The Southland and the SWAC used to really bother me. Who do they think they are with their meaningless tournaments in the second week? But, either I’ve mellowed with age or I realize that it really doesn’t matter because these tournaments usually aren’t good anyway. This year, though, the SL is pretty interesting. There are a couple nationally legitimate mid-majors (UTA, UTSA, Lamar), some perennially solid programs (SFA, SHSU) and some upstart teams ready to make names for themselves (McNeese St., Northwestern St.)
Championship Picks
11 for #1 UT-Arlington
5 for #2 Stephen F. Austin (Gersh, Mac, Primm, RSmith, Waters)
4 for #3 Lamar (Doogan, KA, Lohse, Scoot)
Biggest Upsets
QF – #8 Nicholls St. (KA)
SF – #7 Sam Houston St. (Teddy)
Previous CTC Champions
2011 – Dave
2010 – Alexi/Lynch/Stri/Teddy
2009 – Waters
2008 – Bry
#2 Stephen F. Austin vs. #7 Sam Houston St.
These are probably the most consistently good programs in the SL and they have a hefty rivalry, so a first round matchup is nice. Both teams are young and playing their best ball of the year. Dave, Doogan, J, and Teddy went for this meaty upset pick. Teddy has SHSU in the finals. Gersh, Mac, Primm, RSmith, and Waters would all lose their champions if that upset comes true.
#3 Lamar vs. #6 Northwestern St.
Anyone else hear that press conference that Lamar coach Pat Knight held last week, saying how the seniors are the worst class he’s ever seen – throwing out accusations of drug use and stuff like that? Tell me that if you closed your eyes, you wouldn’t hear his old man. The voice is pretty much identical and his rhythm and cadence were just like The General. Anyway, Lamar was supposed to be really good, but they really underachieved. Maybe the senior class stunk…or maybe that this guy Pat doesn’t coach like that other Knight. Lil Lohse, Primm, RSmith, and Waters all took a shot at Northwestern St. here in the upset. Doogan, KA, Lohse, and Scoot all have Lamar winning this tournament.
#1 UT-Arlington vs. #8 Nicholls St.
Only 8 of the 12 SL teams make the conference tournament. After Nicholls St.’s first two conference games, the other 11 teams were feeling better about their chances. Nicholls took a weekend trip to Texas to open the conference season with UTSA and UTA. They lost by a combined 73 points…and they weren’t even that close. Well, somehow they put it together and actually looked decent for parts of the season, and now they get a shot at redemption with UTA (and possibly UTSA in the semis, if they can win tonight). UT-Arlington is one of the better mid-majors in the country and should be considered a decent favorite to win this tournament. KA went for the home run with the Nicholls St. upset pick here. More than half the field has UTA winning this tournament.
#4 McNeese St. vs. #5 UT-San Antonio
The Roadrunners of UTSA were thought to have arrived a year earlier than expected last year when they won this tournament. This was supposed to be their year. But, this year hasn’t gone as planned and now they have a tough road. McNeese has been the big surprise of the SL season, as they won the Northern Division. McNeese is an unappreciated favorite here, as only 7 people have the 4-seed in this one (Dave, Gersh, J, Rikey, RSmith, Stri, Waters). Waters has McNeese in the finals. KA and Lohse both have UTSA in reaching the finals to defend their title.
