As the college basketball season enters its final stretch, the importance of quality wins cannot be overstated, particularly for mid-major teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. This Friday, McGuirk Arena will play host to a pivotal matchup between two Mid-American Conference foes, with the visiting team's tournament resume hanging precariously in the balance. Bowling Green State, boasting a respectable 13-7 record and a NET ranking of 108, is in dire need of quality wins to bolster its tournament chances.
On the other side of the court, Central Michigan is struggling to find its footing, having lost three consecutive games and sporting a lackluster 5-15 record. With a NET ranking of 334, the Chippewas are unlikely to make a push for the tournament, but a win over a quality opponent like Bowling Green would be a significant feather in their cap. According to the CHD Scout prediction, however, Central Michigan faces an uphill battle, with only a 16.1% chance of emerging victorious. The predicted margin of 11 points in favor of the Falcons suggests a potentially lopsided affair.
CHD Scout Prediction
Bowling Green
82
Central Michigan
70
From a tournament perspective, this game falls under Quad 3 for the home team and Quad 4 for the visitors. While a win would be a welcome addition to Central Michigan's resume, it's unlikely to significantly alter their tournament trajectory. For Bowling Green, on the other hand, a victory would help maintain their current pace and keep them in the conversation for a potential at-large bid. With a quad record of 1-3 in Q2 games and 2-4 in Q3 contests, the Falcons need to capitalize on opportunities like this to strengthen their case.
As the two teams take to the court, it's worth noting that neither squad has a player riding a notable hot or cold streak, making this a true test of each team's overall mettle. In the end, it's difficult to envision Central Michigan overcoming the odds and taking down their more accomplished opponents. I predict Bowling Green will emerge victorious, 82-70, behind a balanced attack and a stout defensive effort. The Falcons' superior record and NET ranking, combined with the CHD Scout prediction, make them the clear favorites here.