MTE's are one of my favorite parts of the college basketball season, specifically ones like the Myrtle Beach Invitational that do such a great job of pairing up talented mid-majors with competitive Power Fives.
This year will be the fourth edition of the Myrtle Beach Invitational, and the tournament boasts eight teams that will all be participating in the event for the first time.
Let's look at the full bracket, odds and first-round matchups.
2022 Myrtle Beach Invitational Bracket
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Photo from @MyrtleInvite
2022 Myrtle Beach Invitational Odds
| Colorado | +200 |
| Texas A&M | +260 |
| Boise State | +380 |
| Loyola Chicago | +400 |
| UMass | +1900 |
| Murray State | +2500 |
| Charlotte | +2500 |
| Tulsa | +3500 |
Colorado vs. UMass
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes are the hottest team around. They head to Myrtle Beach fresh off of one of the biggest upsets of the season so far, knocking off No. 3 Tennessee. The game took place in Nashville, but was still very much a home-court advantage for the Volunteers.
Despite their big win over the Volunteers, the Buffs still have issues, specifically on the offensive end. They haven't shot the ball well and they struggle to maintain ball security
The Buffaloes' top-five defense makes up for most of those mistakes, though.
UMass Minutemen
The Minutemen are a balanced team, but their offense may be even worse than Colorado's.
The Minutemen shot just 34% against Towson, and I don't see them doing any better against one of the best defenses in the country.
Colorado vs. UMass Lean
Colorado's defense should make quick work of UMass. The only question is if the Buffs will do enough on the offensive end to cover the number.
Watch out for a spread that may be a little too much for the Buffaloes.
Murray State vs. No. 24 Texas A&M
Murray State Racers
The Racers have a new head coach and almost an entirely new team. In their first game of the season, they couldn't find much success on either end of the floor, losing to Saint Louis 91-68.
They have been solid when it comes to limiting mistakes, as they turn the ball over on only 13.5% of possessions. However, they are still struggling to find rhythm as a team.
Texas A&M Aggies
After winning their first two games by more than 15 points, the Aggies earned their place in the top-25 rankings.
Texas A&M returned three of its top four scorers from last season and has shown success at both ends of the floor so far this year.
However, the Aggies have yet to be truly tested.
Murray State vs. Texas A&M Lean
I don't think the Aggies will have much of an issue getting past Murray State. Their advantage when it comes to experience together as a team should be more than enough to push them past the Racers.
However, further into the tournament, the Aggies are likely to face their toughest challenge of the season, regardless of who they match up with.
A potential second-round matchup with Colorado will let us know if these Aggies are for real or not.
Boise State vs. Charlotte
Boise State Broncos
The Broncos were discounted by some after losing their first game to the Jackrabbits. We know now just how good that Jackrabbits team is, and also, the Broncos bounced right back in their next game by upsetting Washington State.
Boise has an elite defense, and while it lost three players from last season's Mountain West title team, one of its few returnees — Marcus Shaver Jr. — has been incredible.
The Broncos have been hit or miss on offense so far, but I think that's something they can figure out as the season moves along. A busy weekend in Myrtle Beach should be great for the Broncos' development.
Charlotte 49ers
The 49ers are still trying to find their footing after losing Jahmir Young to the transfer portal in the offseason.
And while both games this season came against teams outside the top 300 in KenPom's rankings, they have been solid in those matchups, beating each opponent by more than 20 points.
Boise State vs. Charlotte Lean
Charlotte's first two wins of the season have come against inferior competition, and while its performance has been solid, I don't see that holding up against a Broncos team that, in my opinion, is being underrated.
Back the Broncos as high as a 10-point favorite in a game I think has blowout potential.
Loyola Chicago vs. Tulsa
Loyola Chicago Ramblers
The Ramblers have been a consistently good team over the last five years, but this year, they lose three of their starters from an experienced core.
Braden Norris is back, though, and he's been a true leader for the Ramblers so far. Norris leads the team in minutes played and is a force on the defensive end. He also leads the team in assists and steals.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Tulsa showed promise in the first half of its first game of the season against Oregon State. Since then, it's pretty much been downhill for the Golden Hurricane.
After building up 16-point lead vs. the Beavers, they went on to lose outright.
In their last game against Jackson State, they struggled almost the whole way, failing to ever pull away from the Tigers, winning by just six as a 12.5-point favorite.
Loyola Chicago vs. Tulsa Lean
Things could get out of hand quickly for Tulsa against this Ramblers team. I don't see any way the Golden Hurricane can find much success against Norris and this Ramblers defense.
I would back Loyola as high as a 10-point favorite in this one.
2022 Myrtle Beach Invitational Futures Picks
This is Colorado's tournament to lose. I think the Buffaloes can get past Texas A&M and have a solid chance in the championship regardless of who they line up with.
Boise State feels like the most likely team to square off against the Buffs for the championship, but don't ever count out the Ramblers.
