COLLEGE BASKETBALL

American Athletic

Dates: March 11-14

Favorite: Houston

Other contenders: Wichita State, Memphis The Wichita State Shockers hold the top seed, thanks to their home victory against Houston a couple of weeks ago. But the Cougars have the most league wins and spent most of the season ranked in the top 10. Memphis, which nearly took down Houston last weekend, could be a potential bid stealer.

Mid-American

Dates: March 11-13

Favorite: Toledo

Other contenders: Buffalo, Akron

With no chance of at-large berths in the conference, this shapes up as one of the better tournaments that will be super competitive at the top. Toledo won the regular-season title and guard Marreon Jackson is one of the top performers in the league. Akron will have MAC-leading scorer Loren Cristian Jackson (21.6 points per game) to support its potential run.

Mid-Eastern Athletic

Dates: March 11-13

Favorite: North Carolina A&T

Other contenders: Coppin State, Norfolk State The favorite Aggies managed a 7-1 league mark, though they’ll have been inactive for nearly two weeks by the time their semifinal date rolls around. Coppin State enters on a three-game winning streak and features MEAC player of the year Anthony Tarke.

Western Athletic

Dates: March 11-13

Favorite: Grand Canyon

Other contenders: Utah Valley, New Mexico State This is a six-team event this season, and it could feature a first-time Big Dance participant should the top-seeded and favorite Antelopes or the No. 2 Wolverines prevail. NMSU has won this tournament seven of the last eight years and can’t be counted out despite a subpar start to the campaign.