Per NBCSports.com:
Atlantic Sun Tournament Preview and Postseason Awards
(https://swoophoops.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/img_6639.jpg?w=620&h=358)
The 37th edition of the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament will look a little different. Defending tournament champion Mercer has moved on to the Southern Conference and regular-season champion North Florida hasn't had any sort of recent success. Of course, Florida Gulf Coast remains in the picture and the conference's campus sites tournament makes for an intriguing element as well.
(https://nbccollegebasketballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/2015-atlantic-sun-mens-basketball-tournament.jpg?w=620&h=358)
When: March 3, 5, 8
Where: Campus sites (better seed, all rounds)
Final: March 8, 7:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
Favorite: North Florida
The Ospreys only lost to USC Upstate in Atlantic Sun play this season and swept No. 2 seed Florida Gulf Coast with double-digit wins in both games. The conference's most uptempo team, North Florida is riding a five-game winning streak entering the A-Sun Tournament and has homecourt advantage in every game thanks to the league's campus sites tournament policy for top seeds.
And if they lose?: Florida Gulf Coast
Dunk City won't play the same uptempo style that they used to, but they're still the No. 2 seed and a talented, experienced team. Brett Comer and Bernard Thompson are seniors who were both on the Sweet 16 team and both will want to return to the NCAA Tournament for one final time.
Sleepers:
USC Upstate: Home of the conference's leading scorer, guard Ty Greene, the Spartans beat top seed North Florida twice and wouldn't be scared to face them on the road in a title game.
Northern Kentucky: The Norsemen are the No. 4 seed and they've been tough at home but struggle on the road.
Player of the Year: Ty Greene, USC Upstate
The senior had always been a prolific scorer, but this season Greene upped his shooting percentages and led the conference in scoring at 20.1 per game. He also led the conference in steals per game at 2.2 a game and Greene helped lead the Spartans to third place in the conference in the regular season.
Coach of the Year: North Florida's Matthew Driscoll
In his sixth year, Driscoll has a regular season Atlantic Sun champion and the Ospreys will finish above .500 for the first time in his tenure this season.
All-Atlantic Sun Team:
Greene
Brett Comer, Florida Gulf Coast – Led the league in assists at 7 per game — second place was 4.2 per game — and also scored 12.4 points per game for the second-place Eagles.
Dallas Moore, North Florida – The leading scorer for the Ospreys was fourth in the league at 15.4 points per game while averaging 3.9 assists and 3 rebounds per game.
Josh Williams, Lipscomb – The sophomore came on strong this season, averaging 17.2 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range.
Jalen Billups, Northern Kentucky – Shooting a ridiculous 69 percent from the field was the 6-foot-6 junior, who averaged 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in only 21 minutes per contest.
CBT PREDICTION: North Florida over Florida Gulf Coast
Side Note: The hosting team for the Atlantic Sun Tourney has lost the last 3 years in a row, time for UNF to break the spell.
Anyone going to the game tonight? I will catch it on ESPN.
I'll be there. Kudos to Matt Driscoll and all of the players for a great regular season. Hopefully they can continue the roll...
JU's young team has been getting better lately, winning 3 of their last 5 games including vs Fl Gulf Coast who they play tonight.
http://judolphins.com/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150302vb5dv9
I like what I see from first year coach Tony Jasick.
I'll be there.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on March 03, 2015, 09:26:44 AM
JU's young team has been getting better lately, winning 3 of their last 5 games including vs Fl Gulf Coast who they play tonight.
http://judolphins.com/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150302vb5dv9
I like what I see from first year coach Tony Jasick.
It wouldn't hurt my feelings if JU pulls an upset and knocks FGCU out.
I would like to see Upstate get knocked out. Upstate is like the Titans were for the 14-2 Jaguars. Can't explain it, just don't want them to play UNF.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on March 03, 2015, 09:26:44 AM
JU's young team has been getting better lately, winning 3 of their last 5 games including vs Fl Gulf Coast who they play tonight.
http://judolphins.com/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/20150302vb5dv9
I like what I see from first year coach Tony Jasick.
