The 2020 Patriot League tournament brings a lot of intrigue. With one clear cut favorite to win, it puts a ton of pressure for them to pull it off. So while we have a favorite, there are plenty who are wanting to be the team that pulls off the upset.

2020 Patriot League Tournament Bracket

The Favorite: Colgate Raiders

Colgate was and HAS been by far away the best team in the Patriot. Though Matt Langel’s squad didn’t have the best non conference, they showed that they could compete with some of the big boys. Though the scores may put a distance in how you would feel about it, their games were just uncomfortable to push teams like Clemson, Syracuse, and a win at Cincinnati.

Taking a look at the conference bracket, the Raiders are probably hoping to avoid Lafayette at all costs. Having lost the season series to the Leopards, Colgate has to hope that Army can take care of business in that 4/5 game. Even though it is extremely hard to beat a team three times in one season, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Team(s) to Watch: American, Boston, and Bucknell

There are quite a few teams that I can see making a run in this tournament outside of Colgate. The first two were the closest to the Raiders in conference. The Bison on the other hand are probably the furthest away from this group that should be considered.

It seems as though if an underdog is going to steal a bid from the projected winners they have to have someone that can take over games. For the American Eagles that would be Sa’eed Nelson. He averages just about 18.5 points a game, and he gets his teammates involved as well. He is a go to player for this team, and if they want to make a run, he’ll have to continue what he is doing.

Now for Boston, I don’t feel as inclined to believe that they can carry their weight in this tournament. They don’t exactly have a go to player, but they play a very solid team style of play. Though they a very fundamental style of play, I think that will come back to hurt knowing that they don’t have that go to player.

The Bucknell Bison are probably the longest shot of this prediction. But if there was ever a team with history on their side, it would be this group. Bucknell has won two of the last three Patriot League tournaments. With the past two titles coming between their matchups with Colgate. I expect Nathan Davis to have his team ready to go.

Player to Watch: Sa’eed Nelson

Nelson has become a house hold name in the Patriot. As a senior that doesn’t want to see his collegiate career come to an end. The Eagles will rely on him to continue to carry the burden for a team that struggles to score outside of this hooper. Nelson will light this tournament up if he is able to get going.

Number of Teams Dancing: 1

This is your standard one bid conference. It is for this reason why I think that these smaller conferences are so much more enjoyable to watch. The hustle and heart are just shown more as they know that this could be their last and final game. I do believe that the Colgate Raiders will be the ones dancing. It will be interesting to see their path to the ball though!

You can view all of our conference tournament previews here.