Centers
Hartford: Undoubtedly, Kenny Adeleke is the most dominating presence in the conference. He ranks tops in both points and rebounds, and his arrival as a transfer from Hofstra has instantly transformed Hartford into contenders.
UNH: Jamaal Caterina is a solid scorer and rebounder, averaging six points and four boards a game. He is also a solid defender and the best shot blocker on the team, but has no chance of containing Kenny Adeleke in the middle.
Advantage: Hartford
Forwards
Hartford: Paris Carter is one of the best young talents in the conference and is a wicked shooter who has come on strong in conference play. Alex Zimnickas provides size down low to help Kenny Adeleke.
UNH: The strength of UNH is big men who can shoot lights out. Mike Christensen was an All-Rookie selection last year and Blagoj Janev is fourth in the conference in three-point percentage.
Advantage: UNH
Guards
Hartford: Aaron Cook is a ridiculous shooter, fourth in the league in scoring, first in three-pointers and fifth in assists. Rich Baker is a solid passer and is sixth on the team in scoring.
UNH: Jermaine Anderson is third on the team in scoring and eighth in the conference in assists. Freshman Tyrece Gibbs averages 6.7 points per game and was inserted in the starting lineup recently.
Advantage: Hartford
Coach
Hartford: Larry Harrison has coached at Hartford for six years, making him one of the longest tenured coaches in the league. Thanks to his dynamic duo, his team has surpassed anyone’s expectations.
UNH: Bill Herrion is one of the most successful coaches in AE history, winning four titles with Drexel in the ’90s. In his first year at New Hampshire, he has led a team picked last to the fifth seed.
Advantage: UNH
Bench
Hartford Guard Chris Cole should be the first guy off the bench. He is a solid passer and ranked 12th in the conference in assists. Senior David Ruffin is a tough scorer who provides versatility.
UNH: Chris Vetrano is one of the best shooters and passers in the conference, leading the AE in three-point percentage. After him, the bench is rather thin, but Brandon Odom is a solid scorer.
Advantage: Hartford
Overall
Hartford: With Kenny Adeleke and Aaron Cook, Hartford has a seemingly unstoppable duo. The Hawks are red hot right now, and with teams focusing on Adeleke, it will allow the role players to step up. They should win a close one.
UNH: The Wildcats have a solid young foundation and should be a major player in the conference in the coming years. But they are too young and inexperienced now, so the Cinderella run ends here.
Advantage: Hartford