to finish second in regular season standings. Loyola has four players averaging more than 11 points per game, and they play above average defense as well. The Greyhounds also split the season series with Iona, and the rubber match could be for the MAAC tournament title. Loyola doesn’t stand out on the stat sheet, but there is no denying this team’s ability to win games.
The Manhattan Jaspers (20-11) have just a single player averaging in double figures, but forward George Beamon is more than capable of carrying the load on offense. He is averaging more than 18 points per game this season, shooting 48 percent from the field and hitting almost two 3-pointers per contest. Beamon was even better down the stretch of the regular season, topping 20 points in the final three games of the regular season. The Jaspers finished third in the MAAC despite relying heavily on Beamon, and if he continues to play at a high level, the Jaspers could keep winning games.
Sleeper Special – 2012 MAAC Tournament Odds, Predictions and Expert Picks
At 17-13, the Fairfield Stags barely finished above .500. However, they did finish tied for fourth in the MAAC regular season standings. The Stags don’t win with their offense, but with the stingiest defense in the conference, they control the tempo and keep games close. Fairfield forward Rakim Sanders is the team’s most consistent source of offense, averaging more than 16 per game. He is making more than 50 percent of his shots on the year, and by playing through the post on offense, the Stags can slow the pace and save their energy for the defensive end. Fairfield hasn’t displayed enough firepower to knock of the top teams in the MAAC this season, but keeping games close with their defense gives the Stags a puncher’s chance.
2012 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Predictions from NSAwins.com: Iona to WIN over Loyola Md
2012 MAAC Tournament Odds
Iona -160
Loyola MD +450
Manhattan +525
Fairfield +575
Siena +4000
Rider +4500
Niagara +6000
Marist +15000
St. Peter’s +35000
Canisius +50000
2012 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Men’s Basketball Championship Schedule:
Friday, March 2
Game 1: No. 8 Marist Red Foxes vs. No. 9 Saint Peter’s Peacock, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: No. 7 Niagara Purple Eagles vs. No. 10 Canisius Golden Griffins, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Mach 3
Game 3: Fairfield vs. No. 5 Rider Broncs, 2:30 p.m.
Game 4: Iona vs. 8/9, 4:30 p.m.
Game 5: Loyola vs. 7/10, 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: Manhattan vs. No. 6 Siena Saints, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 4
Semifinal 1: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 2 p.m.
Semifinal 2: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, March 5
Semifinal 1 winner vs. Semifinal 2 winner, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
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