Big South Basketball: 2021 Conference Tournament preview, predictions
![BUIES CREEK, NC - MARCH 06: Players of the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs celebrate following their 77-68 victory against the Winthrop Eagles during the championship game of the 2016 Big South Basketball Tournament at Pope Convocation Center on March 6, 2016 in Buies Creek, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) BUIES CREEK, NC - MARCH 06: Players of the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs celebrate following their 77-68 victory against the Winthrop Eagles during the championship game of the 2016 Big South Basketball Tournament at Pope Convocation Center on March 6, 2016 in Buies Creek, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/11ceedc6b329cf49d2f94c1ec483b0bcffb874d12988afdb938c4d2da7fbdfcc.jpg)
Semifinals
No. 1 Winthrop Eagles vs No. 5 Longwood Lancers
It wasn’t a fun two matchups at Winthrop for the Lancers, losing both by a combined 31 points. They have three double-digit scoring guards but a lack of size and consistent defense makes them a clear-cut underdog against the Eagles.
Prediction: Winthrop 68, Longwood 54
No. 6 Gardner-Webb Bulldogs vs No. 10 Presbyterian Blue Hose
The Bulldogs won both matchups at home in the regular season, although they were very different types of results. The first was a six-point victory that was close throughout, with the second being a 27-point blowout, led by 19 points each from D’maurian Williams and Jaheam Cornwall. While I doubt this semifinal game will end up like the ladder, I think Gardner-Webb will be fine in this one.
Prediction: Garnder-Webb 73, Presbyterian 62
Finals
No. 1 Winthrop Eagles vs No. 6 Gardner-Webb Bulldogs
The Eagles had the regular-season sweep by a combined 18 points, although the second matchup was much more closer. After losing by six points at the half, Winthrop scored 51 in the second half to get the 91-83 victory. Gardner-Webb last made the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and after losing so much talent, has rebounded to have a solid enough season in the Big South.
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In the end, Winthrop will just be too much for the Bulldogs, as they have been for the rest of the Big South this year. Barring a shocking upset, look for them to represent the conference in the Big Dance.