First Cross Divisional games of the entire season. That means every first round matchup and a likely majority of the tournament matchups overall will be the first meeting between the teams this year

All games will be in Pensacola. The Pensacola Bay Center will host the higher seeds for the first two rounds. Pensacola State college will act as the alternate site and host the lower seeded teams for the first two rounds. Semifinals and Finals will be at the Bay Center.

Attendance will roughly be around 50 percent capacity, slightly less. Per SBC regulations, masks are required for all spectators. There will be no individual tickets sold to games at Pensacola State college. Only admissions will be Pass List members for each team. Fans who purchased tickets to games @ Pensacola State College via Ticketmaster will be allowed in on a first come first serve basis. There is not enough room to admit everyone who purchased Round 1 tickets there.

Men's Round 1: (All times ET) All games broadcast on ESPN+ except finals

Friday

E5 Georgia Southern vs W4 Arkansas State 6:00pm (Pensacola State College)
W6 UL Monroe vs E3 South Alabama 6:30pm (Bay Center)
W5 Little Rock vs E4 Appalachian State 8:30pm (Pensacola State College)
E6 Troy vs W3 UT Arlington 9:00pm (Bay Center)

Saturday

ULM/USA winner vs W2 Louisiana 6:00pm (Pensacola State College)
GS/AState Winner vs E1 Georgia State 6:30pm (Bay Center)
Troy/UTA Winner vs E2 Coastal Carolina 8:30pm (Pensacola State College)
UALR/App State Winner vs W1 Texas State 9:00pm (Bay Center)

Sunday: (All games at Bay Center)

QF 1 Winner vs QF 2 Winner 6:30pm
QF 3 Winner vs QF 4 Winner 9:00pm

Monday:

Championship Game at Pensacola Bay Center 7:00pm (ESPN2)

I highly doubt we're going to sneak through early rounds without having a bullseye target from the coaches/players we'll potentially face. No doubt they'll be highly motivated. But also means potentially a string of entertaining matchups.

R1: Rivalry game against GS. They would love to spoil us from another NCAA tourney birth no matter how far they advance in the conference tourney.
R2: Rivalry game against Bob Marlin's UL or a motivated USA squad to revenge their home sweep fresh in their minds
R3: championship game versus TXST. fight for the bragging rights between the East and West. Also new-ish rivalry in basketball between the two schools. Not sure Pearson for TXST is still there or not, but he didn't seem to like us, or badly wants to beat us always. Definitely plays with passion when we play.

Don't worry. Pearson's gone.

Pearson vs. Simonds was always fun to watch.

(02-28-2021 06:38 PM)_x_ Wrote:  Don't worry. Pearson's gone.

Pearson vs. Simonds was always fun to watch.

indeed it was. Funny enough I think they fed off each other's showmanship, and made it entertaining to watch.

did someone take over Pearson's role? someone to carry the team in big moments so to speak

(03-01-2021 12:48 AM)GSUALUM17 Wrote:  

(02-28-2021 06:38 PM)_x_ Wrote:  Don't worry. Pearson's gone.

Pearson vs. Simonds was always fun to watch.

indeed it was. Funny enough I think they fed off each other's showmanship, and made it entertaining to watch.

did someone take over Pearson's role? someone to carry the team in big moments so to speak

Not to the level Pearson was. Guys like Harrell and Asberry can step up at any moment. Team still plays like Kaspars team did, great defense and offense that has hot and cold streaks in games.

Semis - GA St/USA; UTA/Texas St

GA St over Texas St in finals

I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be one of those crazy ones like in 2011 or 2017.

(03-01-2021 11:49 AM)TrojanTeen2 Wrote:  I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be one of those crazy ones like in 2011 or 2017.

I am looking forward to seeing if TxSt can beat us (LR) for the 5th time this season and wondering if that has ever happened before. Of course, we would have to beat AppSt first, which is likely a toss-up game.

UALR is a terrible matchup for App. The difference in height will be evident, going to take a hot shooting night to advance.

(03-01-2021 12:48 AM)GSUALUM17 Wrote:  

(02-28-2021 06:38 PM)_x_ Wrote:  Don't worry. Pearson's gone.

Pearson vs. Simonds was always fun to watch.

indeed it was. Funny enough I think they fed off each other's showmanship, and made it entertaining to watch.

did someone take over Pearson's role? someone to carry the team in big moments so to speak

Mason Harrell is hands-down the best player on the team this year. Though not quite the scorer Pearson was. But he's the guy you want handling the ball when you need a big shot.

The title is wrong, it’s 2021

(03-01-2021 11:49 AM)TrojanTeen2 Wrote:  I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be one of those crazy ones like in 2011 or 2017.

I do as well. We're already in a weird year as it is, but the thing to remember is that most of these matchups will be the first ones between the teams for the season, so we have no idea where there are just "bad matchups." Also you are going to have guys getting seen by schools from the opposite division in person for the first time, so it takes out some of the experience they'd normally pick up from that first game against a team, and instead have it thrown all at once into a single elimination tournament.

