Michigan MAC Basketball Wrap Up

November 28, 2014; Fullerton, CA, USA; Western Michigan Broncos forward Tucker Haymond (1) moves to the basket against San Jose State Spartans guard Darryl Gaynor II (5) during the second half at Titan Gym. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Three teams from the state of Michigan will be playing in the Mid-American Conference tournament all in hopes to reach a MAC title. Action will kick off on Monday March 9^th with the first round of games. Of the three Michigan MAC schools, two will be in action on Monday; Western Michigan University and Eastern Michigan. While Central Michigan has a first round bye and won’t be playing until the 13^th.

Each Michigan MAC basketball team has had an interesting season, so with the tournament starting Monday we are going to recap each team’s season. Then look at each team’s chances in this year’s tournament. So, let’s get started.

Western Michigan University

Season recap: The defending MAC champions finished the season off strong winning 5 out of their last 7 games. The Western Michigan Broncos finished the season 19-12 and third in the MAC West division. Close losses to teams in their division cost the Broncos a chance to start the tournament off on a high point. In their last game of the season against in state rivals Central Michigan Western beat the West leaders 74-62.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Tournament chances: Okay look, I’m a current Bronco and while I would love to say I think this team will get through the tournament with no problems, I don’t think they will. I see them getting through the first two rounds with some ease. The Broncos take on the Ohio Bobcats in their first game and during the regular season they beat Ohio 80-69.

With a win against Ohio they would end up playing either Akron, or Northern Illinois two teams that gave the Broncos problems throughout the regular season. Against the two Western went 1-3 on the season. So the second round could be where the Broncos fall out. Yet last year no one expected the season the Broncos ended up having, so come tournament time this team has the chance to turn it on and go on a run.

Central Michigan University

Season recap: Here is a team no one saw being first in the West division and having less than 10 losses on the season But the Central Michigan Chippewas did it. The Chippewas finished the season with a 22-7 record and strung together good long winning streaks. At the start of the season it took Central Michigan 5 games to lose their first game then after that strung together a 6 game winning streak. In fact Central didn’t have back to back losses once this entire season.

More from Western Michigan Broncos

• Western Michigan Hockey shocking many with 2021-22 success
• Western Michigan Hockey heading into 2021-22 with a new bench boss
• Western Michigan Hockey rumors: New goalie coming into dumpster fire
• Western Michigan Hockey: NCHC Pod leaves Broncos with an uphill battle
• Western Michigan Hockey: Losing Brandon Bussi detrimental to season

Tournament chances: As much as this pains me to say, I think the only way that Central Michigan won’t be MAC champions will be if they get upset by someone. Watching them play this season, they seem to really click on all levels and the ability of a team to not lose back to back games all season really says something for that team.

I think the Chippewas have the best chance to win the MAC Championship and baring any upset will be the winners come March 14^th when the championship game will be played.

Eastern Michigan University

Season recap: Another surprise team from Michigan would be the Eastern Michigan Eagles. They finished with the same record as Western going 19-12 on the season, the only difference being that while Western was 10-8 in the conference, and Eastern was 8-10 in the conference. They ended up with an 8^th seed in the tournament.

Live Feed

Busting Brackets

Tournament chances: Being the 8^th seed in this year’s tournament which means they will be playing the 9^th seed Miami of Ohio. Which if you got to catch any of the two teams games this season, you are in for a great first round tournament game. In their first match up Miami took a close one in overtime. In the second match up Eastern gave Ohio a beating in an 83-69 win.

So while you will more than likely get a great first game from the Eastern Michigan Eagles, I don’t see them past a more than likely Bowling Green team in the second round. Yet then again there is always a chance for an upset so keep an eye out for them throughout the tournament.

Here is a full schedule of the MAC tournament if you need one. Don’t forget to tune into the tournament it should be a fun one as it is every year.

Who do you think will end up winning the MAC tournament? Will it be a school from Michigan or will an outsider end up winning it all? Let us know below and stay connected to Detroit Jock City for all your MAC news.