We had more automatic bids given out today as High Point won the Big South, Queens won the ASun, North Dakota State won the Summit League, and Northern Iowa won Arch Madness. We take a look at all those games as well as all of the other conference tournament action, which includes a handfull of upsets.
SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP:
SOCON CHAMPIONSHIP:
WEST COAST SEMIFINALS:
CAA SEMIFINALS:
HORIZON LEAGUE SEMIFINALS:
SOUTHLAND QUARTERFINALS:
BIG SKY QUARTERFINALS:
SWAC OPENING ROUND:
And for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…
Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament tips off this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of articles in the week ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage with a recap of the quarterfinal quadruple-header on Sunday.
GAME #1: Campbell-UNCW Solid pregame lunch: cheeseburger/bratwurst/potato salad/lemonade.
Let’s tip off the quarterfinal quadrupleheader:
I missed most of the 1st 20 minutes while finishing another article, but did look up in time to see UNCW big man Patrick Wessler cap off his 14-PT 1st half performance with a jumper to beat the buzzer and give his team a 33-31 halftime lead. The 2nd half stayed tight for the 1st 6 minutes and then Campbell dug deep as they went on a stunning 16-0 run over the following 4 minutes to take a huge 56-41 lead with under 10 minutes left. The Camels maintained a double-digit lead down the stretch and won it 85-70.
In the postgame press conference, I asked Campbell G DJ Smith about winning games in March considering that he is 6-1 in 7 career conference tourney games (2 in the CAA, 3 in the Horizon, and 1 in the Sun Belt). He said the key was just staying the course. They know how hard they worked and they stay true to the game plan. They play for each other and do not care who gets the shine:
I wondered if Campbell coach John Andrzejek’s team packed enough clothes for the entire week or whether his staff would be spending all evening at the local laundromat! He confirmed that they definitely packed enough clothes for the week…but still have to take it 1 game at a time and stay in the moment. They have to prepare for the next game and not worry about anything else.
I wanted to see if UNCW coach Takayo Siddle believed the adage about the difficulty of beating a team 3 times in 1 season (much less in a 7-week span!). He shot that down because each game stands on its own. It was just Campbell’s night and they deserved that win. He is proud of his team/program because they have done some special things and only lost 6 times all season. It stings right now but he is not hanging his head: it is hard to get back to the NCAA tourney but their journey is still ongoing (to the NIT):
GAME #2: Monmouth-Drexel Let’s tip off the 2nd game of today’s quadrupleheader:
I was worried that losing an hour of sleep to daylight savings would result in a poor offensive showing, but both teams came out scorching from behind the arc, combining for 10-13 3PM during the 1st 12 minutes. Drexel took a 29-18 lead late in the half, but Monmouth would not go away and clawed back to make it a 33-32 game at halftime. The most notable addition in the 2nd half was off the court, as the Monmouth band/cheer squad/dance team finally showed up after missing the 1st half! They must have brought a whole bucket of karma with them, as Drexel went ice-cold in the 2nd stanza (7-25 FG) and the Hawks soared to a 65-57 win.
In the postgame press conference I asked Monmouth coach King Rice about leading his school through 3 different conferences during the past 15 years, then getting Kavion McClain eligible last month, and seeing the #1 seed upset today. He gave me a LOOOOOOOONG answer but here are the highlights. He felt he must be doing something right since he has been here for 15 years through 3 leagues, but even if they win the title that does not make him a better coach and it is not about him. They have a tough game tomorrow: this year is the 10-year reunion of the 2016 Monmouth team that won 27 regular season games but lost the MAAC title game to Iona by 3 PTS and did not make the NCAA tourney. 15 years ago he was turned down to be a coach at 8 different schools, but Monmouth gave him a shot. His kids live on a college campus so it makes them brighter. He would be happy to win it all but it is more about the players. He has been praying on this a long time and it would be cool for him to get his turn, but there are lot of other coaches praying for the same thing:
GAME #3: Charleston-Towson Solid pregame dinner: BBQ chicken/brisket/string beans/mashed potatoes/lemonade.
Let’s tip off the 3rd game of today’s quadrupleheader:
I missed the entire 1st half while typing up some interviews, but Towson relied on its all-conference duo of Dylan Williamson/Tyler Tejada to build a 43-32 lead at intermission. However, the halftime highlight was seeing HoopsHD’s favorite fake handshaker Jimmy Patsos!:
Tejada and his teammate Ryan Conway teamed up for 8 quick PTS in the 1st 100 seconds of the 2nd half, forcing Charleston coach Chris Mack to burn a quick timeout with his team down by 19 PTS, but it did not stop the bleeding as the Tigers increased their lead to 61-34 by the under-16 timeout and the rout was on. Tejada led the way with his 2nd straight game of 30+ PTS as Towson took charge with an 81-56 victory.
