Beech Tree News Network

Since March Madness is upon us, I felt it appropriate to delve into tournament talk.  Conference tournaments are like the undercard to the main event.  In this case, however, the conference tournaments may determine who gets to go to the big show. There has always been argument as to whether or not conference tournaments are important. They may not seem awfully important if you’re already assured a tournament berth.  If you’re not in, they’re very important.  What are the origins of different tournaments?
The inaugural SEC Tournament in 1933 was won by Kentucky, who defeated Mississippi State 46-27 for the crown.  Beginning in 1951, a round robin tournament was implemented.  From 1951-64, the tournament consisted of 14 games.  In ’65-’66, it was expanded to 16 games.  From ’67-’91, the schedule was 18 games and a champion was designated on winning percentage. In 1979, the tournament was resumed (pretty good year if you ask me). In 1992, the league split into Eastern and Western Divisions with the addition of Arkansas and others.
In 2000, Arkansas became the first team to win four games in four days, thus earning the automatic bid to the big dance.  What is the oddest thing to happen in the tournament? That would be 2008 at the tournament played in the Georgia Dome.  During the Mississippi State/Alabama OT game, a tornado struck, delaying the game 64 minutes.  The first game was finished but the second was postponed until Saturday-for the first time in history.  Kentucky has won the most Southeastern Conference tournaments at 27. Another bit of trivia? What current ACC team won the SEC title? Georgia Tech won the title in 1937(year of the Rochester flood, by the way).
The Big East held its first tournament in 1979 and was won by Georgetown (who has 7 conference championships overall).  They’re tied with Connecticut, who also has 7. Syracuse is in second place with 5 championships, including their own improbably 5 day run fueled by Gerry McNamara. 
The Sun Belt tournament began in 1977.  UNC-Charlotte won 71-70 over New Orleans.  Charlotte’s Cedric Maxwell was MVP.  Current tournament darling VCU was a former conference member, as was UAB.  The OVC was established in 1948-the year Kentucky won their first National Championship. The first OVC champion was Western Kentucky, who defeated Jefferson County Armory.  Murray State has the most OVC championships at 14.
Who will win the tournaments this year? Rest assured you will see a lot of excitement! I can’t wait!

Hello, my name is Andy Sullivan. I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in May 2009. I began writing for Beech Tree News in July 2009.  I enjoy playing guitar, the occasional Wii game, writing, and listening to music. I write a sports blog that can be found at http://andyuk79.tumblr.com
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