The Ohio Valley Conference annually delivers fireworks the first weekend of conference tournaments. Even with limited fans, 2021 should be no different. With a revamped format, the four days in Evansville, Indiana should be filled with non-stop excitement.
The Favorite:
Belmont: The Bruins are looking to defend their 2020 title. Led by Grayson Murphy and Nick Muszynski, Belmont started OVC play 18-0. Casey Alexander’s team has stumbled recently though losing their last two games. That, along with an improved league and an undisclosed injury to the aforementioned Muszynski, means the conference might be more open than many people thought.
Teams to Watch:
Eastern Kentucky: The Colonels had their best season in years and were the team that ended Belmont’s 30 game conference win streak. Led by the inside-out duo of Wendell Green and Tre King, EKU has the ability to compete with anyone in the league.
Austin Peay: The team everyone thought would be the biggest challenge to Belmont preseason was Austin Peay. Led by probable OVC POTY Terry Taylor, the Governors still could have their say this week in Evansville.
Players to Watch:
Nick Muszynski, Belmont: The 6’11 center for Belmont makes the team go. A skilled passer and finisher, the Bruins are able to run their offense through him to create easy buckets. His health might be the biggest factor in determining a champion Saturday night.
Grayson Murphy, Belmont: The stat-stuffing point guard runs the show for the Bruins. A nightly triple-double threat, Murphy is an efficient scorer who makes plays for others as well. He also anchors the defense. The guard has a top 40 steal rate nationally.
Wendell Green, Eastern Kentucky: The Colonels have a real good one with this freshman point guard. Green has taken the reigns for EKU averaging 15 points and 5 assists on the season. He has been a huge part of a team that has made a 100 spot jump in KenPom’s ratings from 2020.
Terry Taylor, Austin Peay: There may not be a more statistically impressive player in the country the last three years than Terry Taylor. The Governor’s guard has been a walking double-double averaging 22 and 11.
Johni Broome, Morehead State: Another program that has seen a revival in 2020 are the Eagles of Morehead State. The freshman big has been a huge part of that. The 6’10 center is averaging 13 and 9 and will be a huge part of the Eagle’s success this week.
The Prediction:
Belmont has the best and deepest team in the league. If Muszynski is near full health, the Bruins should take care of business in Evansville. Morehead St. and Eastern Kentucky can provide a challenge but the smart money will be on Casey Alexander’s squad.