FanNation

This week, we will continue our two-part series look at the world of mid-major conference basketball. Last week, we looked at the first half of the alphabet, and now we will round things out. Once again, I have brought back Dan Rossi to put in his two cents and offer some extra analysis.

(NOTE: Standings are as of Completion of Games on Thursday 21 February, 2008)

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference



DR: Morgan State has been on a tear in recent weeks and I think that they will be representing the MEAC come tourney time. Since mid-January, the Golden Bears have only lost once in an overtime game. Morgan State's defense has been superb this season, as they are only giving up 62.3 ppg to opponents. Their schedule looks favorable, as three of their last four games are at home - they are 9-0 in front of their fans this season.

DM: Last season, I wrote that I would rather watch Glenn "Big Baby" Davis play in a thong bikini than watch a MEAC game because the conference was just that bad. This season... not so much. Morgan St. is legitimately good and the rest of the league has also improved. The winner of this conference or the SWAC will be looking to become the first historically black college to win a tournament game since Hampton in 2002 (who was a 15 seed). I will agree with Dan and give this conference to Morgan St.

Missouri Valley Conference



DR: Drake has struggled as of late, losing two of their last three after winning 22 of their first 23 games this year. Nevertheless, I still think that they are the favorite to make it out of this conference. While most of the scoring has come from guards Josh Young and Leonard Houston, forward Jonathan Cox has been able to hold down the middle for the Bulldogs. His 8.3 rebounds per game leads the team by a wide margin, and his 11.6 ppg are third on the team, as well.

DM: This conference has long been considered the best mid-major conference in America, but this season, the MVC is having a down year. This year, they will not send the 4 or 5 they are used to, but the MVC should still get at least 2 bids, maybe three. Drake is the best team in the conference, but two of Illinois St.'s losses have come to Drake by a combined 9 points. If these two teams hook up in the MVC Tournament, it could be one of the best games of the season. I am going to have to go with Drake though.

Mountain West Conference



DR: Though UNLV just got blown out by conference leading BYU, I still think that the Rebels will bounce back and take the conference. The Rebels are 11-2 at home this year and have three of their remaining five games on their campus. And UNLV took care of BYU handily in mid-January with a 70-41 win at home. If they can close out the season strong, UNLV should have no problem runnin' into the dance.

DM: BYU and UNLV both have strong teams this season. They are also almost mirror images of each other. Their RPI's are very close (25 for BYU, 36 for UNLV), and their strength of schedules are also neck-and-neck. However, UNLV played a better non-conference schedule, as their out of conference SOS was 59 compared to 131 for BYU. They both beat each other while at home by 30 points. In a head to head match-up like this, you just have to go with your gut. On a neutral floor, I believe that BYU is better than UNLV. I am going to take the Cougars, but I would not be surprised if the Runnin' Rebels win this conference.

Northeast Conference



DR: A big game is coming up tomorrow in this conference, as Robert Morris will host Wagner in the only meeting between the top two teams of this conference. Robert Morris beat Wagner on their home floor last year 71-63, but I like the Seahawks in this game and in the conference. Wagner is an impressive 10-4 on the road this season... (Read the full article here: Mid-Major Conference Outlook: Part 2)