The AAC Championship Tournament kicks off on Thursday, March 12. Houston offers low odds of +180 to take the championship on Sunday. But the Cougars don’t have as much to play for as Wichita State, Cincinnati, Connecticut, and Memphis. Houston is the lone American Athletic Conference squad that’s a lock for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Shockers, Bearcats, Huskies, and Tigers must play well enough in the AAC tourney to ensure their spot in the 2020 March Madness. Check out an analysis and College Basketball Odds of the 2020 American Athletic Conference Tournament!

2020 American Athletic Conference Championship Odds

• When: March 12 – March 15
• Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
• TV: ESPN / ESPN 2 / ESPN U
• Live Stream: ESPN+

2020 American Athletic Conference Tournament Odds

• Houston +180
• Wichita State +400
• Cincinnati +410
• Connecticut +575
• Memphis +1000
• Tulsa +1000
• SMU +1300
• UCF +2200
• South Florida +3000
• Temple +5500
• Tulane +7500
• East Carolina +8000

Are the Houston Cougars a lock to win the American Athletic Conference Tournament?

Nope. The Cougars beat Memphis 64-57 in their final regular-season game. But Houston lost to UConn in their prior effort. The Huskies beat the Cougars 77-71. On Feb. 22, the Tigers beat Houston 60-59 in Memphis.

Even SMU added a loss to Houston’s record. That happened on Feb. 15 in a 73-72 Mustang overtime victory. Cincinnati beat Houston this season. So did Tulsa and BYU. Oregon dumped the Cougars 78-66 in Houston’s top out of conference battle.

Although the Cougars offer the lowest odds, they aren’t close to a lock to win the AAC Tournament. Look elsewhere for the winner.

Which team among Wichita State, Cincinnati, and Connecticut should college hoops handicappers back to win the American Athletic Conference Tourney?

Although the Bearcats and Huskies could win the championship, it’s difficult to look past the Wichita State Shockers. Sure, Memphis beat the Shockers 68-60 on March 5. But Wichita State ended their regular season with a 79-57 win against Tulsa.

The Shockers head into the AAC Tournament with momentum. They can carry that momentum to a title victory.

Can Memphis, Tulsa, or SMU win the American Athletic Conference Tournament?

It’s difficult to see that happening. Memphis was a Top 10 team until things fell apart. The Tigers have enough talent to win the tournament. But they must get past the fact that they fell apart so easily after forward Isaiah Stokes became ineligible.

Tulsa and SMU aren’t good enough to win the tournament. Both had moments during the regular season. But both also folded against the better teams in the conference.

Which team offering odds of +2200 or higher can take the American Athletic Conference Tournament?

Temple has history on its side. In the past, Temple has dominated its AAC opponents. That’s the only reason to back the Owls. Their record, 14-17, means they’re no better than South Florida on the court. The odds difference makes them a better play than USF. Neither East Carolina nor Tulane has any shot unless the tournament falls apart.