2013 College Basketball Picks: Ohio Valley Conference Tournamant Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – OVC Tournament Schedule and Tournament Bracket: The Ohio Valley Conference is no stranger to pulling off upsets in the NCAA Tournament, and even this year, there is a chance that multiple teams could be dancing depending on the outcome of the OVC Tournament. That being said, all the teams involved know that the only way to 100 percent guarantee that they will a part of March Madness is to win the conference tournament and secure the automatic bid. This year’s tournament should be a competitive one, especially when you consider how strong the East Division was with three different teams winning at least 11 conference games. There are several teams that could emerge as the eventual winners of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, and here is a closer look at the top contenders.
2013 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
The Contenders
Although they have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament even without winning the OVC Tournament, the Belmont Bruins (24-6, 14-2 OVC) can ensure themselves a spot by backing up their top regular season record with a tournament victory. Belmont is one of the most balanced teams in the country, and the lead the OVC in both points per game and points allowed. In fact, the Bruins rank in the top 20 nationally in both points and assists per game and in the top five in field goal percentage. They also average more than 10 steals per game on the defensive end. Belmont has four players scoring in double figures, including guard Ian Clark. The senior leads the team with 18.1 points per game and has already poured in 92 3-pointers at a 46.2 percent clip. At least on paper, the Bruins are the most balanced team in the Ohio Valley Conference.
They were the darlings of the Ohio Valley Conference (20-9, 10-6 OVC) last year, and while the Murray State Racers did win the weaker West Division, they aren’t quite as a good as the team that made a run at an undefeated season last year. That being said, Murray State does have the conference’s most explosive scorer in Isaiah Canaan. The senior is averaging 21.6 points on the year and has range well out beyond the arc. Canaan is one of three players on Murray State averaging 13 or more points per game, and if the Racers’ shooters get hot during the tournament, they have the firepower to make a run.
The potential sleeper in this battle could be the Tennessee State Tigers (17-13, 11-5 OVC). They have some offensive firepower in their own right with four players averaging more than 12 points per game, and all four players can knock down shots from beyond the arc. They also have some star power in the form of forward Robert Covington. The senior boasts an impressive stat line that includes 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Tennessee State also has one of the top perimeter defenses, which is an X-factor in a conference with some excellent shooters. The Tigers already pulled an upset over top-seeded Belmont during the regular season, and if they continue to defend the arc in the tournament, they could make some noise.
Bottom Line
Ironically, all three of the top teams have faltered a bit down the stretch. Tennessee State has been inconsistent overall, and Murray State has dropped four of its last six games heading into the OVC Tournament. Even Belmont lost its most recent meetings with the Tigers and the Racers, albeit on the road. All three of these teams have the players that can take over the tournament and carry their teams, but at the end of the day, the Bruins still have the most all-around talent and most balance on both ends of the court. With a spot in the NCAA Tournament on the line, Belmont will put its best foot forward, and the Bruins’ best is better than anyone else’s in the OVC.
Prediction: Belmont Bruins Win the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
2013 OVC Tournament Schedule
Opening Round, March 6:
No. 5 Morehead State vs. No. 8 Tennessee-Martin, 6 p.m.
No. 6 Southeast Missouri State vs. No. 7 Eastern Illinois, 8 p.m.
All games streamed online
Quarterfinals, March 7:
No. 4 Tennessee State vs. Morehead State/Tennessee-Martin, 6 p.m.
No. 3 Eastern Kentucky vs. SEMO/Eastern Illinois, 8 p.m.
All games streamed online
Semifinals, March 8:
No. 1 Belmont vs. Tennessee State/Morehead State/Tennessee-Martin, 6 p.m.
No. 2 Murray State vs. Eastern Kentukcy/SEMO/Eastern Illinois, 8 p.m.
Both games on ESPNU, Murray State game tape delayed
Championship, March 9, ESPN2, 6 p.m.
All times Central
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