In the postgame press conference I reminded Pat Skerry that he was a PG at Tufts the last time that Towson made the NCAA tourney (in 1991) and suggested that maybe everything is falling into place this week. He answered “No” because they have to lock in and play a tough team. They will put a game plan together and hopefully play 1 of their best games tomorrow night:
GAME #4: William & Mary-Hofstra I am sure that it was a fun game…but quadruple-headers are a young man’s game. That is a wrap for today, check back tomorrow for the semifinal doubleheader while most of the top seeds are watching from home after being upset this weekend!
Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament tips off this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of articles in the week ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage with an interview of Charleston drummer Courtney Carpenter.
You grew up in Charleston: what made you choose to stick around for college? My mom went to college here, and they had a great band program that I wanted to be a part of.
You are majoring in international business with minors in music/international studies: how did you choose those subjects? I wanted to leave with a good degree, but also keep doing something I love like music.
You are a SR: what is the post-graduation plan? I am thinking about law school.
1 of your hobbies is traveling: what country is at the top of your wish list? Probably Greece.
You play the drums: how did you 1st get into it? My stepdad is a drummer for a couple of bands and I always looked up to him. He let me practice drums with him in the garage and we would play together side-by-side.
You also teach drums to middle school/high school students: is it more about technique or rhythm or staying coordinated with everyone else in the band or other? Definitely techinque at 1st: when I 1st got to college I needed to be retaught the proper technique! However, rhythm is also important: you cannot play faster than the rest of the band.
The Cougars made the NCAA tourney in 2023/2024 and have won 21+ games for the 4th year in a row: is it more fun to be in the band when the team is doing well on the court? 100%…but even when they are not doing as well we do not lose hope. I was here when they made those 2 March Madness appearances and I got to travel to Spokane and Orlando.
What has been the highlight of your season so far: winning 5 of 6 in December, Senior Night, other? I would say losing by 20 PTS to UNCW…and then beating them in the rematch by pulling a 180.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? It is based on instrumentation/attendance/how well we have been practicing. We did not have to cut anyone out this year, and the drummer I am training to replace me after I graduate is here as well.
Any predictions for the Cougars this week? Had you asked me earlier I would have said 100% Charleston, but even though we were trailing early on I still think we have a good shot. We were losing in the 2nd half of both of our previous 2 CAA tourney title games and were still able to win them both.
onference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament tips off this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of articles in the week ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage with a combo interview of Charleston cheerleader Lilah Callahan (left) and Cougarette Charlotte Papatheoharis (right).
What made you choose Charleston for college? CHARLOTTE PAPATHEOHARIS: I love the city: it is beautfiul, has so many fun places, and just offers a lot. LILAH CALLAHAN: I love the area and the beach is close to campus. I grew up in Massachusetts so Charleston is a big change from the north, and there is so much to do.
How did you choose your major? CP: I am majoring in marketing and studying ancient Greek. I like social media and the business side of things. Funny story: I am Greek and thought that I was taking a regular Greek class…but the 1st day I realized it was ancient Greek! However, I liked it so I stuck with it. LC: I am majoring in astrophysics. When i was younger my neighbor had a telescope and I found it amazing. Most schools do not have it as a major, but Charleston does.
What is the post-graduation plan? CP: I am a senior and want to dance pro so I will have to try our for teams. I am planning to move to Florida so maybe I wil try the Miami Dolphins? If not, then maybe medical sales. LC: I am a sophomore so I still have 2 years to decide. My plan right now is to get either a doctorate or PhD, move down south because the north is so cold, and maybe cheer for a pro football team.
1 of your hobbies is working out: any tips for our readers who want to get in shape? CP: Living in a walkable city gives me a great workout, and also makes me happy. I have taken some more classes this year like yoga/pilates, and I also get a good workout from being on the dance team. LC: It is important to do activities that you want to do, not just follow a plan of workouts that you do not like to do every day. You should switch it up to do stuff that you like. I also like baking cookies/brownies and decorating cakes, which is like another 1 of my hobbies (drawing).
How did you 1st get into cheering/dancing? CP: I strarted dancing when I was 3, doing the usual combo of ballet/tap/jazz. I loved it so much that I looked for schools where I could continue to do that. LC: I started cheering around age 4-5. My sister cheered in college so we were able to do it together, and my mom was also a cheerleader.
