The Big South Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off on Tuesday. You can find the bracket here. Here is a quick preview of each team as they enter the tournament:

#1 South – Charleston Southern 12-4
The Buccaneers are one of the Big South Tournament favorites this year. They have a balanced attack, boasting four players averaging double figures while also leading the conference in team rebounds. CSU was able to claim first seed in the south after a 12-4 conference record.
#2 South – Gardner-Webb 11-5
Remarkably, the Runnin’ Bulldogs (11-5 in Big South) don’t have a single player in the top 5 of any major statistic for the Big South, but don’t let their slow pace and emphasis on defense fool you, the Bulldogs are eyeing the championship. Gardner-Webb is a young team who has flourished over the final stretch of this season, winning their last seven match ups. The Bulldogs seem to be peaking at just the right time, not to mention they are the only Big South team with 20 wins overall.

#3 South – UNC Asheville 10-6
Led by senior Jeremy Atkinson, the Bulldogs had a solid 10-6 year in the Big South. The Bulldogs led the league in field goal percentage, forcing the opposition to be efficient with the basketball. UNCA struggled down the stretch but had small margin of losses. Despite the Bulldogs’ success, they could not secure a first round bye due to the strength of the southern division.

#4 South – Coastal Carolina 9-7

You’ve got to like the Chanticleers’ chances going into the Big South Tournament with one of the better home court advantages in the Big South. Coastal’s record was an average 9-7 this season in conference, but when playing at home the Chanticleers were 7-1. Their home and away records are virtually opposites, making their hosting rights extremely valuable to them in tournament play.
#5 South – Winthrop 6-10
The Eagles are a team that likes to spread the ball around evenly and play solid defense. They are very inconsistent; beating good teams, yet losing to some bad ones. Don’t expect the Eagles to go far in the tournament, but then again I wouldn’t be surprised if they upset a team or two before all is done.
#6 South – Presbyterian 4-12
This will be the Blue Hose’s first time eligible for the Big South Conference Tournament after transitioning from Division II. It will be hard for teams to take Presbyterian seriously after they won just four conference games this season, but maybe they’ll add to this number. While it is unlikely Presbyterian will do any damage, I’m sure workhorse, Khalid Mutakabbir has other plans for his final season.

#1 North – High Point 12-4

Though the loss of John Brown will severely hurt the Panthers’ chances, they still posted a 12-4 conference record on the year and should not be taken lightly. Allan Chaney (14.4 PPG 7.9 RPG) will be the key to the Panthers’ success. Though he has already had a great year, he proved against Campbell that he has the potential to fill the void left by Brown.
#2 North – VMI 8-8
Usually an 8-8 league record doesn’t make a case for a squad to have a shot at their conference tournament, but it’s hard to count out the Keydets when Stan Okoye makes a habit of having huge nights. He has a ridiculous 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game average while shooting 46% and only playing 32 and a half minutes, leading the best offense in the conference. The Keydets must play better defense before they are considered to win the Big South though.

#3 North – Campbell  7-9
The Fighting Camels are 7-9 in the conference, and are a streaky team to say the least. Showing glimpses of hope throughout the season, Campbell has proven that they can play with anyone in the Big South, even after the loss of Darren White.

#4 North – Radford 7-9
Javonte Green is a true hustler. Though only 6-4, he has somehow managed to average 8.2 boards a game, not to mention he is also averaging 14.6 points for the Highlanders. It will be very interesting to see this Radford team matchup with Winthrop in the first round. Radford went 7-9 in conference play this season.

#5 North – Liberty 6-10

The Flames have shown flashes of hope over the 2012-2013 season, but after a 6-10 Big South Conference effort, don’t expect the Flames to go far in the tournament. Liberty unfortunately drew host, Coastal Carolina first round. Liberty has had trouble finding consistent leadership on the court this season.
#6 North – Longwood 4-12
Though Longwood doesn’t have much to offer the Big South tournament this year, they have the potential to ruin another team’s tournament hopes. With a few interesting players and a 4-3 run to finish the season, don’t fall asleep on the Lancers. They came within three points of beating UNCA once already at Kimmel Arena.