Early in the College Basketball season, it appeared that the Colonial Athletic Association could field up to 4 teams in the NCAA Tourney. Such is not the case anymore. Only Old Dominion has a chance at an at-large bid from the CAA. The Monarchs own a 23-8 overall mark including a win at Georgetown.
If it wasn’t for their Bracket Buster loss at Northern Iowa, they would already be a lock. With an RPI of 38 they seem OK, but they might as well win the CAA Tournament just to be sure.
Or at least get to the Championship game. Their stiffest competition will come from Northeastern. The Huskies started off the season blazing, winning 16 of 18 after an 0-2 start, but now have lost 2 of their last 3 and were swept this year by 16-15 Drexel. William & Mary was in the discussion when they reeled off 14 of 15 before losing 4 of 5.
They have won 6 of 9 recently, but it won’t be enough unless they win the Tournament. Virginia Commonwealth started off just as strong as Northeastern, winning 9 of 10 non-conference games including wins over Oklahoma, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Richmond.
All of those games were at home. Their problems came when they started CAA play and struggled on the road. They went 5-7 away from home this year including loses at James Madison and Drexel. I think anyone of 5 teams can win this Tournament. I don’t see a clear-cut favorite like Butler in the Horizon League.
Quarterfinals
Towson vs. Old Dominion
VCU vs. George Mason
Hofstra vs. Northeastern
Drexel vs. William & Mary
Semifinals
VCU vs. Old Dominion
William & Mary vs. Northeastern
Final
Northeastern vs. Old Dominion
Champion: Northeastern
Final Regular Season Standings
|
Old Dominion |
15-3 |
23-8 |
|
Northeastern |
14-4 |
19-11 |
|
William & Mary |
12-6 |
20-9 |
|
George Mason |
12-6 |
17-13 |
|
Virginia Commonwealth |
11-7 |
20-8 |
|
Drexel |
11-7 |
16-15 |
|
Hofstra |
10-8 |
18-13 |
|
Towson |
6-12 |
9-20 |
|
Georgia State |
5-13 |
12-19 |
|
NC Wilmington |
5-13 |
9-21 |
| James Madison | 4-14 | 12-19 |
| Delaware | 3-15 | 7-23 |