The Cougars made the NCAA tourney in 2023/2024 and have won 21+ games for the 4th year in a row: is it easier to provide some spirit for the team when they are doing well on the court? CP: Definitely: when the team brings the excitement/energy at a game then so can we, and it is hard to bring our own energy if the team is losing. LC: We are so much more excited when the team is doing well, because it so much better to be cheering/dancing in front of a packed arena.
What has been the highlight of your season so far: winning 5 of 6 in December, Senior Night, other? CP: In our season finale last weekend we trailed by 15 PTS to the #1 seed in the conference (UNCW), but out of nowhere in the final 10 minutes we came all the way back to win it by 3 PTS. It was even more amazing because we had lost to the Seahawks at home by double-digits just a few weeks earlier.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? CP: It is based on seniority. I love coming here: not just to the conference tourney, but also getting to explore DC. LC: Seniority is the main factor, and also how we did earlier in the season. It is so exciting to be here: this is my 1st time at the CAA Tourney and I am so happy for the guys.
Any predictions for the Cougars this week? CP: I have no doubt that we will win! LC: I want a good game with good energy.
The end of the regular season means that it is time to recognize the best players/coaches in college basketball this season. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel has reviewed all the numbers and is ready to announce his picks for the 5 best players from each conference based on their all-around stats. Players are listed in a traditional 5-position lineup (G-G-F-F-C) whenever possible with several exceptions, plus special awards for each conference’s Player of the Year (POY), Rookie of the Year (ROY), Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), 6th Man of the Year (6TH), and Coach of the Year (COY). If you think he has overlooked anyone then feel free to tweet us your comments, and if you missed last week’s picks for the rest of the conferences in Part 1 you can find them at: https://hoopshd.com/2026/03/03/handing-out-the-hardware-all-conference-awards-of-the-year-part-1-of-2-11
American G: Rowan Brumbaugh (Tulane) G: Jordan Riley (ECU) G: Devin Vanterpool (FAU) F: Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida) C: Giovanni Emejuru (ECU) POY: Jordan Riley (ECU) ROY: Je’Shawn Stevenson (North Texas) DPOY: Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida) 6TH: Sincere Parker (Memphis) COY: Bryan Hodgson (South Florida)
A-10 G: Tarence Guinyard (Duquesne) G: Dejour Reaves (Fordham) F: Frank Mitchell (St. Bonaventure) F: Rafael Castro (George Washington) C: Robbie Avila (St. Louis) POY: Frank Mitchell (St. Bonaventure) ROY: Aiden Argabright (Richmond) DPOY: Rafael Castro (George Washington) 6TH: Terrence Hill Jr. (VCU) COY: Josh Schertz (St. Louis)
ACC G: Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) G: Kevin “Boopie” Miller (SMU) F: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) F: Cameron Boozer (Duke) C: Henri Veesaar (North Carolina) POY: Cameron Boozer (Duke) ROY: Cameron Boozer (Duke) DPOY: William Kyle III (Syracuse) 6TH: Chance Mallory (Virginia) COY: Ryan Odom (Virginia)
Big 12 G: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) G: PJ Haggerty (Kansas State) F: JT Toppin (Texas Tech) F: AJ Dybantsa (BYU) C: Massamba Diop (Arizona State) POY: AJ Dybantsa (BYU) ROY: AJ Dybantsa (BYU) DPOY: Flory Bidunga (Kansas) 6TH: Anthony “Pig” Johnson (Arizona State) COY: Tommy Lloyd (Arizona)
Big East G: Nigel James Jr. (Marquette) G: Chase Ross (Marquette) F: Tre Carroll (Xavier) F: Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s) C: Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut) POY: Tre Carroll (Xavier) ROY: Nigel James Jr. (Marquette) DPOY: Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s) 6TH: Roddie Anderson III (Xavier) COY: Kevin Willard (Villanova)
