AE BracketBusters Predictions

We are 15 days away until we start getting the match-ups for ESPN's BracketBusters. While the event is really starting to get played out, it still is one last chance for the conference to up its RPI and gain some respect in the non-conference schedule (cause the conference has done a great job this season already with that). When it comes to picking the match-ups, history has shown that RPI, geographic locations and similar opponents plays a big factor. With all of that in mind, lets take a stab at who we think all the AE teams (yes, ALL) will be playing:

Away Games

Binghamton vs. Radford (Big South)

This game would make more sense for UMBC. However, Bingo has already played St. Peter’s and Canisus, who are the lowest ranked MAAC schools in the home pool. On the CAA side, they have already played Hofstra (the lowest ranked CAA school in the home pool) and the second lowest, Delaware, is not a favorable match-up. Taking geography into play, unless the BracketBusters folks feel like sending the Bearcats to Louisiana or Texas, Radford (in Virginia) is the closest when it comes to low ranked RPI’s in the home pool. If it is not Radford, the Bearcats are going to be going for a long ride somewhere.

Hartford vs. St. Peter's (MAAC)

A short trip for the Hawks. It is a favorable match-up against a team within a reasonable RPI. However, don’t be surprised if Canisius is thrown into this game. If RPI does play a roll, Canisius is much lower. Plus, both teams have played Binghamton.

Who else will the AE play in ESPN's money making scheme? Find out after the jump

UMBC vs. Gardner Webb (Big South)

Again, Radford makes much more sense. However, with Binghamton also participating, it makes it difficult to predict. Since I have Bingo at Radford, we have to go with Gardner Webb. VMI would be a better match-up, but both team have already played each other. VMI beat Gardner Webb and UMBC, so to me it sets itself up perfectly. Webb won’t be happy with the match-up, since their RPI will be hurt.

Boston U. vs. Morgan State (MEAC)

BU fans are going to hate this. However, the best match-ups for them against CAA schools are Hofstra and Delaware, teams they have already played. The fact that UMBC has played BU plays into my pick here. However, I also have a thinking of Bradley as a match-up. This is because Bradley beat Northeastern earlier in non-conference play, a team that BU almost beat to start the season.

Stony Brook vs. Northeastern (CAA)

I love this match-up. It fits so perfectly. Northeastern squeaked by against BU and UVM this season. Lets see if the AE can get the victory on the third time.

Home Games

Towson (CAA) vs. New Hampshire

UNH fans will hate it, but it works. UNH lost to UMBC. Towson lost to UMBC. With both teams at a low RPI and in opposite pools, to me the match-up is set. Sorry Wildcat fans.

Marist (MAAC) vs. Maine

I like this game. Marist is 1-2 vs. the AE this season, losing to UNH and Vermont, but beating Hartford. Both teams are near the same record and have similar RPI’s. An easy trip for Marist as well.

Rider (MAAC) vs. UAlbany

Niagara makes a lot of sense. James Madison makes a lot of sense. However, I think Rider will make the trip to SEFCU. Very simple…both Rider and UAlbany have the same results against similar opponents. UAlbany lost to Siena and Stony Brook and beat UMBC. Rider did the same exact thing. Since Niagara and Siena are similar in RPI, the Siena loss hurts UAlbany. Rider isn’t a terrible match-up, but Niagara would have been much better. Niagara and James Madison are still a possibility.

Niagara (MAAC) vs. Vermont

It works out because of what I said about UAlbany. However, Rider or James Madison could slip in. Niagara has knocked off the bottom of the AE, now can they compete against one of the mid-level/top-tier of the conference?

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Now, just realize, I only got two predictions correct last year. So, you have to take these predictions with a grain of salt. If you want to have fun predicting who the AE will play, I recommend checking out rpiforecast.com. They do a great job when it comes to covering the RPI of all the teams nationally.