For the last several years, the OVC has annually been the first automatic bid given out during championship week. That changes this year, but the excitement happening in Evansville will surely be at an all time high with three legitimate contenders to win the 2020 Ohio Valley Tournament.
2020 Ohio Valley Tournament Bracket
The Favorites
Belmont: After getting an at large birth in 2019, the Belmont Bruins are looking to take the automatic bid back in 2020. The top seed in the tournament returns some familiar faces, but also needed some new guys to take the reins this season. Most notably, Adam Kunkel took a massive step forward from bench player to averaging almost 17 points a game. Credit also needs to go to head coach Casey Alexander for the smooth transition from Belmont legend Rick Byrd.
Murray State: The two time reigning champions of the OVC are looking for a third straight title in 2020. Gone is superstar Ja Morant, but that has not effected the results as they once again won a share of the league title. With Ja gone, the team has been much more balanced with four players having a usage rate higher than 20%. Leading scorer is sophomore Tevin Brown who is averaging 17 points a game this season.
Austin Peay: The new kid on the block in the OVC this season, the Governors shocked everyone getting off to a 10-0 start in conference play. They are led by dynamic duo Jordyn Adams and probable conference POY Terry Taylor. Semifinalists in 2019, they are looking to take two steps further and win their first conference title since 2016.
The Sleeper: Eastern Illinois
The OVC has not been a place for sleepers as Murray State and Belmont have dominated the league lately. This season though, Eastern Illinois showed their ability with wins over both Austin Peay and Murray State during conference play. Junior guard Josiah Wallace leads a balanced attack with five players scoring more than 9 points per game. The Panthers are the team to watch outside the top three in Evansville.
Players to Watch
Nick Muszynski, Belmont: The 6’11 sophomore played a key role in the Bruins tournament run last season. With star Dylan Windler graduating, he has taken on a bigger role averaging 15 points in just 24 minutes per game.
Adam Kunkel, Belmont: The breakout star of the OVC in 2020, Adam Kunkel has become the leading scorer for Belmont. After having a nonexistent role in 2019, he has taken a massive step forward as the leading scorer for this Bruins team.
Tevin Brown, Murray State: Brown has filled the massive hole left by Ja Morant admirably. The guard is average almost 18 PPG and leading the team in assist. He is also among the national leaders in minutes played with more than 37 per game.
Terry Taylor, Austin Peay: After leading the team in every significant stat in 2019, Terry Taylor has only gotten better. The probable conference player of the year is averaging a double double while leading the Governors to their best conference record ever.
Jordyn Adams, Austin Peay: The lock for OVC freshman of the year is Governors guard Jordyn Adams. The first year superstar is averaging almost 18 points per game while doubling as the leading ball handler for one of the favorites in the conference tournament.
Prediction: Belmont
The leagues best program has both experience as well as firepower on the interior and wing. Stars Muszynski and Adam Kunkel along with the calming presence of PG Grayson Murphy will result in a OVC title and tournament bid for the Bruins.
You can view the rest of our conference tournament previews here.