BracketBusters Breakdown

ESPN announced the BracketBusters schedule tonight. Like a student, I should not have changed my answer. UAlbany will play Rider (my original pick). I was 7-2 on my final predictions. Six of the nine games for the AE will be against the MAAC. Here is a breakdown of the nine games involving the AE...

Away Games

Binghamton vs. Radford (Big South): Geography is interesting in this game. However, both have really low RPI's and it makes sense. Don't expect high scoring, as both teams have some of the worst field goal percentages in the nation. R.J. Price is the main weapon for the Highlanders. Bingo will have to put up 60 points at least to win. Radford is 4-20, but two of their wins were against non D-I opponents.

Hartford vs. St. Peter's (MAAC): Will be a tough one for the Hawks. The biggest issue will be rebounding. Junior Darius Conley is going to be all over the paint. He is knocking down 11 points and nearly eight rebounds a game this season. The Peacocks beat Bingo with ease early in the season and have also knocked off Siena. They sit at 4-18, 8th in the MAAC. Shooting will be key for Hartford. However, St. Peter's has had really good offensive games along with really bad ones.

More BracketBusters Breakdown after the jump

UMBC vs. Canisius (MAAC): If there is any reason to watch this game, it is to see the battle in the paint between Chase Plummer and Bronx native Chris Manhertz. Both are around the eight rebound mark per game. Scoring and field goal percentages are about equal, but both rank in the Top 200 in rebounding. Jake Wasco for UMBC may be critical in helping UMBC win the rebounding battle.

Boston U. vs. Loyola (MD) (MAAC): Andy Katz said the Greyhounds may have deserved a TV game. They get BU instead. I'm kinda surprised the Terriers got this match-up. This has the making for a shootout. Dylon Cormier against Darryl Partin or D.J. Irving should be exciting. BU will need both of them to step-up. The biggest problem is Loyola has size. Top 100 in rebounding and Erik Etherly has been a beast all season. This game will help BU's RPI, but kills Loyola if they lose.

Stony Brook vs. Northeastern (CAA): The premier match-up for the AE teams. I know a ton of AE fans would love to see the Seawolves win even if they hate the Seawolves. It is very simple for SB...get the ball to Tommy Brenton and Dallis Joyner in the paint. SB is much better in the paint in comparison to the Huskies. If they control the boards and Bryan Dougher does his business on the outside, it could be an easy win for Long Island and the AE.

Home Games

Towson (CAA) vs. New Hampshire: Someone has to play them. I don't want to be critical, but if UNH loses this game, UNH might as well pack it in. It's that simple.

Marist (MAAC) vs. Maine: Should be a victory for the Black Bears...IF THE OFFENSE SHOWS UP. Justin Edwards and Gerald McLemore should be able to have fun with this defense. The key will be isolating Devin Price of Marist. If you shut him down, the game is yours.

Rider (MAAC) vs. UAlbany: Great Dane fans won't like the match-up, but it is a fair one. Rider could be a sleeper. They played Pittsburgh really tough at the start of the season. However, they had to go to OT to beat UMBC and were crushed by Stony Brook on Long Island. The Broncs are 4-8 on the road. Expect high scoring, as Rider is in the Top 100 in both points and field goal percentage. Luke Devlin will be critical for UA. While the Broncs can shoot from the outside, they are ranked near 250th in rebounding. Three-point defense has been a weak spot for the Danes. Better not be weak in this game.

Niagara (MAAC) vs. Vermont: Get ready to see two unbelievable freshmen on one court. Juan'ya Green vs. Four McGlynn. That alone is worth the price of admission. However, you also get Antoine Mason, the son of former New York Knick Anthony Mason. Brendan Bald and Sandro Carissimo will have a tough time with him. This is a tough one to call, as Niagara can easily put up 90 points, but also can be held to 50 with ease. If UVM can maintain their season average of 67 points per game, they can pull it out.

The MAAC likes to talk smack about how the AE is an inferior conference (see UAlbany-Siena rivalry). Time to put-up or shut-up. Should be some fun games, and winnable games, for the AE.