Agreed. Gene Frenette had a good article about JU in the T-U today - it's behind their paywall. Yeah, JU beat FGCU and USC-Upstate, that's a couple of pretty nice wins for them to build on.
Quote from: Dapperdan on March 03, 2015, 09:36:01 AM
I would like to see Upstate get knocked out. Upstate is like the Titans were for the 14-2 Jaguars. Can't explain it, just don't want them to play UNF.
Haha - that's exactly how I feel! I was thinking the same thing about the Titans.
For me - the nervous fan, I would like to see someone knock out Upstate. For the players - there's a reason they're successful at what they do - they're confident and not afraid to play the good teams. So I'm sure they would like the opportunity to avenge those losses. But from the nervous fan perspective, I don't want to see Upstate again this year!
I think I would rather play Upsate then having to try and beat FGCU for a third time.
Quote from: Downtown Osprey on March 03, 2015, 10:36:13 AM
I think I would rather play Upsate then having to try and beat FGCU for a third time.
Yeah, beating a good team three times is a tall order. That goes for both UNF over FGCU and USC Upstate over UNF.
UNF had Upstate on the ropes early that first game. Was surprised they blew the lead to be honest. From what I remember, they had one really good player who could shoot from anywhere.
In the end, I just want the Ospreys to make it to Sunday. There will be a good student turnout and I have a feeling that place will be rocking. Nationally televised home game with a shot at making the tourney. Would be fun to see.
UNF is ranked 172 in the RPI, which I would guess will be high enough to keep them from a play in game. Heck, if some upsets happen in conference tournaments they could even have a shot at a 15 seed.
ASun is also the 30th ranked conference out of 33, so I would guess the winners of those lower leagues would get the play in game
^Correction, I just looked at the lower leagues and they all have a team that is ranked higher than UNF. UNF is actually the lowest ranked regular season conference champ in the country. May actually need a few upsets in conference tourney's to avoid being in one of the 2 play in games. Basically, the lowest 4 automatic qualifiers and lowest 4 at large teams have play in games.
Quote from: copperfiend on March 03, 2015, 02:50:43 PM
UNF had Upstate on the ropes early that first game. Was surprised they blew the lead to be honest. From what I remember, they had one really good player who could shoot from anywhere.
USC Upstate has all conference guard Ty Greene. The first time they played they limited Greene to 6 points in the first half. UNF had a 13 point lead. In the second half Ty got hot and started knocking off the threes and UNF didnt have an answer. They could t stop him and UNF got cold. UNF finally got hot with 2:30 left and got it down to 1. They had 3 chances to take the lead and could t come through.
I dont know what happened up in Spartanburg. Ty Greene had 28 points. I ran into Ty at Pei Wei when they were down here.
As far as NCAA playoffs its pretty clear cut.
UNF has to win the tourney to get the automatic conference bid. Period. Their RPI is way to high to get an at large berth.
If UNF loses in the tourney, as the regular season champ they would get the automatic NIT bid.
So UNF HAS TO WIN the next 3 games to make the NCAA playoffs.
Spuwho, I don't know if your post was directed at me, but I was operating under the assumption that UNF wins the ASUN Tourney.
Quote from: CityLife on March 03, 2015, 04:52:55 PM
Spuwho, I don't know if your post was directed at me, but I was operating under the assumption that UNF wins the ASUN Tourney.
Nope. Just a general clarification for those interested. Nothing more. Go Ospreys!
Halftime:
UNF: 45 Stetson: 28
USC Upstate is destroying Kennesaw State. Up by 30 points already.
JU is in the hunt with FGCU, down 48-39.
USC Upstate demolished Kennesaw State: 90-54 (Ty Greene - 21 pts)
FGCU beat JU: 81-63.
Northern Kentucky and Lipscomb are in OT.
