2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: Texas Southern Tigers

Mar 15, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats guard Nate Velasco (15) celebrates with guard Ray Dorsey (4) in the championship game against the Prairie View A&M Panthers for the SWAC Conference college basketball tournament at Toyota Center. Texas Southern won 78-73. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Southern Tigers

Record: (19-14, 12-6 SWAC)

RPI: 245

BPI: 259

Conference: SWAC

How They Qualified: Automatic (Won Conference Tournament)

The Texas Southern Tigers finished the regular season in third place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but managed to win the conference tournament. The good news for them is they get to play in Dayton tomorrow night against a team that is at their level. The bad news is if they win that they will have to go take on the undefeated Wichita State Shockers in the round of 64.

What You Need to Know

Leading Scorer: Aaric Murray (21.2 ppg)

Leading Rebounder: Aaric Murray (7.7 rpg)

Leading Passer: Madarious Gibbs (5.2 apg)

Bad Losses: Jackson State (2), Prairie View A&M

Good Wins: Temple, Southern

What to Expect

The Tigers are one of those teams that are certainly happier to be in the NCAA Tournament rather than looking to do damage in it. They get to play Cal Poly in the First Four in Dayton tomorrow night who is 13-19 overall. Should Texas Southern be able to get through that game they will get to take their best shot at Wichita State. The Tigers will be a gigantic long shot in that one, but that’s why you play the games! One advantage from being a 16 seed is there no pressure or expectations, so this team will be able to let loose and enjoy the experience of playing on national television.

The Texas Southern Tigers are dancing!