Conference USA Tournament 2012 Schedule: Start Times, Live Streaming and TV Info

If you are a fan of a team on the bubble then Conference USA tournament is must-see TV.

The Memphis Tigers (23-8, 13-3 C-USA, 18 RPI) and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (22-7, 11-5, 17 RPI) are the only teams guaranteed a spot in the big dance. Every other team enters the conference tournament at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn looking to salvage their disappointing seasons.

That means there will be 10 teams prepared to fight to the death for the opportunity to put on their dancing shoes.

From Wednesday’s opening round to Saturday’s championship, the intensity and pressure is going to be heavy.

Who can handle it?

Wednesday, March 7

(7) Rice vs. (10) East Carolina (CSS Sports) 1:00 p.m

(6) Marshall vs. (11) SMU (CSS Sports) 3:30 p.m

(8) UTEP vs. (9) Houston (CSS Sports) 7:30 p.m

(5) UAB vs. (12) Tulane (CSS Sports) 10:00 p.m

Live streaming available via ConferenceUSA.com

We can call today desperation Wednesday as these eight teams are going to do whatever it takes for the right to advance. Any sort of postseason game is unlikely unless one of these teams gets red-hot. 

Thursday, March 8

(2) Southern Miss vs. Rice/ECU (CBS Sports Network) 1:00 p.m

(3) Tulsa vs. Marshall/SMU (CBS Sports Network) 3:30 p.m

(1) Memphis vs. UTEP/HOU (CBS Sports Network) 7:30 p.m

(4) UCF vs. UAB/Tulane (CBS Sports Network) 10:00 p.m

Live streaming available via ConferenceUSA.com

The second-round is going to be the first opportunity for a major upset. No. 2 Southern Miss is ripe for the taking with the early start time against a potentially dangerous Rice team. Remember, the Golden Eagles do possess two losses against teams with an RPI of 150 or worse.

Friday, March 9

Semifinal # 1 (CBS Sports Network) 4:00 p.m

Semifinal # 2 (CBS Sports Network) 6:30 p.m

Live streaming available via ConferenceUSA.com

The semis are a spot where Memphis could relax. They already won a game, and are feeling comfortable heading into selection Sunday. Playing against a team with all hands on deck, don't be shocked to see the Tigers bow out in the second semifinal game of the night. 

Saturday, March 10 Championship Game (CBS) - 11:35 a.m

Winner qualifies for 2012 NCAA tournament 

(Click here for full bracket)

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