By: John Franklin
Overall this year’s tournament looks pretty straightforward based on the bracket but make no mistake, nothing is ever chalk when it comes to college basketball. No. 1 seed Quinnipiac won its second straight regular season title after winning 17 straight games down the stretch. The Bobcats are the clear cut favorite of this year’s tournament. With a deep bench and a veteran coach in Tricia Fabbri, this bracket looks like it’s all for the Bobcats, but there could be some upsets. Iona, Fairfield, and Marist round out the two through four seeds and, beyond that, one dark horse that I will get to later.
Tournament Favorite: Quinnipiac
I said it once, and I’ll say it again, that this tournament is the Bobcats’ for the taking. Ending the season on an absolute inferno after winning 17 straight, Tricia Fabbri’s team is poised to take its second MAAC title in two years. Lead by Rookie of the Year honorees Aryn McClure and Paula Strautmane, the Bobcats are going to be good for years to come. With all the young talent this team possess, a tournament win could spell one word for the Bobcats: Dynasty.
Dark Horse: Manhattan
One name makes one team the clear-cut dark horse for me: That’s Amani Tatum and the Manhattan Jaspers. After missing last season due to transfer regulations, Tatum took the 2015-16 campaign by storm. After winning just three games last season, the Jaspers notched 14 in the win column this year. Manhattan will beat Saint Peter’s. The next game against Marist is an absolute toss-up. I see Manhattan taking this run all the way to the finals.
Prediction: Quinnipiac over Manhattan
This tournament has all the makings of an instant classic. From Manhattan being my upset, to Quinnipiac potentially winning two straight tournaments, this bracket could be one for the record books. My boldest prediction is that not only do the Bobcats hoist the hardware, but Aryn McClure wins the tournament MVP. I believe with her talent and drive the Bobcats will win and win big.
Best Championship Game: Quinnipiac vs. Marist
The best possible championship game would be the Bobcats against the Red Foxes of Marist. Marist and Quinnipiac split this year’s regular season series. If they get past Manhattan and Iona, I see Tori Jarosz wanting to lead this team all the way to a title. It will be interesting to see a matchup between the young forwards of Quinnipiac and the seasoned veterans of Marist.
MVP: Aryn McClure
McClure gets tournament MVP. She has been the brightest star for Quinnipiac all season and she will prove her worth in this tournament. She will be the biggest reason Quinnipiac wins, and should rightfully win tournament MVP.
