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Big South Tournament Preview and Postseason Awards

High Point v Ohio State

John Brown Getty Images)

Getty Images

High Point v Ohio State

John Brown Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Big South had one of the most entertaining conference races in college basketball, as at one point in February, seven teams were tied for first place. By the end of the season, two teams -- Charleston Southern and High Point -- finished 13-5 in league play with the Buccaneers earning the top seed. But given the way in which this season played out, it would be more surprising if the Big South tournament was all “chalk.”

READ MORE: NBC Sports’ latest Bracketology | The updated top 25

The Bracket

original copy

When: March 4, 6-8

Where: HTC Center, Conway, South Carolina (Coastal Carolina’s home arena)

Final: March 8, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
READ MORE: NBCSports.com’s 2015 Conference Tournament Previews

Favorite: High Point

The Panthers finished tied for the Big South regular season title, with a triple-overtime loss to the Buccaneers in the regular season finale being the reason why they didn’t win it outright. Of course high-flying forward John Brown is the headliner for Scott Cherry’s team, but forward Lorenzo Cugini and guard Devonte Wallace are both averaging ten points per game and four players average at least two assists per contest.

And if they lose?: Charleston Southern

With Saah Nimley leading the way the Buccaneers average 74.5 points per game, and in conference games, Charleston Southern was tops in offensive efficiency. This a group that enjoys taking threes, as they attempted (and made) more three-pointers than any team in the Big South. And keep an eye on Will Saunders (13.1 ppg) and Arlon Harper (13.0), as both are solid supplementary scoring options alongside Nimley.

Sleepers:


  • Coastal Carolina: The Chanticleers have a case for favorite status, as the tournament is being played on their home floor and they went 3-1 against the top two seeds this season (sweeping High Point). And Cliff Ellis’ team doesn’t lack experience, as they won the automatic bid last season.
  • Winthrop: In conference games the Eagles were the best in the Big South in defensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage and three-point percentage defense. And led by guard Keon Moore, Pat Kelsey’s team has won six of its last eight games.

Player of the Year: G Saah Nimley, Charleston Southern

The 5-foot-8 senior guard averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for Charleston Southern, and he produced more games of 30 points or more (seven) than single-digit outings (four). Included in Nimley’s season is a stretch of four straight games in which he scored 30 points or more.

Coach of the Year: Barclay Radebaugh, Charleston Southern

Radebaugh’s Buccaneers were picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll, but they managed to win 13 conference games and a share of the regular season crown. And while Nimley is the headliner, four others are averaging at least eight points per game with Arlon Harper (13.0 ppg) and Will Saunders (13.1) also averaging double figures.

All-Big South Team:


  • Nimley
  • G Keon Moore, Winthrop: Averaging 18.8 points per game, Moore shot 45.7% from the field, 44.9% from three and 86.4% from the foul line.
  • F John Brown, High Point: Known for his elite dunking ability, Brown is a three-time all-conference selection who averaged 18.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.
  • F Javonte Green, Radford: The 6-foot-4 senior averaged 15.0 points and a Big South-best 8.7 rebounds per game for the Highlanders.
  • F Jerome Hill, Gardner-Webb: Hill averaged 19.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

CBT Prediction: Coastal Carolina repeats as Big South tournament champion, holding off Charleston Southern in the title game.