Quiet as kept, there will be a tournament in Charlotte this week. The CIAA announced its men's tournament bracket after the regular season concluded last night. Here are our initial thoughts.
Johnson C. Smith has the best chance to make an extended run of the four first-day teams. JCSU beat the top two teams in both divisions (Livingstone, WSSU, Bowie State and Lincoln) but had trouble beating lesser opponents. If they get past Virginia Union, a team they split with in the regular season, they could be a threat to win it all as they will have the confidence to play with anyone in this tournament.
Bowie State has a legit shot at repeating. They lost a lot of talent from last year, but many supporting players have matured late this season. Regardless of division, this team can play. Ray Gatling (18 ppg) might be the most underrated player in the conference this season.
