CENTER

Jeff Pelage — Boston

Starting the majority of contests, Pelage provides the Terriers with a rebounding force on the block. Don’t look for him to light things up on offense, but with a 6-foot-9-inch, 240-pound frame, Pelage has the ability to reach double-digit boards.

Morgan Sabia — Hartford

The junior has proved his ability to be an offensive threat (11.9 ppg), while still maintaining a respectable six rebounds per game. Having scored in double-figures three times in five career AE tournament games, Sabia now possesses the experience necessary in order to advance in the tournament.

Advantage: Hartford

FORWARD

Jake O’Brien — Boston

Reigning AE Rookie of the Year O’Brien, now a sophomore, has been dominating since his first game. With his ability to score from anywhere on the court, O’Brien has really caused matchup troubles with opponents. With 13 points per game, he gives BU another threat behind Holland and Lowe.

Anthony Minor — Hartford

More of a utility player for Hartford, Minor maintains a steady shooting average, but doesn’t shoot too much. A quick defender, Minor is able to steal and block the ball if it’s put in front of him.

Advantage: Boston

GUARDS

John Holland, Corey Lowe, Carlos Strong, Tyler Morris — Boston

Boston’s perimeter is dangerous. With arguably the most threatening pair in Holland and Lowe, Strong also has the ability to score big. Morris has battled injury all throughout his career, but definitely gave opponents something to worry about when healthy. Healthy now, it’ll be hard to mess with BU’s backcourt.

Milton Burton, Joe Zeglinski, Charles White — Hartford

Joe Zeglinski made a name for himself in the conference since he garnered first team All-Conference accolades in his sophomore season. This season, the Terriers managed to pester Zeglinski and hold him well below his average. With that, the remainder of Hartford’s backcourt is really going to have to threaten BU’s defense to open Zeglinski up.

Advantage: Boston

BENCH

Boston: Valdas Sirutis comes off the bench for the Terriers with 2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Sherrod Smith is another pair of fresh feet that head coach Patrick Chambers relies on. Other than that, Boston puts responsibility on the starting five to carry the Terriers through the game.

Hartford: Hartford has the bench players that can produce points and rebounds. Joel Barkers, Ross Erikson and Ryan Baker have all seen increased playing time toward the end of the season.

Advantage: Hartford

Coaches:

Patrick Chambers — Boston

In his first season with the Terriers, Chambers inherited a ton of wealth and experience. Coming off a five-year stint at Big East member Villanova University, Chambers hoped to turn BU’s game to a more up-tempo style of play. Despite a No. 4 seed, Boston went 10-5 in conference, not too shabby for a first year.

Dan Leibovitz — Hartford

In four seasons with the Hawks, it’s safe to say Leibovitz has been here, there and everywhere with the Hawks. In only his second season, Hartford reached the championship game for the first time, before falling to UMBC. Last season, Hartford finished dead last and lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Binghamton. Now, as a No. 5 seed, it’s unclear as to where he will lead his squad.

Based on big-time experience, Advantage: Boston

Overall: Beyond talent, experience, come tournament time, is crucial. Boston is hungry and I don’t see them cracking in the quarterfinals. Advantage: Boston