I expect a bunch of lower seeded wins this weekend honestly.

(03-01-2021 01:10 PM)Saint3333 Wrote:  UALR is a terrible matchup for App. The difference in height will be evident, going to take a hot shooting night to advance.

What is James Lewis' status with regard to his ankle injury? If he is out, you really have no height at all.

There’s a good chance the WEST sweeps. Yes, USA is obviously the EAST’s best chance, but playing with a short bench is catching up with them. I don’t think any of the matchups favor the EAST, save for a rested, healthy USA.

Going 3-1 for the WEST, with a chance of a skunking.

(03-01-2021 09:56 PM)MOTIAW Wrote:  Yes, USA is obviously the EAST’s best chance, but playing with a short bench is catching up with them. I don’t think any of the matchups favor the EAST, save for a rested, healthy USA.

We may have had a shot had we gotten the first round BYE but winning 4 games in 4 days with 6 players is damn near impossible.

So far, this is what I know about East teams from our matchups against them.

Coastal- one of most balanced teams in the East. Jones is "the guy" at guard who makes plays. Tippler is a dangerous outside shooter. Mostafa is a big man at 6'9 250lbs whom they rely for key rebounds and scoring in the paint. His inexperience does earn him unnecessary fouls, which leaves him in trouble early.

App- offense can score in bunches, but heavily depends on streaky 3s from outside. they have three guards who attempted 100+ 3s each.. so Kerns certainly isn't shy from having the deep range shots as his team's bread and butter. defense hustles hard to prevent easy points on transition. Lacks true size which leaves gaps in half court defense.

USA- dangerous when outside shots are falling, but imo another team that relies too much on 3s from their guards to be consistently dominant on offense..although to their credit, they did win 8 out of 10 to close the season. Flowers is mvp-worthy guard who simply makes unbelievable plays. Gonclaves seem to be their 3 point specialist, will hurt you if left open outside. Not much of size which can lead to mismatches against bigger teams. Can struggle to rebound consistently for the same reason. Curry and West do what they can to defend the rim despite the 6'5-6'6 frames.

Troy- offensive production is lacking imo. Their guards weren't much of a threat from outside or able to beat the man in front consistently to slash inside. However, the defense does give effort collectively and plays tight in half court, and that's a sign of good coaching. To win, their defense has to hold the opponents to 60ish points.

GS- cant put my finger on their team identity. They can shoot 3s in bunches, then struggle to make any shot for a stretch. They do have some guards to make athletic plays, then go invisible for too long. I dont think they're best at anything necessarily, but can flip a switch to play well at anytime in any game. A dark horse in the tournament that can be either hot or cold.

GSU- Panthers dont specialize in any statistical category, except team assist. Points are distributed pretty evenly across the board, with all 5 starters averaging 10+ points per game. 3 starting guards share the scoring opportunities and rather make the extra pass for the higher percentage shots. No 3-point specialist, but every guard can shoot decently enough if left open in the perimeter. If defense is caught snoozing, Allen, Williams, and Roberts have decent enough athleticism and ball handling to slash inside to the rim. Thomas is 6'10 big who can be a threat both ways. He has the size and natural instincts for rebounds. Also has smooth jump shots and hook shots, thus his scoring radius is much wider than typical 6'10 bigs you'd expect. Nsoseme has been the biggest surprise this season, replacing the starting center Joe Jones due to a season-ending foot injury. At 6'9 240lbs, Nsoseme is an absolute monster with a high motor under the glass, as reflected by his double-double season average. Also brings the emotion and energy whenever on the court. The biggest strength of GSU is the 10-deep bench. CRL recruited well last year and his freshmen and transfers provide crucial minutes with little drop-offs when starters need to recover their legs.

(03-01-2021 12:45 PM)mjs Wrote:  

(03-01-2021 11:49 AM)TrojanTeen2 Wrote:  I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be one of those crazy ones like in 2011 or 2017.

I am looking forward to seeing if TxSt can beat us (LR) for the 5th time this season and wondering if that has ever happened before. Of course, we would have to beat AppSt first, which is likely a toss-up game.

We were the only team in the West to beat TXSTate....3 times...if that means anything.

(03-02-2021 01:58 PM)GSUALUM17 Wrote:  So far, this is what I know about East teams from our matchups against them.

Coastal- one of most balanced teams in the East. Jones is "the guy" at guard who makes plays. Tippler is a dangerous outside shooter. Mostafa is a big man at 6'9 250lbs whom they rely for key rebounds and scoring in the paint. His inexperience does earn him unnecessary fouls, which leaves him in trouble early.

App- offense can score in bunches, but heavily depends on streaky 3s from outside. they have three guards who attempted 100+ 3s each.. so Kerns certainly isn't shy from having the deep range shots as his team's bread and butter. defense hustles hard to prevent easy points on transition. Lacks true size which leaves gaps in half court defense.