UNF: 67 Stetson: 45 with 9:00 left.
UNF prevails 81-67.
Lipscomb finally beat NKU in OT.
Next round UNF vs. Lipscomb.
Go Ospreys!
JU's season is over but they should be much better next year. Go Dolphins!
Whew - on to Thursday! I wouldn't mind seeing that FGCU-Upstate game. I hope they go to about 4 OTs and really wear each other down. :)
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on March 04, 2015, 08:52:43 AM
JU's season is over but they should be much better next year. Go Dolphins!
Agreed. My son is about to graduate from UNF, but I grew up supporting JU and going to a lot of their games, so I would really love to see them build up their program again. I look forward to the day when JU plays most of their games on campus again.
Quote from: Ajax on March 04, 2015, 09:03:12 AM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on March 04, 2015, 08:52:43 AM
JU's season is over but they should be much better next year. Go Dolphins!
Agreed. My son is about to graduate from UNF, but I grew up supporting JU and going to a lot of their games, so I would really love to see them build up their program again. I look forward to the day when JU plays most of their games on campus again.
I spent many childhood evenings in the late 80s and 90s killing time at the JU music building, and would wander around, often next door to Swisher Gym and sit up in the bleachers occasionally when the basketball team came out for practice. I remember my dad telling me about the great Hugh Durham after he was hired. Good memories. Would also wander farther out to the baseball field and caught a couple games for free.
Quote from: Ajax on March 04, 2015, 08:58:33 AM
Whew - on to Thursday! I wouldn't mind seeing that FGCU-Upstate game. I hope they go to about 4 OTs and really wear each other down. :)
It will be on ESPN3 and I am with you, I would like to see it. Brett Comer on FGCU plays Ty Greene on USC Upstate prerty well.
Its going to be a hard fought game.
When was the last time a Jacksonville school was in the big dance? Was it 1986 ?
Quote from: Dapperdan on March 04, 2015, 12:52:41 PM
When was the last time a Jacksonville school was in the big dance? Was it 1986 ?
In 1986, when JU lost to Temple in the First Round.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/history/_/team1/12252
UNF beats Lipscomb to reach the tourney final.
USC Upstate upset FGCU. Ty Greene hit 2 free throws with 5 seconds left for the win.
This sets up a huge showdown for the championship.
USC Upstate has beaten UNF twice this year. Revenge factor is huge!!
This is going to be a great game.
^^^I'm glad that UNF will be playing Upstate instead of FGCU. I want the revenge!!!
I'm going to have nightmares about Ty Greene between now and Sunday.
There's a nice article by Gene Frenette in today's T-U (behind the paywall) about Dallas Moore. He's been playing with a heavy heart but he really carried the team last night.
Here's to the Ospreys going 1-0 on Sunday!
^Moore lit it up last night. He had to have scored over 30 points. He definitely led that team to victory.
It's an exciting time to be an Osprey right now. The crowd was tremendous, one of the biggest and most excited we've ever had. USC Upstate can't stop us now!
I'll be there, along with ESPN2! Can't wait.
Awesome Baby! 8)
(http://www.picturesnew.com/media/images/dick-vitale.jpg)
If you decide to go to the game, there are 3 ways to enter.
On ground level there is the main entrance if you already have your tickets.
The ticket office is outside with will call and yes you can order tickets online.
There is a second floor entrance above the tix office but it is cash only!
The student entrance is at the east end of the Arena for easy access to the student sections.
The parking garage across the drive is free but you have to be very patient after the game to get out as lines back up.
You might consider parking in an open lot and walk over instead.
If you are concerned with traffic, UNF has a "back door" entrance on Central Parkway south of Beach that can get you to Eco Drive with no worries.
Concessions has everything and there is a beer counter on the second floor if you need a brew with your Bball.
General Admission opposite the players benches usually fills up first, but to be honest, you can see the game really well from any seat.
Looking forward to seeing you all there. Go Ospreys!
Someone had tweeted Brent Martineau that all reserved seating had been sold and approx 400 GA was all that was left. Not sure how accurate that info was....
I assume some of the GA tickets are held back for USC Upstate. I will ask if/when they get released.
From the Twitter universe
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_cG9PHWQAAMwQc.jpg)
^^I love it. Sunday 2:30 PM on the 'deuce' I can't wait!!!
Stores are reporting a run on scarce UNF tshirts and stuff. UNF bookstore selling hats and shirts at a brisk pace.
USC Upstate team arrived last night. They are offering fan buses from Spartanburg for $50 a head. Their ticket allotment comes back this afternoon.
Apparently some zealous FGCU fans called the USC Upstate players hotel rooms all night before the game. Hopefully we wont fall into that level of gamesmanship.
The USC players are showing good attitude in the press so far.
Game is sold out.
Quote from: edjax on March 07, 2015, 03:09:06 PM
Game is sold out.
Is this the first ever for UNF?
Quote from: spuwho on March 07, 2015, 04:33:26 PM
Quote from: edjax on March 07, 2015, 03:09:06 PM
Game is sold out.
Is this the first ever for UNF?
I am pretty sure it is. If not first sold out, at least first sold out in advance. Perhaps one of the JU games sold out with walk ups a couple of years ago.
I'll check, but I'm almost certain this is UNF's first sellout for sports (we sometimes have sellout for concerts and such, but to my knowledge we've never seen these numbers for any sport).
Too funny. I ran into the Upstate team tonight at SJTC. Nice guys. Said people were giving them friendly "smack" but otherwise were being treated really well.
I asked them about the hotel late night phone calls down at FGCU and they said it was pretty crazy.
This is the second time I have run into the team while they were in Jax.
Per First Coast News:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A shot was fired into the air and a UNF men's basketball player had minor injuries after an argument broke out at a party off Kernan Boulevard early Saturday morning, UNF PR confirmed.
A track athlete and a non-student were arrested after the incident, which took place at The Flats, a UNF-owned apartment complex, Sharon Ashton, Vice President of Public Relations said in an email.
The track athlete has been charged with armed burglary to a structure, battery, and resisting a police officer without violence, and the non-student was charged with armed burglary to a structure and resisting a police officer without violence.
The unnamed basketball player is recovering from minor injuries to the face and did not require hospitalization.
According to the release, early reports show that at least one player was on the balcony of an apartment when a verbal dispute began with individuals below.
Sometime after that, the non-student and track athlete forced their way inside the apartment.
The report says that witnesses told police the non-student had a gun.
The track athlete then punched a basketball player in the face. Both suspects then ran from the apartment. As the non-student left the apartment he shot a gun into the air, witnesses told police.
Other university officials, including Osprey men's basketball head coach Matthew Driscoll, did go to the scene while police were there.
"I am saddened that such an incident took place," University of North Florida President John Delaney said in a statement. He also said that police are treating the party attendees as victims and that there is no information on whether or not there is any need for disciplinary actions toward any other UNF student.
University Police Department officers are still investigating the incident.
According to UNF President Delaney:
"The basketball players were victims," he said. "They were minding their own business," when the assailants attacked. He said the basketball player was punched by the track student and given a bloody nose.
That student is expected to be able to play tomorrow.
Delaney adds that security will be increased in the next few days.
There are still 50 minutes till tip off, the place is only a third filled, and it already loud and exciting. A UNF win today is going to be amazing.
Watching on TV. What an atmosphere!!
UNF does it!!!!
What a win!!! The atmosphere was electric throughout! SWOOP!!!!
SWOOP! 8)
Ticket punched! Congrats to UNF.
What a game. And conrgatulations to the UNF Ospreys!! As a proud former student that never finished my Masters I couldn't be prouder of those men. Me and fellow U Never Finished alum need to start our own supporters' club ;)
Best of luck in the Tournament.
