We’re in the midst of Championship Fortnight, so let’s gear up for the continuing action by breaking down each of the Other 26’s conference tournaments as they get under way.
Southern Tournament
Dates: March 6-9
Site: U.S. Cellular Center (Asheville, NC)
What to expect: Wofford has the conference’s best player – guard Karl Cochran – and lost just twice in league play, but watch out for Chattanooga. The Mocs exploited the Terriers’ lack of interior size in their first two meetings, including a 10-point road victory in February. If those two meet up in the title game, the regular season champs could have their hands full. Mercer is capable of emerging from the bottom half of the bracket and East Tennessee State can be dangerous if outside shots are falling (the Bucs attempt 25 three-pointers per game), but it’s hard to envision anyone besides Wofford or Chattanooga winning this event.
Favorite: Wofford. With Davidson no longer around, Wofford is in excellent position to reach its third NCAA Tournament since 2011 and establish itself as the conference’s premier program (if it hasn’t already). This year’s team – while undersized – locks down defensively and features good balance, with five players averaging between 7.7 and 15.0 points per game. In their upset victory at North Carolina State in December, the Terriers held the Wolfpack (a top-40 offense) to just 54 points on 0.90 points per possession.
Darkhorse: Mercer. Third-seeded Mercer might the closest we get to a ‘dark horse’ threat. The Bears, one of three conference newcomers, beat Chattanooga in January and twice played Wofford close; a possible semifinals rematch with the Mocs would be winnable. Oh, and junior guard Ike Nwamu (14.5 PPG) might be the SoCon’s most athletic player.
Who wins: Wofford. Wofford has been the most consistent team all season and knows what it takes to win this tournament. Plus, no other challenger possesses a guard as experienced or well-rounded as Cochran – the Terriers’ leading scorer (15.0 PPG), second-leading rebounder (5.8 PPG), top assists man and steals leader.
Player to watch: Justin Tuoyo – Chattanooga. The 6’10” VCU transfer has terrorized opponents down low this season, swatting 3.3 shots per game and garnering Defensive Player of the Year honors. Against Wofford in January, Tuoyo logged 19 points, 13 points and four blocks.