NCAA Basketball Conference Tourney Breakdown: The Big South

BIRMINGHAM, AL - MARCH 21: Ben McGonagil #41 of the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs shoots over Brad Buckman #22 of the University of Texas Longhorns during the first round of the South Region NCAA Tournament at the Birmingham Civic Center on March 21, 2003 in Birmingham, Alabama. Texas defeated UNC Asheville 82-61. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Can UNC-Asheville steal the Big South bid?
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Dates: March 1, 3 and 5

Sites: The first round is hosted by higher-seeded teams while semifinal action will take place at Coastal Carolina University. The championship will be played on the campus of the highest remaining seed.

Television: Semifinals on ESPNU; Championship on ESPN2

Tourney Fact: Only the top eight teams qualify for the conference tournament. Presbyterian is not eligible for the conference tournament this year.

Favorite: Coastal Carolina (26-4, 16-2) had their way in the Big South for most of the season. However, the suspension of leading scorer Desmond Holloway and the report of possible NCAA violations have definitely caused some distractions as the Chanticleers have dropped two of their last four. Still, with all of the negative attention, Coastal Carolina is the team to beat.

Best of the Rest: Liberty (19-12, 13-5) finished second in the Big South but have lost four straight and are limping into the tournament. UNC-Asheville (16-13, 11-7) has been playing well lately and own a win over Coastal Carolina. Don’t be surprised if Matt Dickey and the Bulldogs find their way to the finals.

Sleeper: VMI (17-12, 10-8) can put up points in bunches. If the Keydets get hot they could be the spoiler in the Big South tourney.

Also, check out Conference Tourney Breakdown: The Horizon League

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