Big 10 G: Bruce Thornton (Ohio State) G: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) F: Hannes Steinbach (Washington) F: Nick Martinelli (Northwestern) C: Nate Bittle (Oregon) POY: Nick Martinelli (Northwestern) ROY: Hannes Steinbach (Washington) DPOY: Aday Mara (Michigan) 6TH: Braden Frager (Nebraska) COY: Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska)
Big West G: Josiah Davis (CSUN) G: Joshua O’Garro (CSUN) F: Hamad Mousa (Cal Poly) F: Petar Majstorovic (Long Beach State) C: Isaac Johnson (Hawaii) POY: Hamad Mousa (Cal Poly) ROY: Gavin Sykes (Long Beach State) DPOY: Kyle Evans (UC Irvine) 6TH: Landon Seaman (Fullerton) COY: Eran Ganot (Hawaii)
C-USA G: Teagan Moore (Western Kentucky) G: Christian Bliss (Delaware) G: Mostapha El Moutaouakkil (Jacksonville State) F: Corey Stephenson (FIU) F: Keith Palek III (Missouri State) POY: Mostapha El Moutaouakkil (Jacksonville State) ROY: Armelo Boone (Western Kentucky) DPOY: Zach Cleveland (Liberty) 6TH: Julian Mackey (FIU) COY: Chris Mudge (Sam Houston)
Ivy G: Kenny Noland (Columbia) G: Chandler Pigge (Harvard) F: Landon Lewis (Brown) F: Nick Townsend (Yale) F: TJ Power (Penn) POY: Nick Townsend (Yale) ROY: Miles Franklin (Columbia) DPOY: N’famara Dabo (Brown) 6TH: Riley Fox (Yale) COY: Fran McCaffery (Penn)
MAC G: Daniel Freitag (Buffalo) G: Tavari Johnson (Akron) F: Delrecco Gillespie (Kent State) F: Leonardo Bettiol (Massachusetts) C: Nathan Claerbaut (Central Michigan) POY: Tavari Johnson (Akron) ROY: Mohammad Habhab (Eastern Michigan) DPOY: Javontae Campbell (Bowling Green) 6TH: Almar Atlason (Miami OH) COY: Travis Steele (Miami OH)
MEAC G: Bryce Harris (Howard) G: Elijah Davis (Morgan State) G: Cedric Taylor III (Howard) F: Khouri Carvey (NC Central) F: Zion Obanla (Maryland Eastern Shore) POY: Bryce Harris (Howard) ROY: Noah Treadwell (South Carolina State) DPOY: Dionte Johnson (NC Central) 6TH: Noah Treadwell (South Carolina State) COY: Kenny Blakeney (Howard)
MWC G: Mason Falslev (Utah State) G: Colby Garland (San Jose State) F: Elijah Price (Nevada) F: Tomislav Buljan (Colorado State) C: Drew Fielder (Boise State) POY: Colby Garland (San Jose State) ROY: Jake Hall (New Mexico) DPOY: Elijah Price (Nevada) 6TH: Uriah Tenette (New Mexico) COY: Bryce Drew (Grand Canyon)
SEC G: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) G: Labaron Philon (Alabama) F: Dailyn Swain (Texas) F: Keyshawn Hall (Auburn) C: Matas Vokietaitis (Texas) POY: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) ROY: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) DPOY: Trevon Brazile (Arkansas) 6TH: Marcus Millender (Georgia) COY: John Calipari (Arkansas)
SWAC G: Daeshun Ruffin (Jackson State) G: Michael Jacobs (Southern) G: Quion Williams (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) F: Jaquan Scott (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) F: Troy Hupstead (Texas Southern) POY: Daeshun Ruffin (Jackson State) ROY: Antonio Munoz (Grambling) DPOY: Jerquarius Stanback (Alabama State) 6TH: Malek Abdelgowad (Southern) COY: Donte Jackson (Alabama A&M)
WAC G: Dominique Daniels Jr. (Cal Baptist) G: Jackson Holcombe (Utah Valley) F: Raysean Seamster (UT-Arlington) F: Ethan Potter (Utah Tech) F: Jaiden Feroah (Southern Utah) POY: Dominique Daniels Jr. (Cal Baptist) ROY: Elijah Duval (Southern Utah) DPOY: Jackson Holcombe (Utah Valley) 6TH: Isaac Hawkins (Utah Valley) COY: Jon Judkins (Utah Tech)
We are 1 week away from Selection Sunday as we continue to make our NCAA tourney predictions. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel correctly picked 66 of the 68 teams that made the 2025 tourney: 62 of his 66 were within 1 spot of their actual seed and 52 were right on the money. He will spend the upcoming week predicting which 68 teams will hear their names called on March 15th. See below for his list of who would make the cut if they picked the field today and if you agree or disagree then feel free to tweet us. To see how he stacks up with other websites (ranked 7th out of 186 bracket veterans over the past 5 years), check out: www.bracketmatrix.com
.
SEED: TEAM (CONFERENCE) 1: Duke (ACC) 1: Michigan (Big 10) 1: Arizona (Big 12) 1: Florida (SEC)
