CAA tournament breakdown

The CAA tournament starts on Friday. The winner gets an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament. Having trouble figuring out who is going to win? The CT will give you a breakdown of the tournament.

Friday’s Games – First Round

No. 8 Georgia State vs. No. 9 Delaware

These teams split the season series with each team winning on its home court. Georgia State had won five of its last six before losing its season finale at VCU. Delaware is coming off of a big win over James Madison. Both teams have decent backcourt play. While Georgia State is playing the best right now, it would not be a surprise to see Delaware win.

Winner plays: No. 1 VCU

No. 5 Hofstra vs. No. 12 UNC Wilmington

Hofstra swept the season series from UNC Wilmington but in the season finale, Hofstra won in overtime by five. While UNC Wilmington played Hofstra tough in their last meeting, Hofstra is the better team. Hofstra’s Charles Jenkins will be the best player on the floor and UNC Wilmington has won only one game on the road. Look for Hofstra to advance.

Winner plays: No. 4 Old Dominion

No. 7 James Madison vs. No. 10 William and Mary

James Madison suffered blowout losses to VCU and Delaware to end the regular season. However, the Dukes did defeat William and Mary by nine points in each of their regular season matchups. James Madison has more scoring balance than the Tribe and should advance.

Winner plays: No. 2 George Mason

No. 6 Drexel vs. No. 11 Towson

Both teams are struggling right now. Drexel has lost three of four, but all three losses have been by one point. Towson has lost four of five and all have been by at least 12 points including a loss to Drexel on Feb. 15. Towson gives up 71.8 points a game and Drexel should be able to capitalize to win the game.

Winner plays: No. 3 Northeastern

Saturday’s Games – Quarterfinals

No. 8 Georgia State/No. 9 Delaware vs. No. 1 VCU

VCU went 3-1 against Georgia State and Delaware. The only loss came at Delaware Jan. 3 by two points. The combination of Eric Maynor (Raeford, N.C./Westover) and Larry Sanders (Fort Pierce, Fla./Port St. Lucie) should be able to beaty the winner of Georgia State/Delaware thanks to the Maynor/Sanders combination.

No. 5 Hofstra/No. 12 UNC Wilmington vs. No. 4 Old Dominion

Old Dominion easily defeated UNC Wilmington in both of the meetings during the season. However, the Monarchs dropped their only meeting with Hofstra, a 60-51 road loss. If UNC Wilmington can pull the upset over Hofstra, Old Dominion should be able to advance to the semifinals. If Hofstra takes care of business, a tight game should be expected. Old Dominion’s Gerald Lee will have to come up big if Old Dominion takes on Hofstra.

No. 7 James Madison/No. 10 William and Mary vs. No. 2 George Mason

George Mason went 2-1 against James Madison and William and Mary. The loss came at James Madison Feb. 7 by two points. George Mason has been hot lately, winning four of five, including a win over No. 3 Northeastern. George Mason should be able to get by the winner of James Madison/William and Mary. George Mason guard Cam Long is just too good to let his team lose to one of these teams.

No. 6 Drexel/No. 11 Towson vs. No. 3 Northeastern

Northeastern went 1-1 against Drexel in two tightly contested games. Northeastern crushed Towson by 15 in their only meeting. Look for Drexel to be in this matchup and play another close game with Northeastern. Northeastern’s Matt Janning will need to step up in this matchup.

Sunday’s Games — Semifinals

In the first semifinal, look for VCU to be in this game against the winner of Hofstra/Old Dominion. VCU swept the season series from Hofstra in close games and split the series with Old Dominion. No matter the matchup for VCU, Maynor will have to show why he is the reigning CAA Player of the Year for the Rams to advance.

In the second semifinal, look for George Mason to take on the winner of Drexel/Northeastern. George Mason split the season series with Northeastern. George Mason lost by one point at Northeastern and won the second meeting at home by 11 points. George Mason beat Drexel in a tough home win on Feb. 18. George Mason seems to be the more balanced of the three teams, so look for the Patriots to advance to the finals.

Monday’s Game – Final

In the final, look for VCU to be playing George Mason for the title and automatic bid the NCAA tournament. VCU defeated George Mason, 76-71 on Jan. 24. George Mason’s John Vaughan did not play in that game because of a concussion. For VCU to win, Maynor and Sanders will have to lead the way. Maynor will need to score and distribute while Sanders will need to rebound, play good defense and stay out of foul trouble. For George Mason to win, it will need to stay balanced and let their backcourt combination of Long and Vaughan lead them to a win. Do not be surprised to see Old Dominion or Northeastern in this game.