Big South Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview and prediction

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 19: D.J. Burns Jr. #30 of the Winthrop Eagles attempts the shot against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on March 19, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

6 of 6

Big South Basketball Micheal Anumba Winthrop Eagles (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Semifinals (March 5, ESPN+)

#1 Longwood vs #5 UNC Asheville – Noon

I could see UNC Asheville winning this game behind a heroic effort from Drew Pember, but Longwood’s depth and 3-point shooting make them nearly impossible to pick against in this tournament.

The Lancers are 15-1 in the Big South for a reason.

Prediction: Longwood 72, UNC Asheville 69

#2 Winthrop vs #3 Gardner-Webb – 2 p.m.

Winthrop swept Gardner-Webb in their season series this year and will continue that success in the Big South Tournament.

The Eagles simply have too much depth and offensive firepower for the Runnin’ Bulldogs to match.

Prediction: Winthrop 72, Gardner-Webb 67

Championship (March 6, ESPN2)

#1 Longwood vs #2 Winthrop – Noon

Longwood and Winthrop have been the two best teams in the Big South all season, so it’s only fitting that they meet again in Charlotte with a championship as well as a bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

The two teams met just once this season, on Jan. 29 in Farmville, VA, where Longwood came out on top 92-88. The teams shot a combined 27-52 from 3-point range in the game — a sign of their offensive prowess that we will hopefully see on display again in this matchup.

Next. Latest mid-major power rankings. dark

Griff Aldrich and Longwood have been an unbelievable story across college basketball this season — one that deserves nothing less than their first bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Prediction: Longwood 82, Winthrop 81