The 2025 Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament: A Closer Look
The stage is set for the electrifying 2025 Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball tournament, which is scheduled to take place from March 4 to March 10 at the Pensacola Bay Center. This tournament will see all 14 teams from the conference go head-to-head in a high-stakes, single-elimination format. The competition is fierce, and the excitement is palpable as these teams vie for the championship and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament that comes with it.
Four Teams at the Top: A Chaotic Regular Season Finish
The lead-up to the tournament has been nothing short of chaotic. Four teams—South Alabama, James Madison, Troy, and Arkansas State—wrapped up their conference play with identical 13-5 records, creating a logjam at the top of the standings. The tiebreakers came into play, and South Alabama emerged as the No. 1 seed, having swept their matchups against the other top contenders. The Jaguars’ flawless record against Arkansas State, coupled with key victories over Marshall and James Madison, secured their top spot and a direct pass to the Sun Belt semifinals. Despite their setback against Texas State on Friday, James Madison managed to secure the No. 2 seed and also earned a direct route to the semifinals. Troy and Arkansas State, landing at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, also received byes into the quarterfinals, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling postseason.
Seeding and Byes: A Unique Stepladder System
The tournament’s unique stepladder system means that the top 10 seeds will receive at least one bye. This system adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement, as teams must navigate their way through the bracket with precision. South Alabama and James Madison, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, will have the luxury of resting and strategizing as the lower-seeded teams battle it out in the early rounds. Troy and Arkansas State, while slightly behind in the seeding, still have a significant advantage with their quarterfinal byes. For the teams seeded 5 through 10, the challenge is real, but the promise of advancing to the later rounds and potentially upsetting the top seeds keeps the tournament’s suspense alive.
Early Rounds: Where the Underdogs Have a Chance
The early rounds of the Sun Belt tournament will be played on campus sites, adding a home-court advantage for the teams hosting these games. On Tuesday, March 4, No. 12 Southern Miss edged out No. 13 Coastal Carolina in a closely contested game, 66-63. No. 11 Louisiana followed suit, defeating No. 14 ULM in a nail-biter, 73-69 in overtime. These victories set the tone for the rest of the tournament, where every game is a must-win and underdogs have a chance to prove themselves. The following day, March 5, No. 9 Georgia Southern secured a 78-64 win over Southern Miss, while No. 10 Old Dominion triumphed over Louisiana, 67-49. The momentum continues into Thursday, March 6, with No. 8 Georgia State narrowly defeating Southern Miss, 80-78, and Old Dominion narrowly edging Texas State, 64-61. These tight games demonstrate the competitive spirit of the Sun Belt Conference and the unpredictability that makes the tournament so engaging.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: The Path to Glory
The quarterfinals and semifinals are where the tournament truly heats up. On Friday, March 7, No. 5 Marshall will face off against No. 8 Georgia State, while No. 6 App State takes on No. 10 Old Dominion. These games are crucial for the teams looking to advance, and the stakes are higher than ever. The winners of these matches will move on to the semifinals, where they will meet the higher-seeded teams. On Saturday, March 8, No. 4 Arkansas State will play the winner of Game 7, while No. 3 Troy faces the winner of Game 8. These matchups are pivotal and could determine which underdog teams have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. The semifinals on Sunday, March 9, will feature No. 1 South Alabama against the winner of Game 9, and No. 2 James Madison against the winner of Game 10. Fans can catch all these games live on ESPN+.
Championship Game: The Ultimate Showdown
The championship game, set for Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. ET, will be the culmination of the tournament’s intense competition. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can also be streamed on Sling, making it accessible to fans across the country. The Pensacola Bay Center will be electric as the two remaining teams battle it out for the Sun Belt title and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. With the potential for an upset and the fierce determination of all the teams involved, this game promises to be a memorable one. Whether it’s South Alabama or James Madison defending their position or an underdog team making a surprise run, the championship game will be a must-watch event.
How to Watch: TV and Streaming Options
For those who can’t make it to Pensacola, there are plenty of ways to catch the action. The championship game will be broadcast on ESPN2, ensuring that it reaches a wide audience. Additionally, all other tournament games can be streamed on ESPN+, which offers a comprehensive sports experience with a subscription starting at $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, providing a $24 savings compared to the monthly plan. Sling is another great option, offering a range of sports channels including ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1, and more, making it the ideal choice for avid sports fans. The official game-by-game schedule is detailed below, so fans can plan their viewing and stay up-to-date with all the action.
In summary, the 2025 Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with four top teams vying for supremacy and a unique stepladder system that gives every team a fighting chance. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or cheering in the stands, this tournament promises non-stop excitement and the possibility of unforgettable moments.
