The Road to the NCAA Tournament
With the 2024-2025 regular season officially in the books, college basketball fans across the nation are now eagerly anticipating the excitement of conference tournaments. These competitions serve as the final opportunity for teams to secure a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. Among the conferences vying for a spot in the big dance, the Southern Conference (SoCon) is set to kick off its men’s basketball tournament this week. The action will unfold at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina, where all 10 teams from the conference will compete for the title of SoCon tournament champion.
Top Seeds and Key Contenders
Slotted as the top seed, the University of Chattanooga Mocs have had an impressive season, finishing with a 23-8 overall record and a 15-3 mark in conference play. The Mocs are riding a remarkable 11-game winning streak as they head into the tournament, which is a testament to their consistency and resilience. They will face the winner of the No. 9 Mercer vs. No. 8 Western Carolina matchup on Friday. The rest of the top four seeds include UNC Greensboro, ETSU, and Samford, all of which have shown strong performances throughout the season. UNC Greensboro, with a 20-11 overall record and a 13-5 conference record, will be a formidable opponent. ETSU, with a 19-12 overall record and a 12-6 conference record, and Samford, with a 22-9 overall record and a 12-6 conference record, are also expected to put up a strong fight.
Tournament Schedule and Location
The 2025 SoCon men’s basketball tournament will be held at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina, from March 7 to March 10. The tournament structure includes several rounds, starting with the first round on Friday, March 7, and culminating in the championship game on Monday, March 10. Each game is designed to showcase the best of the SoCon, with top seeds facing off against lower seeds in a single-elimination format. The excitement begins with Round 1, where No. 8 Mercer will face No. 9 Western Carolina, and No. 7 VMI will take on No. 10 Citadel. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game promise to be thrilling, as the teams battle it out for the ultimate prize.
How to Watch the Tournament
For fans eager to catch all the action, the 2025 SoCon men’s basketball tournament will be broadcast on both television and streaming platforms. The semifinal round will air on ESPNU, while the championship game will be televised on ESPN. For those who prefer streaming, all games can be accessed on ESPN+ and Sling. ESPN+ offers a subscription service for $11.99 per month or an annual plan for $119.99, providing a $24 savings. This platform not only streams the SoCon tournament but also offers a wide range of sports content, making it a valuable option for sports enthusiasts. Additionally, Sling provides a flexible way for cord-cutters and those without traditional cable to watch the games.
Bracket Breakdown and Team Records
The full seeding, bracket, and team records for the 2025 SoCon men’s tournament are as follows:
- Chattanooga (23-8, 15-3)
- UNC Greensboro (20-11, 13-5)
- ETSU (19-12, 12-6)
- Samford (22-9, 12-6)
- Furman (23-8, 11-7)
- Wofford (16-15, 10-8)
- VMI (13-18, 7-11)
- Mercer (13-18, 6-12)
- Western Carolina (8-21, 4-14)
- The Citadel (5-24, 0-18)
Each team brings its own strengths and challenges to the tournament. The top seeds, with their impressive records, are the favorites to advance, but basketball is a sport where anything can happen, and the underdogs often surprise the higher-ranked teams. The tournament promises to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart, with each game potentially being a nail-biter.
Anticipation and Excitement
The 2025 SoCon men’s basketball tournament is not just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of the passion and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans. As the teams converge on Asheville, the atmosphere will be electric, with supporters from across the region gathering to cheer on their favorite teams. The Harrah’s Cherokee Center will be a hub of excitement, with each game adding to the rich history of the SoCon and the broader landscape of college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the SoCon tournament is a must-watch event that promises to deliver memorable moments and unforgettable experiences.
