C-USA Basketball: State of Conference USA — February 17th
While most of America is sweeping and shoveling snow from every inch of their property, there was quite a bit of sweeping in C-USA as well.
While most of America is sweeping and shoveling snow from every inch of their property, there was quite a bit of sweeping in C-USA as well.
Literally every game this weekend was a sweep.
In the East, the Tops finally retook the court after a three week break due to Covid issues and we’re able to sweep Rice. Old Dominion took on Charlotte and won both games with the first one being a two point win in overtime. Marshall had no issues with MTSU and both Florida schools were swept by Texas schools (UTEP and UTSA).
In the West, there’s been a change at the top. UAB were swept by Louisiana Tech while North Texas swept Southern Miss moving the Mean Green to first place with an 8–2 C-USA record.
I have been a strong advocate for the “UAB is overrated” club this season and LA Tech did what I thought they were capable of doing by sweeping the Blazers. LA Tech’s 10 conference wins are the most in C-USA (mostly because they’ve actually been able to play games and not have them canceled) and with an easier schedule coming up they could move up even more.
So let’s see what next week is going to bring.
We have a potential preview of what the title game could be. The top team in the East vs the top team in the West. FOR ALL THE MARBLES! (Well, not quite yet).
I don’t have to refresh your minds too much because the pain is still fresh but the UNT vs WKU game last year ended up being the title game. Little did we know at the time that the conference tournament would end up being canceled but the winner of that game ended up being C-USA regular season champs. Those missed free throws by Hollingsworth are just another painful memory for Hilltopper fans everywhere but now we can see if the Tops can get some revenge this weekend.
I’m sure both teams understand how important these two games are so it will be a fun series to watch.
Another big matchup is the two second place teams going against each other as well. Old Dominion vs UAB could be huge depending on what happens with UNT vs WKU.
If the Tops get swept and ODU sweep UAB, ODU takes first place in the East. If UAB sweeps ODU and WKU sweeps UNT, that furthers the Hilltoppers’ lead in the East and moves UAB to first again in the West. So many implications this weekend among the top teams.
Marshall vs Rice will be another good matchup as well. The Herd still have a high NET ranking and if they were to sweep Rice that could move them up some spots. All Louisiana Tech needs to do to potentially move up some spots is simply not lose to MTSU this weekend.
This will be a big weekend for C-USA and I’m looking forward to seeing some great college basketball matchups with some pretty high stakes.