EWB local bracketology: SJU leads area teams into March Madness
By Ed Stein
Patriot League – Colgate
Currently, the Colgate Raiders are in second place in the Patriot League with a 19-5 overall record (11-5 Patriot). In a conference that doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, even 25 wins probably don’t get them an at-large bid. Coach Matt Langel‘s team will need to win the conference tournament.
Northeast Conference – Farleigh Dickinson
It’s been a tight year in the Northeast Conference. With two regular season games remaining, the Fairleigh Dickenson Knights are one game out of first place. At 15-13 overall, it will take a Northeast Conference Tournament win for FDU to make March Madness.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – Iona, Sienna, Rider, Quinnipiac
Several area teams are in the MAAC and have a chance at winning the conference tournament. The Iona Gaels 13-15 (11-6) lead the conference. Siena 15-14 (10-6), Rider 15-13 (10-6), and Quinnipiac 15-12 (10-6) are just a game back. This one is wide open and the finals on Monday, March 11 will decide the MAAC’s representative.
Ivy League – Yale, Princeton
The Ivy League champion is always a must-see come tournament time. Yale is out in front of the rest posting an 8-2 conference record, and are 18-5 overall. A dangerous team, the Bulldogs have shot over 50% from the floor in 2018-19. Another local team, the Princeton Tigers sit a game back of Yale. The Tigers have won 15 games this season and are sure to give Yale all they can handle should the two meet in the Ivy League Tournament Final.
Atlantic Sun Conference – NJIT
Once a laughing stock in college basketball, NJIT has once again won 20 games. The Highlanders will have to win the A-Sun Tournament to get a bid, but they have a shot.
America East
The Stony Brook Seawolves are looking to make it back to the Big Dance for the first time in three years. Their 13-3 conference record trails first-place Vermont by one game. Additionally, Stony Brook has a 23-6 overall record. If they can’t prevail in the America East Tournament, they are sure to get an NIT berth.
Colonial Athletic Conference – Hofstra
The area’s next closest thing to a tournament lock right now is the Hofstra Pride. Coach Joe Mihalich’s team has flirted with the top-25 all season. They have a 23-6 record overall and are 13-3 in conference play. If Hofstra should lose the CAA Tournament, they can still get an at-large bid. What will hold them back is a 69th ranked RPI and the 239th strength of schedule.