First Four: LIU Brooklyn vs. Radford

Line: Radford -4

The tournament tips off Tuesday night at 5:40 PM from the University of Dayton in a matchup between LIU Brooklyn (18-16) and Radford University (22-12). LIU comes into this game winning their last 6 games and the NEC Title. Radford is on their own 7 game streak and winners of the Big South. Radford has the momentum, after a last second win over Liberty University in the Big South final. Now none of these teams have the chance to win over Villanova, but they are a play in game, so we must preview it.

Radford has a very good defense, but will be against a hot offense after LIU’s improbable win in the NEC tournament. LIU is a quick team and has the 37th best tempo in the nation, compared to Radford’s 69th (nice) best tempo. However, LIU lacks defensive strength and is turnover prone. Radford win on defense and doesn’t allow teams to score many points. But Radford also loves to slow down the pace and thrives when opponents don’t look to move the ball quickly.

This really boils down to tempo and the team that sets the speed of the game will win. Since both teams have a first round date with Villanova, both teams are going try and make the best of this game. LIU wins 65-63.