Happening Hoops CBI Bracketology

By: Ethan Hennessy

February 17th 2021

The CBI looks to be holding its postseason tournament at a neutral site location this season. Normally predicting the CBI and CIT tournaments are difficult because there is no set criteria and there are so many factors that go into receiving and accepting bids to these tournaments. However, this year in particular with the pandemic, all of the economic implications, and all of the game cancelations there are even more factors that are in play for who will be going to the CBI. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you see a team with a much lower record getting in over a team with a better record.

My CBI and CIT prediction rate per year

2018: 75% (27/36)

2019: 93% (39/42)

*2020: Minimum of 88% It was later determined three days from selection Sunday (at the time of the cancelations) I had correctly predicted what would have been 37 of the 42 teams confirmed in the fields. I have reason to believe over those next three days I could have predicted even more of what would have been the eventual fields.

Happening Hoops has confirmed that the interest form sent to coaches stated the CBI is exploring options for either an 8 or 16 team event. Here I will predict based on an 8 team field, but I will include my “next eight out” in the event of a 16 team field.

College Basketball Invitational (8 teams)

• California Baptist (10-7 WAC)
• San Francisco (10-10 WCC)
• East Carolina (8-8 American)
• Army (9-6 Patriot)
• Navy (11-2 Patriot)
• Coastal Carolina (12-6 Sun Belt)
• Pepperdine (10-8 WCC)
• The Citadel (11-8 SoCon)

Next 8 Out (Possible 16 Team Tournament)

• Chattanooga (17-5 SoCon)
• Oral Roberts (11-9 Summit)
• Murray State (12-9 OVC)
• North Alabama (10-8 ASUN)
• East Tennessee (12-9 SoCon)
• Wofford (12-8 SoCon)
• Merrimack (8-4 NEC)
• Iona (6-4 MAAC)