Northeast Conference Tournament Preview
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The Northeast Conference regular season championship came down to the final day of the season, when Fairleigh Dickinson defeated Monmouth to win the title by a game. FDU had a three-game lead with three games left, but lost two in a row to make it interesting. Central Connecticut State finished in second. The league was very balanced, but FDU began pulling away once they came together. Several teams have a chance to win the championship, though.
Favorite: Obviously, Fairleigh Dickinson has to be considered the odds-on favorite. They had won 11 in a row before dropping two in a row heading into the season finale. The duo of Chad Timberlake and Gordon Klaiber may be the best in the conference, while 7-footer Andrea Crosariol is one of the top big in the NEC. There are several role players that also contribute, led by forward Michael Peeples. The Knights are the highest-scoring team in the league, but are somewhat weak on the defensive end.
Contenders: Central Connecticut State has won 11 of their last 14 games, and are the only team in the conference not to lose to Fairleigh Dickinson. Four players average in double-figures for the Blue Devils, led by the backcourt duo of Tristan Blackwood and Justin Chiera. Inside, Obie Nwadike leads the league in rebounding and is a double-double threat every time he steps on the court. CCSU is very efficient on the offensive end, and are the best defensive team in the league. Monmouth had a chance to get a share of the regular-season title on the last day of the season, but lost to FDU. The Hawks have lost 3 of 6--not the best way to come into a tournament where the top teams are hot. Deki Delic and Marques Alston are the main options on offense, yet both only average about 12 points per game. I think they could be due for an upste in the first round.
Sleeper: Robert Morris is slumping lately, and have only won 3 of their last 9 games. However, they have one of the more balanced teams in the conference. They have possibly the best big man in the NEC in A.J. Jackson, a double-double monster. Tony Lee is an excellent all-around guard, while Jeremy Chappell and Derek Coleman also average double-figures from the perimeter. They have been competitive throughout the season, and I could see them making a run.
Prediction: Fairleigh Dickinson has the balance, the experience, and the talent to get the automatic bid. But they won't. Central Connecticut State has a myriad of options on the offensive end, and lead the league in scoring defense. If they are hitting their outside shots, the Blue Devils should get the automatic bid. Moreover, I have a feeling FDU is going to get upset by Robert Morris in the semi-finals. The two best rebounders in the league will face off in the championship, with CCSU coming away with the conference tournament championship.
The Northeast Conference regular season championship came down to the final day of the season, when Fairleigh Dickinson defeated Monmouth to win the title by a game. FDU had a three-game lead with three games left, but lost two in a row to make it interesting. Central Connecticut State finished in second. The league was very balanced, but FDU began pulling away once they came together. Several teams have a chance to win the championship, though.
Favorite: Obviously, Fairleigh Dickinson has to be considered the odds-on favorite. They had won 11 in a row before dropping two in a row heading into the season finale. The duo of Chad Timberlake and Gordon Klaiber may be the best in the conference, while 7-footer Andrea Crosariol is one of the top big in the NEC. There are several role players that also contribute, led by forward Michael Peeples. The Knights are the highest-scoring team in the league, but are somewhat weak on the defensive end.
Contenders: Central Connecticut State has won 11 of their last 14 games, and are the only team in the conference not to lose to Fairleigh Dickinson. Four players average in double-figures for the Blue Devils, led by the backcourt duo of Tristan Blackwood and Justin Chiera. Inside, Obie Nwadike leads the league in rebounding and is a double-double threat every time he steps on the court. CCSU is very efficient on the offensive end, and are the best defensive team in the league. Monmouth had a chance to get a share of the regular-season title on the last day of the season, but lost to FDU. The Hawks have lost 3 of 6--not the best way to come into a tournament where the top teams are hot. Deki Delic and Marques Alston are the main options on offense, yet both only average about 12 points per game. I think they could be due for an upste in the first round.
Sleeper: Robert Morris is slumping lately, and have only won 3 of their last 9 games. However, they have one of the more balanced teams in the conference. They have possibly the best big man in the NEC in A.J. Jackson, a double-double monster. Tony Lee is an excellent all-around guard, while Jeremy Chappell and Derek Coleman also average double-figures from the perimeter. They have been competitive throughout the season, and I could see them making a run.
Prediction: Fairleigh Dickinson has the balance, the experience, and the talent to get the automatic bid. But they won't. Central Connecticut State has a myriad of options on the offensive end, and lead the league in scoring defense. If they are hitting their outside shots, the Blue Devils should get the automatic bid. Moreover, I have a feeling FDU is going to get upset by Robert Morris in the semi-finals. The two best rebounders in the league will face off in the championship, with CCSU coming away with the conference tournament championship.
posted by Jeff at 12:01 AM
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