2014 Atlantic Sun Tournament Preview

The Atlantic Sun Tournament kicks off on Tuesday so here at Mid-Major Madness, we break down it all down. Although the intricacies of the equation escape me, KenPom's percent chance of winning the A-Sun Championship is included for each team. All the schedules and viewing info for the A-Sun can be found here.

The Favorites

Mercer (48%): The Bears head into the postseason with far and away the best RPI and SOS in the conference. Led by recently named A-Sun POY Langston Hall, Bob Hoffman's squad holds a wealth of experience and are hungry for revenge. Guard play hasn't been a problem, but the Bears will fall if their usual dominance on the glass fails them - like it did on the road against FGCU.

Florida Gulf Coast (37%): After barely edging out Mercer in the regular season, FGCU holds what has been most important to them this season: home court advantage. The Eagles haven't lost an A-Sun home contest yet this season and they'll be playing all their games in Fort Myers. If Marquette transfer Jamail Jones can continue his surge, don't be surprised of Dunk City makes a return to March Madness.

The Contenders

USC Upstate (10%): With Ty Greene back on the floor, the Spartans hold a full roster that is as scary as any in the Atlantic Sun. Granted Greene's transition back into the lineup hasn't been all too smooth, if they can get by UNF, he could be primed for Mercer in the semifinals. Eddie Payne's team has had the pieces in the place for a while but is this year they break through? Prolific scorer Torrey Craig and inside presence Ricardo Glenn have the Spartans read to strike.

East Tennessee State (3%): At three percent, ETSU isn't exactly your prototypical contender, but with their ability to catch fire, there is no telling what will happen come tournament time. Conference first teamer Rashawn Rembert gives the Bucs a dynamic scorer who will have a great chance at wrecking those oh so popular A-Sun brackets. First though, they'll have to go through high riding Lipscomb.

So You're Saying There's A Chance

Lipscomb (1.1%): The Bisons head into the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the Atlantic Sun; they've won eight of their last ten games, including a 21 point whooping of FGCU. First year head coach Casey Alexander had done a terrific job with a roster that contains four double digit scorers.

North Florida (.6%): Fearless freshman Dallas Moore combined with veteran Travis Wallace make the Ospreys an intimidating first round match-up for USC Upstate.

Jacksonville (.2%): A dangerous Dolphins backcourt is outweighed by stingy defense. A tough first round draw against Mercer leaves not too much hope.

Stetson (.04%): Excluding Willie Green, the Hatters have struggled to score this season but last time they visited FGCU, Stetson fell by only three - don't overlook Corey William's squad.