The Bobcats would have two preseason MAC favorites on their side of the bracket.
As the Mid-American Conference Tournament bracket slowly starts to mold, the Bobcats have a one-game lead over Ball State for the No. 1 seed.
With four games remaining in the regular season, Ohio would have a triple-bye until its first game in the semifinals.
According to the current standings, here are the five teams coach Bob Boldon and his squad could face when they take the floor in Cleveland. (Of course, this mock prediction is subject to change.)
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No. 4 Akron (19-6, 9-5 MAC)
The Zips were the preseason favorites to lead the MAC East when the season began. For the most part, their offense as been as strong as expected, but the sudden rise from Ohio has been the major barrier holding the team back.
The Bobcats pummeled Akron on Sunday 71-55 to stretch their lead in the East to three games. Ohio also won the first matchup 72-60 on Jan. 28.
Both of these teams play the same four opponents to end the season (Bowling Green, Miami, Buffalo and Kent State), so the Bobcats can walk away with the division with just two more wins.
No. 5 Buffalo (15-10, 8-6)
Buffalo is the only team left on Ohio’s schedule with a winning record in conference play. They play again on Wednesday, but the Bobcats won 61-50 in Buffalo on Jan. 3.
Technically the Bulls are a game back on Akron, who they play on Feb. 28. Regardless of the score line, it’s shaping up for either of those teams to finish with the No. 4 or 5 seed heading into Cleveland.
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No. 8 Central Michigan (12-13, 7-7 MAC)
The Chippewas were the preseason pick to win the MAC. Led by Crystal Bradford, the reigning conference player of the year, Central Michigan was considered the program on a pedestal.
But then the Bobcats knocked them off the top, twice, and Central Michigan started to drop in the conference standings.
It didn’t help when Bradford got hurt, and the team lost to the MAC bottom feeders, Miami. Still, she’s played in 21 games, including 18 starts, and has averaged 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds.
If there was one team that could stop the Bobcats from getting to the conference finals, the Chippewas have the greatest probability—as long as Bradford stays healthy. It’s not easy to beat a team three times in the same season.
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No. 9 Northern Illinois 10-14 (6-8 MAC)
The Huskies are projected to play Central Michigan in the first round, which would already be an upset in itself.
The thought that Northern Illinois could beat Central Michigan, and then beat Buffalo or Akron is borderline illogical. The Chippewas may have the No. 8 seed, but they’re the second or third best team in the MAC.
There’s no way the Huskies win three games before lining up with Ohio in the semis.
No. 12 Miami (5-20, 2-12 MAC)
And then there’s Miami. The RedHawks are ranked last in the East Division, and they still have to play Akron and Ohio before the season ends.
Their season will end against Ohio, but it will be in The Convo on March 7 as the last regular season game.
@charliehatch_
gh181212@ohio.edu
