ETSU Basketball: ETSU Focused on Success in SoCon Tournament in Asheville
Four wins in four days. That is the task ahead for East Tennessee State if the Buccaneers want to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2020. The seventh-seeded Buccaneers will open the Southern Conference Tournament play on Friday by playing No. 10 seed VMI at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, N.C.
The winner will meet No. 2 seed North Carolina-Greensboro on Saturday, following a thrilling 66-65 victory for ETSU over UNC-Greensboro last weekend. Junior guard Quimari Peterson hit a game-winning layup against the Spartans, setting the tone for an intense tournament ahead.
Key Matchup: ETSU vs. VMI
ETSU has already beaten VMI twice this season, but both wins were hard-fought battles. The Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Keydets 74-73 in Lexington in January, followed by an 82-69 victory in Johnson City. Brennan Watkins’ return to the lineup for VMI could pose a challenge for ETSU, as he scored 21 points in their close loss.
VMI, on a 12-game losing streak, has a solitary win over a Division I team this season. ETSU head coach Brooks Savage expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend VMI effectively and emphasize the need to play well under the tournament pressure.
Player Stats and Team Resilience
Three ETSU scorers are averaging double figures this season, with Ebby Asamoah leading the pack at 15.3 points per game. Jaden Seymour (15.1) and Peterson (13.0) provide additional scoring power for the Buccaneers, while Jadyn Parker anchors the team with 6.9 rebounds and 71 blocks.
Coach Savage highlighted the team’s mental cohesion, complimenting their camaraderie and unity off the court, a vital factor in their on-court success. The team’s ability to maintain consistency and support each other through challenges has been key to their performance this season.
Coach’s Strategy for Success
As ETSU gears up for the Southern Conference Tournament, Coach Savage emphasized the importance of maintaining fundamentals, identity, and team unity under the pressure of March Madness. He stressed the need for players to showcase their skills consistently and execute effectively when it matters most.
Savage acknowledged the unpredictable nature of postseason play and the significance of each game in determining the team’s success. With a roster of talented and determined players, ETSU is primed for a spirited tournament run, aiming to secure a coveted NCAA Tournament spot.
ETSU Women’s Basketball in SoCon Tournament
The ETSU women’s basketball team, seeded fourth, is set to face Mercer in the Southern Conference Tournament on Thursday. With an 18-11 record, the Buccaneers aim to advance through the tournament bracket and compete for the championship against tough rivals like Chattanooga and North Carolina-Greensboro.
The women’s team, like their male counterparts, has focused on consistency and team cohesion throughout the season, preparing for the challenges of postseason play. Their dedication and hard work have positioned them as contenders in the competitive SoCon tournament.
As the ETSU men’s and women’s basketball teams embark on their tournament journey, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence drive their efforts. With collective determination and skill, both teams strive for success in Asheville and the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.
