Much like Vermont in the America East, Kansas in the Big 12, or Wichita State formerly in the Missouri Valley, the Atlantic Sun has been dominated over the past few years by one team, Florida Gulf Coast. Besides conference championships in the last two years, the Eagles have won the Atlantic Sun tournament in 2013, 2016, and 2017. The 2013 run was famous for the Eagles becoming the only 15 seed to ever advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
This year was no different. Florida Gulf Coast was one of the last teams in the country to take a loss in conference in two close home losses against Kennesaw State and Lipscomb. These losses, however, came after the Eagles had already won the conference title. Florida Gulf Coast had already clinched home court throughout the Atlantic Sun tournament at that point.
The Atlantic Sun tournament will see all eight teams participating in a three round tournament. The higher seed will host each respective game.
Quarterfinals-Monday, February 26th
#8 USC Upstate at #1 Florida Gulf Coast
#5 North Florida at #4 NJIT
#7 Stetson at #2 Lipscomb
#6 Kennesaw State at #3 Jacksonville
Semifinals-Thursday, March 1st
#4 NJIT at #1 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Kennesaw State at #2 Lipscomb
Final-Sunday, March 4th
Lipscomb has been a hot streak of late, winning nine of their last ten games, including a win at Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles inexplicably allowed the Bisons 90 points in the home loss a week ago; the average points allowed for the whole season is 70. Don't expect that to happen again as Florida Gulf Coast makes the NCAA Tournament for the third time in a row.
Lipscomb 74, Florida Gulf Coast 80
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