What a game and congratulations to UNF. All the bracket experts are already penciling them in as a likely play in game team. It sucks they'll have to win another game to be in the proper tournament but it'll be cool to see UNF in a nationally televised prime time game.
^^^UNF's win over USC Upstate makes them the Atlantic Coast Conference champions, which automatically makes them NCAA tourney bound without playing any 'additional game to get in'. On the ESPN 2 broadcast, I heard someone mentioning a RUMOR that UNF will be playing the Dayton Flyers; I'm not sure how accurate that is though.
^Couple things wrong there. UNF is the Atlantic Sun Champion, not ACC. They are also a candidate for a "play in game". Meaning they have to beat another 16 seed in order to play a #1 seed in the regular tournament. I believe the play in games are on TruTV. They are played at the University of Dayton, not against Dayton. They won't know who they play until next Sunday.
Very cool for UNF though. With them returning 4 of their top 5 scorers and playing in a weak conference, have to think they can start making this a regular occurrence.
The 2 play-in games were set up a few years ago when additional conferences were created and they didn't want to take away the 34 at-large bids. The two automatic bid teams deemed the "worst" play in one game...and the last two at-large bids (usually #12 seeds) play in the other game.
While the A-Sun is not held in high esteem, there is a good chance that teams in other conferences with worse records find their way into the dance...so it is a very real possibility that UNF will not be in a first round (play-in) game.
Actually for a first time participant in the tourney. I don't think it would be all that bad to play in the play in game. Only two games on that day and would get a nice spotlight on the school and program. Sure they would be showing a few videos of the crazy crowd at UNF today and all.
Quote from: FSBA on March 08, 2015, 05:38:33 PM
What a game and congratulations to UNF. All the bracket experts are already penciling them in as a likely play in game team. It sucks they'll have to win another game to be in the proper tournament but it'll be cool to see UNF in a nationally televised prime time game.
Quote from: CityLife on March 08, 2015, 06:43:29 PM
Couple things wrong there. UNF is the Atlantic Sun Champion, not ACC. They are also a candidate for a "play in game". Meaning they have to beat another 16 seed in order to play a #1 seed in the regular tournament. I believe the play in games are on TruTV. They are played at the University of Dayton, not against Dayton. They won't know who they play until next Sunday.
Very cool for UNF though. With them returning 4 of their top 5 scorers and playing in a weak conference, have to think they can start making this a regular occurrence.
I meant to say Atlantic Sun Conference. I see what yall are saying about the 'play in' game, my mind was still stuck on the old school 64 team tourney for some reason, my bad. :-[
Great game today. Such an awesome atmosphere.
That was an amazing game. Other than that 11-0 run by USC to start the second half, the energy yesterday was non-stop. Those guys played really well after a slow start and the aforementioned rough patch. Very proud day to be an UNF alumni as well as current MBA student. The exposure from ESPN, the Jags, and sports sites has been great for UNF.
Here is a real rough video of we are the champions from the floor of the court after the game.
https://www.youtube.com/v/MceJZOl_t_A&feature=youtu.be
Proud alumni today! Atmosphere was unreal, amazing how quick they've managed to get this program built up. It's also exciting to know that all these kids will be back next season. Young and talented squad, very excited for the future.
Congrats UNF! Swoop!
http://sports.yahoo.com/video/band-members-crazy-dance-sparks-015237249.html
Haha. That's awesome. Get that kid on scholarship
The place went nuts with his dancing. It really brought the energy back into the building.
Quote from: CityLife on March 09, 2015, 02:29:34 PM
Haha. That's awesome. Get that kid on scholarship
He did. ESPN gave him a $2000 scholarship. They announced it in the 2nd half.
He was on all the Sportscenter highlight reels for "March Madness".
Who knows? His next stop will be on Jimmy Fallon or Letterman.
https://www.youtube.com/v/kRxs_YyL_gA
http://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2015-03-08/mbk-sc-upstate-north-florida-gamechanger-highlights
https://www.youtube.com/v/CX00uS0VR0M