ASUN Regular Season Sets the Stage for Intense Tournament
The 2024-25 ASUN regular season has come to a close, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a highly competitive conference tournament. Two front-runners, Lipscomb and North Alabama, have emerged with identical 22-9 overall records and 14-4 marks in ASUN play. However, the Bisons secured the No. 1 seed via tiebreakers, adding an extra layer of tension to the upcoming tournament. The regular-season series between the two teams ended in a split, leaving open the possibility of a thrilling third matchup in the championship game. This year’s tournament is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with several teams vying for the top spot and a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
Contenders to Watch
In addition to the top-seeded Lipscomb and North Alabama, several other teams are poised to make a strong showing in the ASUN tournament. Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Eastern Kentucky, and Queens University are all contenders with impressive records and the potential to upset the favorites. Notably, last year’s tournament champion, Stetson, had a disappointing regular season, finishing with an 8-23 record. This means that there will likely be a new ASUN squad heading to the NCAA Tournament in 2025, adding even more excitement and unpredictability to the event.
How to Watch the 2025 ASUN Tournament
For fans looking to catch all the action, the 2025 ASUN basketball tournament offers multiple viewing options. The championship game will air on ESPN2 and can also be streamed on Sling, ensuring that even those without traditional TV access can follow the finale. The first three rounds of the tournament will be available to stream on ESPN+. An ESPN+ subscription costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, offering a $24 savings on the annual plan. With an ESPN+ subscription, fans can stream their favorite teams live and enjoy a wide variety of sports content, making it a worthwhile investment for any basketball enthusiast.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The ASUN basketball tournament will take place from Sunday, March 2, to Sunday, March 9, at various campus sites. Here is the detailed schedule:
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Sunday, March 2: Round 1
- No. 7 Austin Peay vs. No. 8 North Florida at North Alabama
- No. 10 Central Arkansas vs. No. 9 Stetson at Lipscomb
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Monday, March 3: Quarterfinals
- No. 2 North Alabama vs. No. 7 Austin Peay at 7 p.m. on ESPN+
- No. 3 Florida Gulf Coast vs. No. 6 Queens University at 7 p.m. on ESPN+
- No. 4 Jacksonville vs. No. 5 Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. on ESPN+
- No. 1 Lipscomb vs. No. 10 Central Arkansas at 8 p.m. on ESPN+
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Thursday, March 6: Semifinals
- TBD vs. TBD at TBD on ESPN+
- TBD vs. TBD at TBD on ESPN+
- Sunday, March 9: Championship
- TBD vs. TBD at 2 p.m. on ESPN2, Sling
ASUN Tournament Bracket
The full seeding, bracket, and team records for the 2025 ASUN Tournament are as follows:
- No. 1 Lipscomb: 22-9 (14-4)
- No. 2 North Alabama: 22-9 (14-4)
- No. 3 Florida Gulf Coast: 18-13 (13-5)
- No. 4 Jacksonville: 18-12 (12-6)
- No. 5 Eastern Kentucky: 18-13 (12-6)
- No. 6 Queens University: 18-13 (11-7)
- No. 7 Austin Peay: 13-18 (8-10)
- No. 8 North Florida: 15-16 (8-10)
- No. 9 Stetson: 8-23 (6-12)
- No. 10 Central Arkansas: 8-23 (4-14)
Teams that did not qualify for the tournament include West Georgia and Bellarmine.
What to Expect
The 2025 ASUN basketball tournament is set to be a thrilling spectacle of college basketball. With the possibility of a rematch between Lipscomb and North Alabama in the championship game, and several other strong contenders vying for the top spot, fans can expect high-stakes action and intense competition. The tournament’s format, with games held at campus sites, adds to the excitement, as teams will play in front of their home crowds. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the ASUN tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and a new champion worthy of representing the conference in the NCAA Tournament.
