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Big West conference tournament preview

Bob Thomason

Pacific head coach Bob Thomason gestures to his team during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game against California at the DirecTV Classic final, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

AP

Long Beach State, even with heavy personnel losses from last season’s NCAA tournament team, was the preseason pick to win the Big West and Dan Monson’s team did just that. But the 49ers didn’t lack for challengers and that will be the case this weekend when the top eight teams get together at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Any of the eight teams in the field are capable of winning at least one game this weekend, which should make for an entertaining three days in Anaheim.

(CLICK HERE to browse through all of our conference tournament previews)

The Bracket

Where: Anaheim, California (Honda Center)

When: March 14th - March 16th

Final: March 16th, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Favorite: Long Beach State

The 49ers enter the tournament having lost three of their last four games, with two of those defeats coming on the road against UC Irvine and Pacific, so they don’t enter the weekend rolling so to speak. But the talent for another title run is certainly there, with Ennis and sophomore point guard Michael Caffey leading the way. The addition of DePaul transfer Tony Freeland allowed Ennis to move back to small forward after having to play as an undersized four for much of non-conference play. Also of note are shooting guard Keala King and power forward Dan Jennings, with King giving the 49ers the slasher (in addition to Ennis) this team didn’t have during non-conference play.

And if they lose: Pacific

Seven players average at least five points per game but just one, Lorenzo McCloud (11.4 ppg) is in double figures, which underlines Pacific’s reliance on balance and controlling tempo. The Tigers shoot nearly 39% from beyond the arc and they share the basketball, as their assists per game (15.4) and assist percentage (63.1% of their made field goals are assisted) lead the Big West. With their pending move to the WCC and head coach Bob Thomason retiring, the Tigers won’t lack for motivation this weekend.

Sleepers: This area is loaded with possibilities, beginning with UC Irvine and Hawaii. Both have depth in the front court, with Michael Wilder, Will Davis II and Adam Folker leading the way for the Anteaters while Vander Joaquim, Christian Standhardinger and Isaac Fotu anchor things insider for the Warriors. Cal Poly is similar to Pacific in that they have one player averaging double figures (forward Chris Eversley) and shoot well from beyond the arc. Lastly there’s UC Davis, a team capable of lighting it up offensively with Big West scoring champ Corey Hawkins leading the way.

Studs:

- F James Ennis (Long Beach State): Big West Player of the Year, Ennis ended the season ranked in the top ten in the Big West in points, rebounds, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, steals and blocked shots.

- Corey Hawkins (UC Davis): Averaging 20.9 points per game on the season, and he lit up Hawaii for 41 earlier this season.

- Alan Williams (UC Santa Barbara): The only player in the Big West averaging a double-double, Williams (17.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg) leads the way for the Gauchos.

Prediction: Go with the “storybook” ending here. Pacific leaves the Big West on top, sending their retiring head coach to the NCAA tournament one last time.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.