Southern Comfort

Saturday in Asheville gave us exactly what the Southern Conference Tournament usually provides. One top seed taking care of business, a couple of upsets, and one comeback that made the late game feel like March.

Let’s go in order.

ETSU 83, The Citadel 76

ETSU got on the board 11 seconds into the game, which felt like a sign the top seed might cruise.

Instead, The Citadel hung around most of the afternoon. The Bulldogs even grabbed a brief lead late in the first half before ETSU settled in and went to the locker room up 36-32.

The difference came in the second half when the Bucs simply started making everything. ETSU shot 67% after halftime, and Blake Barkley led the way with 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting.

The Citadel fought hard, but ETSU’s efficiency eventually created just enough separation to move on.

Takeaway: The Bucs didn’t dominate, but they looked like the deeper and more talented team once the game settled down.

UNC Greensboro 75, Wofford 72

The first upset of the day came in game two.

UNCG’s Justin Neely put together one of the most ridiculous stat lines you’ll see in a tournament game: 22 points and 24 rebounds. Yes, 24.

The Spartans controlled the glass all afternoon and stayed within striking distance until the final minute, where they closed the game on a 5-2 run to knock off the two seed.

Takeaway: When one player grabs nearly two dozen rebounds, weird things tend to happen.

Furman 86, Samford 81

This one felt like a heavyweight fight most of the night.

Samford’s Jadin Booth, the SoCon Player of the Year, scored 34 points and hit eight threes, which normally wins you a tournament game.

Furman responded with depth.

The Paladins’ bench outscored Samford 48-6, and Tom House led the way with 20 points off the bench. Furman then iced the game at the free throw line in the final minute.

Takeaway: Booth was spectacular, but Furman’s depth and late-game composure made the difference.

Western Carolina 77, Mercer 73

The nightcap delivered the comeback.

Mercer built a 17-point lead in the first half, but Western Carolina slowly chipped away and completely flipped the game with effort on the glass.

The Catamounts finished with 53 rebounds compared to Mercer’s 29, including 25 offensive rebounds, which gave them possession after possession down the stretch.

Eventually the extra chances caught up to Mercer and Western completed the rally.

Takeaway: When you win the rebounding battle 53-29, you’re going to give yourself a chance.

Sunday’s Semifinals

Two games remain before Monday night’s championship.

ETSU vs Western Carolina

It’s rematch of the 2020 semifinals. This time it’s a different story. The Catamounts are hot, but ETSU’s offense and depth should eventually take control if the shoot well from deep.

Prediction: ETSU advances in a barn burner.

Furman vs UNC Greensboro

This one feels like the toss-up. Furman has experience and depth, but UNCG has the most dominant player left in the tournament if Justin Neely controls the glass again. Will we see a 7 seed in the finals again?

Prediction: Greensboro in a close one.

Four teams remain.

And Asheville is officially in full March modev.