Horizon League Tournament Betting Preview
By Doug Upstone
For the first time in a number of years, the Horizon League has wide open look. No less than five teams have the talent to snag automatic bid. Cleveland State goes first, because they have the league's top scorer and arguably its best player in Norris Cole. The senior guard can completely take over any game and shoot the Vikings to victory. The downside on Cleveland State is the defense has been lagging for over a month (73.1 PPG permitted vs. 59.8 previously), leaving impression it won't improve. Butler of course has to be given strong consideration because of who they are and what this group has accomplished and has reeled off seven straight wins (3-3-1 ATS).
Valparaiso has the most efficient offense unit in the Horizon, leading in field goal percentage at 47.6. The four returning starters all made improvements this year. If the Crusaders are intent on playing defense, they are difficult to beat. UW-Milwaukee has finished with a flourish (9-1, 8-2 ATS) and might be the "hot" team that is most dangerous. Wright State concedes the fewest points in the league which is partly by style of play, but is 2-6 (4-3-1 ATS) vs. the squads that finished ahead of them in the standings.
For basketball bettors, keep in mind the higher seed is the home team in all games, which is part of the reason this tourney is played over a week.
Prediction: Butler and UW-Milwaukee in finals