Under long-time coach Rick Byrd, Belmont has become the dominant team in the Atlantic Sun Conference, appearing in four of the last six NCAA Tournaments.
Atlantic Sun Tournament 2012: Schedule And Bracket Announced
Belmont, who gave Wisconsin a tough game in the first round last year, is the favorite once again in this one-bid league.
With the core of a team that lost 72-58 to Wisconsin in the first round last year still around, the Bruins are the favorites once again in 2012.
They finished the regular season with a 24-7 record, including a 16-2 Atlantic Sun mark and a pair of close losses to Duke and Memphis.
However, without a signature non-conference win, Belmont will need to win the conference tournament to punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
Their main competition should come from No. 2 seed Mercer, who lost 62-61 to the Bruins on Feb. 25, and No. 3 seed USC Upstate, who beat Belmont 79-78 on Jan. 21.
Mercer, which hosts the Tournament this year, could have a significant edge if the two teams have a rematch in the finals.
Here’s the full 2012 Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament bracket and schedule: (All times Eastern)
Quarterfinals - Wednesday, Feb. 29
No. 8 Jacksonville vs. No. 1 Belmont, 2:30 p.m.
No. 7 Lipscomb at No. 2 Mercer, 8:30 p.m.
Quarterfinals - Thursday, March 1
No. 5 North Florida vs. No. 4 East Tennessee State, 2:30 p.m.
No. 6 Florida Gulf Coastal vs. No. 3 USC Upstate, 8:30 p.m.
Semifinals - Friday, March 2
Game 1, 6 p.m.
Game 2, 8:30 p.m.
Championship - Saturday, March 3
7 p.m. (ESPN2)
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