USA- dangerous when outside shots are falling, but imo another team that relies too much on 3s from their guards to be consistently dominant on offense..although to their credit, they did win 8 out of 10 to close the season. Flowers is mvp-worthy guard who simply makes unbelievable plays. Gonclaves seem to be their 3 point specialist, will hurt you if left open outside. Not much of size which can lead to mismatches against bigger teams. Can struggle to rebound consistently for the same reason. Curry and West do what they can to defend the rim despite the 6'5-6'6 frames.

Troy- offensive production is lacking imo. Their guards weren't much of a threat from outside or able to beat the man in front consistently to slash inside. However, the defense does give effort collectively and plays tight in half court, and that's a sign of good coaching. To win, their defense has to hold the opponents to 60ish points.

GS- cant put my finger on their team identity. They can shoot 3s in bunches, then struggle to make any shot for a stretch. They do have some guards to make athletic plays, then go invisible for too long. I dont think they're best at anything necessarily, but can flip a switch to play well at anytime in any game. A dark horse in the tournament that can be either hot or cold.

GSU- Panthers dont specialize in any statistical category, except team assist. Points are distributed pretty evenly across the board, with all 5 starters averaging 10+ points per game. 3 starting guards share the scoring opportunities and rather make the extra pass for the higher percentage shots. No 3-point specialist, but every guard can shoot decently enough if left open in the perimeter. If defense is caught snoozing, Allen, Williams, and Roberts have decent enough athleticism and ball handling to slash inside to the rim. Thomas is 6'10 big who can be a threat both ways. He has the size and natural instincts for rebounds. Also has smooth jump shots and hook shots, thus his scoring radius is much wider than typical 6'10 bigs you'd expect. Nsoseme has been the biggest surprise this season, replacing the starting center Joe Jones due to a season-ending foot injury. At 6'9 240lbs, Nsoseme is an absolute monster with a high motor under the glass, as reflected by his double-double season average. Also brings the emotion and energy whenever on the court. The biggest strength of GSU is the 10-deep bench. CRL recruited well last year and his freshmen and transfers provide crucial minutes with little drop-offs when starters need to recover their legs.

That about covers it (is BoP doing his usual preview?).

(03-02-2021 04:45 PM)EigenEagle Wrote:  

(03-02-2021 01:58 PM)GSUALUM17 Wrote:  So far, this is what I know about East teams from our matchups against them.

Coastal- one of most balanced teams in the East. Jones is "the guy" at guard who makes plays. Tippler is a dangerous outside shooter. Mostafa is a big man at 6'9 250lbs whom they rely for key rebounds and scoring in the paint. His inexperience does earn him unnecessary fouls, which leaves him in trouble early.

App- offense can score in bunches, but heavily depends on streaky 3s from outside. they have three guards who attempted 100+ 3s each.. so Kerns certainly isn't shy from having the deep range shots as his team's bread and butter. defense hustles hard to prevent easy points on transition. Lacks true size which leaves gaps in half court defense.

USA- dangerous when outside shots are falling, but imo another team that relies too much on 3s from their guards to be consistently dominant on offense..although to their credit, they did win 8 out of 10 to close the season. Flowers is mvp-worthy guard who simply makes unbelievable plays. Gonclaves seem to be their 3 point specialist, will hurt you if left open outside. Not much of size which can lead to mismatches against bigger teams. Can struggle to rebound consistently for the same reason. Curry and West do what they can to defend the rim despite the 6'5-6'6 frames.

Troy- offensive production is lacking imo. Their guards weren't much of a threat from outside or able to beat the man in front consistently to slash inside. However, the defense does give effort collectively and plays tight in half court, and that's a sign of good coaching. To win, their defense has to hold the opponents to 60ish points.

GS- cant put my finger on their team identity. They can shoot 3s in bunches, then struggle to make any shot for a stretch. They do have some guards to make athletic plays, then go invisible for too long. I dont think they're best at anything necessarily, but can flip a switch to play well at anytime in any game. A dark horse in the tournament that can be either hot or cold.

GSU- Panthers dont specialize in any statistical category, except team assist. Points are distributed pretty evenly across the board, with all 5 starters averaging 10+ points per game. 3 starting guards share the scoring opportunities and rather make the extra pass for the higher percentage shots. No 3-point specialist, but every guard can shoot decently enough if left open in the perimeter. If defense is caught snoozing, Allen, Williams, and Roberts have decent enough athleticism and ball handling to slash inside to the rim. Thomas is 6'10 big who can be a threat both ways. He has the size and natural instincts for rebounds. Also has smooth jump shots and hook shots, thus his scoring radius is much wider than typical 6'10 bigs you'd expect. Nsoseme has been the biggest surprise this season, replacing the starting center Joe Jones due to a season-ending foot injury. At 6'9 240lbs, Nsoseme is an absolute monster with a high motor under the glass, as reflected by his double-double season average. Also brings the emotion and energy whenever on the court. The biggest strength of GSU is the 10-deep bench. CRL recruited well last year and his freshmen and transfers provide crucial minutes with little drop-offs when starters need to recover their legs.

That about covers it (is BoP doing his usual preview?).

Don't know, but I always enjoy that.

I do too. I hope he does it.