March 5, 2008
Sun Belt Tourney Kicks Off Today
by Cortney Basham 

The most wonderful time of the sports year is underway.  Last night, the Big South, Horizon, and Ohio Valley conferences kicked off their post-season basketball tournaments.  Tonight, the Sun Belt, Patriot, and Atlantic Sun swing into action.  One automatic bid has already been determined, as Cornell won the Ivy League regular season.  By this time next week, we will have a number of automatic qualifiers.

The Toppers are the 3-seed in the Belt Bracket, and have a fairly friendly road to the finals, in my estimation.  Yes, they will likely have to fight with feisty North Texas on Sunday if the Green can take care of Arkansas State, but WKU has to beat SOMEONE.  If they win that one, they will get UALR, FAU, or FIU, and I like how WKU matches up with all of those teams.  On the other side of the bracket, South Alabama will have to wade through New Orleans/Denver, and then like have to face Middle Tennessee or UL-Lafayette.  WKU will then face South Alabama or one of these upstarts if the Big Red can get to the final next Tuesday.

But, all signs point to USA vs WKU III barring any upsets.  These two have clearly been the best teams in the league all season and most expect they will meet for the Belt’s automatic bid.  Alas, it will be on USA’s home court, and the Toppers’ NCAA at-large hopes are slimmer than slim.  The Tops will play their first game against the North Texas/Arkansas State winner on Sunday night at 9 pm.  View the Sun Belt bracket (and all 30 conference tourney brackets) right here.

The Lady Tops are the clear-cut favorite on the women’s side.  They are the 1-seed playing on a neutral court, unless they run into South Alabama.

Anything less than an NCAA tourney appearance would have to be considered a bit disappointing for either team.  Best of luck to both in the tourney.