1997 TAAC Men's Basketball Tournament

The 1997 Trans America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament (now known as the Atlantic Sun Men's Basketball Tournament) was held February 27–March 1 at the John Kresse Arena at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.[1]

1997 TAAC Men's Basketball Tournament
ClassificationDivision I
Season1996–97
Teams8
SiteJohn Kresse Arena
Charleston, SC
ChampionsCollege of Charleston (1st title)
Winning coachJohn Kresse (1st title)
MVPAnthony Johnson (College of Charleston)

College of Charleston defeated Florida International in the championship game, 83–73, to win their first TAAC/Atlantic Sun men's basketball tournament.

The Cougars, therefore, received the TAAC's automatic bid to the 1997 NCAA Tournament, their first automatic bid to the Division I tournament. Charleston defeated Maryland in the First Round before falling to eventual-champion Arizona in the Round of 32.

Format

For conference scheduling, the 12 teams in the TAAC were separated into two six-team divisions. However, only the top eight teams in the standings, regardless of division, were invited to participate in the tournament. College of Charleston became eligible for the tournament this year after becoming a full Division I member. However, transitioning members Florida Atlantic and Jacksonville State were not eligible.

Bracket
  Quarterfinals
Thursday, February 27		 Semifinals
Friday, February 28		 Championship
Saturday, March 1
                           
  1 #20 College of Charleston 89  
8 Centenary (LA) 71  
  1 #20 College of Charleston 93  
    5 SE Louisiana 63  
5 SE Louisiana 61
  4 Campbell 55  
    1 #20 College of Charleston 83
  2 Florida International 73
  3 Samford 60  
6 Stetson 51  
3 Samford 67
    2 Florida International 90  
7 Georgia State 57
  2 Florida International 70  

References
  1. "1996-97 Atlantic Sun Conference Season Summary". sports-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
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