MEAC Tournament Updates: Bethune-Cookman wins the title, defeating Norfolk 57-45

Bethune-Cookman won the MEAC crown against Norfolk on Saturday in a 57-45 victory. With the win, Bethune-Cookman received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Original story:

Last season, North Carolina A&T enjoyed the confetti fall after defeating Hampton in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship game.

Now, the Aggies find themselves in a familiar position, but with a chance to repeat as the MEAC champion following a perfect 16-0 conference record — a first in school history.

North Carolina A&T (19-10, 16-0) finished the 2018-19 regular season with an 86-52 landslide victory over North Carolina Central — icing on the cake — to capture the regular-season crown.

Although the MEAC tournament provides a fresh start for every team, it’s hard to see North Carolina A&T not repeating as conference champions.

The Aggies are a clear favorite to win because of the team’s chemistry, the strength of the roster (including veteran leadership) and their ability to win on the road.

During the regular season, the Aggies only played in a few close games in MEAC play — against Norfolk State, Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central and South Carolina State. In a majority of the close games, A&T defeated their opponents on the road.

North Carolina A&T is experienced, mentally tough and built to win this tournament. The Aggies can defeat opponents on both sides of the ball and they carry over experience from last season’s NCAA tournament appearance.

Schedule

When: Monday, March 11 — Saturday, March 16

Where: Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA

How to view:

Flohoops — first round, quarterfinals, semifinals

ESPN 3 — championship

Bracket

FIRST ROUND

Howard held off a strong Florida A&M comeback to defeat the Rattlers, 59-53, and clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. Coppin State squeaked by Morgan State in a two-point, 50-48 victory. North Carolina Central secured its spot in the quarterfinals by destroying Delaware State, 80-64. And, later in the day, South Carolina State punched its ticket to the second round by defeating Savannah State, 62-53.

No. 12 Florida A&M vs. No. 5 Howard

Monday, March 11, 1 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 11 Coppin State vs. No. 6 Morgan

Monday, March 11, 3:30 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 9 North Carolina Central vs. No. 8 Delaware State

Tuesday, March 12, 1 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 10 Savannah State vs. No. 7 South Carolina State

Tuesday, March 12, 3:30 p.m. ET, Flohoops

QUARTERFINALS

North Carolina A&T blew out North Carolina Central, 79-49, and clinched a spot in the semifinals. Maryland Eastern Shore dismantled South Carolina State, 57-34, to qualify for the semifinals. Coppin State was eliminated after a 49-55 loss to Bethune-Cookman, while Norfolk sent Howard back to the Nations Capital after beating them 72-51.

No. 1 North Carolina A&T vs. No. 9 North Carolina Central

Wednesday, March 13, 12 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 2 Maryland Eastern Shore vs. No. 7 South Carolina State

Wednesday, March 13, 2 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 3 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 11 Coppin State

Thursday, March 14, 12 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 4 Norfolk vs No. 5 Howard

Thursday, March 14, 2 p.m. ET, Flohoops

SEMIFINALS

Norfolk is on its way to the MEAC Tournament final after upsetting North Carolina A&T 60-43 in the semifinals yesterday. Bethune-Cookman advanced to the championship game with a 58-47 win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

No. 1 North Carolina A&T vs. No. 4 Norfolk

Friday, March 15, 12 p.m. ET, Flohoops

No. 2 Maryland Eastern Shore vs. No. 3 Bethune-Cookman

Friday, March 15, 2 p.m. ET, Flohoops

CHAMPIONSHIP

Bethune-Cookman won the MEAC crown against Norfolk on Saturday in a 57-45 victory. With the win, Bethune-Cookman received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

No. 4 Norfolk vs. No. 3 Bethune-Cookman

Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN3