Conference USA Basketball

History was made Tuesday when the East Carolina Pirates beat the Weber State Wildcats in the finals of the College Insider Tournament, 77-74.

The win marks the first tournament championship in ECU basketball history and will result in the first men’s basketball banner to hang from the empty rafters of Minges Coliseum.

The Wildcats came into last night’s game winning 14 straight home games, losing just once in the Dee Events Center all season. The Pirates were definite underdogs, but delivered with great guard play from Miguel Paul and Maurice Kemp’s ninth straight game with 20-plus points.

The competition was fierce through the first half. Wildcats’ guard Scott Bamforth came out of the gate shooting, knocking down the first six points of the game on two three-pointers. It was the Pirates’ big men that kept them in the game. Ty Armstrong threw down a vicious slam five minutes into the game and hit four one-handed jumpers a few feet outside of the paint in the first half.

After being down six at one point, the Pirates headed into the locker room up seven at the half.

The second half told a similar story, a back-and-fourth affair.

With three minutes remaining, the Pirates found themselves down 71-65, but a clutch three from Maurice Kemp and a momentum-swinging alley-oop by Robert Sampson, assisted by Miguel Paul, gave the Pirates a one-point lead with 38 seconds remaining. Then, a bad foul from Paul put star point guard Davion Berry on the line for two shots.

After sinking the first one, Berry missed the second and gave the Pirates the opportunity for the last shot. With time ticking away, University of Rhode Island transfer Akeem Richmond stepped back and hit a three-pointer as time expired. It dropped, sealing the most significant victory in the history of ECU’s basketball program.

The win moved ECU’s record to 23-13 and dropped Weber State’s record to 30-7.

ECU will join the soon-to-be renamed Big East conference in 2014.

The Memphis Tigers finished the 2012-13 season, unsurprisingly, as Conference USA champions. Are they actually going to be able to capitalize on the momentum and win a NCAA tournament game this year? Let’s take a look.

Memphis finished with a 30-4 record after the regular season and conference tournament, a respectable record under fourth-year coach Josh Pastner.

However, the two previous times that the Tigers were able to capture the C-USA crown under their 35-year-old coach (2012, 2011), they failed to win in the Big Dance.

Things could certainly change in 2013, as Memphis boasts one of the most exciting, athletic and talented young squads in the nation.

The Tigers are fresh off a morale-building double-overtime win against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the last Conference USA contest they will ever play, as the school is set to join the new-look Big East this summer.

There’s no reason to believe that this group will falter in the Round of 64, as it finally has a legitimate star in PG Joe Jackson. The 6’1” junior is averaging a solid 13.6 points, 4.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds this year, while coming up big when it counts.

In the double-OT thriller, Jackson played a whopping 44 minutes and connected on 9-of-15 shots from the field. He finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He wasn’t the only hero in the game, as star bench scorer Chris Crawford stepped up in a big way.

The 6’4” junior knocked down 8-of-16 shots on the way to 23 points, six dimes and three boards in 40 minutes of play.

Both of these players are capable of carrying the Tigers for stretches, and when they are both on, the team can beat anyone in the nation. It’s not going to be an easy road, but we predict the Tigers could make it to the Sweet 16.

We’re inclined to agree with Joe Lunardi’s projection of a No. 7 seed for Memphis, matching the program up with a tough, but beatable No. 10 seed in the second round.

After that, the Tigers would draw a dangerous No. 2 seed. While we’re not saying it's a shoo-in to win, this team has the heart and talent to play up to that level and overcome anyone.

Remember, Memphis holds an RPI of 14 and has only lost once since December 20. This squad simply wins ball games and has the athleticism to compete with big-time programs at every position on the court.

Depending on how the bracket shakes out and which opponents Memphis draws, there is no telling how far of a run they can make. Just know that they are primed to win their first game and could go deep. 

Be sure to download a printable NCAA bracket and watch Selection Sunday at 6:00 PM, ET.

The Memphis Tigers have yet to lose a Conference USA game this season. One win away from an undefeated campaign, The Southern Miss Eagles will fight an NCAA tournament berth in the C-USA tournament final.

Several All-Conference players will take the floor in this championship matchup, including four All-C-USA members on the Tigers roster.

Which players will be under the spotlight in the Conference USA’s final act? Find out below.

Dwayne Davis

The C-USA Newcomer of the Year has been riding a hot hand, averaging close to 28 points in his last five games. Not to mention he’s shooting over 60 percent in his last four games. 

Those performances were capped with a 27-point encore in the semifinals against UTEP, a 85-67 win.

Considering he had been averaging only 15.6 points per game prior to this hot streak, Memphis will need to know where Davis is on the floor at all times. He’ll pace the Eagles attack and will be the key to an upset on Saturday.

Joe Jackson

If history is any indicator, Jackson will have a huge game in the tournament final. Jackson already has two Conference USA championship MVPs, coming up big on the biggest conference stage since he was a freshman.

Despite a nonexistent showing in the semifinals, the junior guard will be the anchor for the Tigers’ C-USA title hopes and beyond. He leads the team in points, assists and steals.

Jackson will need to shoot a high percentage and avoid costly turnovers in order for Memphis to come out on top.

Jonathan Mills

A two-time C-USA All-Defensive Team player, Mills locks down multiple positions with his bulky 6’5” frame. He will be called upon to lock up Joe Jackson and the rest of the Tigers' barrage of athletes.

Mills likes to get scrappy in the paint for a small forward, finishing second in offensive rebounds in C-USA. In order for Southern Miss to spring the upset, he will have to gain second-chance opportunities and put Memphis in panic mode.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow his sports musings and random life observations on Twitter.

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After an 80-69 victory over Houston on Thursday, UTEP faces off with No. 2 seed Southern Miss in the semifinals of the 2013 Conference USA tournament.

Expect the ball to keep on rolling for the Miners.

Southern Miss disposed of UAB on Thursday, 81-66. The sharp-shooting team hit on 53 percent of their attempts from the floor and outrebounded the Blazers, 35-22.

UTEP and Southern Miss met once this season in one of the lowest-scoring games of the year. Southern Miss ended up winning that game, 45-39. While the Golden Eagles shot 33 percent, the Miners shot 30 percent. Southern Miss also outrebounded UTEP, 35-29.

Based on the overall play of the two teams this season, it would be easy to give the win to the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss ranks 13th in the nation in field-goal percentage. UTEP ranks 100th. Southern Miss ranks 25th in total rebounding rate, via TeamRankings.com. UTEP ranks 236th. Southern Miss ranks 58th in opponents' field-goal percentage. UTEP ranks 87th.

But look at the Miners' last three games and you may change your mind.

In matchups against No. 20 Memphis, Southern Methodist and Houston, UTEP has shot a combined 51 percent (74-of-145). In those same matchups, the Miners have held opponents to 42.5 percent shooting (74-of-174).

The Miners beat Houston and SMU. They lost to Memphis, 56-54. After the Tigers barely escaped on March 5, Memphis head coach Josh Pastner praised the Miners, calling them a "very good basketball team, a well-coached team," via ESPN.

Keep in mind, UTEP is 18-13 this season (10-6 C-USA). The fact that the Miners caught the attention of a ranked team late in the season tells you something. UTEP has gotten better since its last matchup with Southern Miss.

UTEP has gone 4-1 in its last five games. Southern Miss has gone 3-2, including a loss to 13-19 Marshall and a blowout loss to Memphis.

Southern Miss may have had a better overall season, but UTEP is playing better down stretch. Expect the Miners to emerge victorious on Friday.

Prediction: UTEP 72, Southern Miss 68

While No. 25 Memphis is undoubtedly the favorite to win the C-USA tournament this year, the Tigers certainly aren't invincible.

In fact, Memphis lost to 17-13 Xavier on Feb. 26 and was almost upset by 17-13 UTEP on March 5.

At first glance, the Tigers (27-4, 16-0 C-USA) seem to have everything. They can score, they have solid overall rebounding numbers and they hold opponents to a low shooting percentage. 

But a deeper look into Memphis uncovers some glaring weaknesses that could doom the team moving forward if an opponent executes the right game plan.

Here's a look at the weaknesses opponents must exploit to upset No. 1 seed Memphis in the 2013 C-USA tournament. A complete look at the bracket can be found at CSTV.com.

*All stats via TeamRankings.com

Opponents' Offensive Rebounding

The interesting thing about Memphis? The Tigers rank a respectable 54th in the country in total rebounding rate, but rank 77th in opponents' offensive rebounding rate (148th in opponents' offensive rebounds per game).

For example, in the Tigers' 64-62 loss to Xavier on Feb. 26, they held the Musketeers to 38 percent shooting, but also gave up 16 offensive rebounds.

In the 87-78 loss to Louisville in December, Memphis shot 52 percent against Rick Pitino's defensive-minded squad—while holding the Cardinals to 42 percent shooting—but allowed 10 offensive rebounds.

Turnovers

Memphis may rank 20th in the nation in field-goal percentage and 27th in points per game, but the Tigers turn the ball over on 20.8 percent of their possessions (248th in the nation).

They committed 24 turnovers against Louisville, 12 turnovers against Xavier and 16 turnovers in the narrow 56-54 victory over UTEP on March 5.

A team with active hands and solid defense has a shot against Memphis in the C-USA tournament.

Fouls

Memphis has a bad habit of sending opponents to the free-throw line. In the losses to Louisville and Xavier, the Cardinals and Musketeers were able to get to the line an alarming amount of times.

Louisville, for example, attempted 46 free throws in the December matchup (making 38). Xavier attempted 27 free throws. UTEP managed 19 free-throw attempts.

For the season, Memphis is ranked 192nd in free-throw attempts allowed per game and 133rd in free throws allowed per offensive play. Opponents have scored 20.8 percent of their points from free throws (195th in the country).

So, in essence, crash the offensive glass, pressure Memphis into turnovers and attack the rim and you have a good shot of upsetting the No. 1 seed in the C-USA tournament.

The Memphis Tigers enter this year's Conference USA Tournament looking for a third straight championship, but they'll have plenty of competition.

Memphis did indeed go 27-4 overall and 16-0 in conference play this season, but some of their fellow Conference USA teams are not to be counted out.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are an excellent scoring and shooting team that finished second in the conference, and though they can only face Memphis if both teams make the championship game, they would certainly give head coach Josh Pastner's men a run for their money.

The same can be said for East Carolina, who are one of the best passing teams in the country.

The fact is that though Memphis is the odds-on favorite in Conference USA, their coming away with a three-peat is anything but guaranteed. If they get cocky, a small handful of teams could easily beat them in a stunning upset victory.

UTEP

The Miners are definitely not the most glamorous of teams, and definitely face an uphill battle if they are indeed destined to defeat Memphis. Leading scorer Julian Washburn only averaged 12 points per game this season, and UTEP went 17-13 on the year and 10-6 in conference play.

Despite that, however, the team definitely has the ability to pull off upsets. After all, they did beat the Oregon Ducks in a triple-overtime thriller on Dec. 19, so there's always the possibility some of that fire can come help them in the conference tournament.

Having a solid college coaching veteran in Tim Floyd manning the sidelines also helps, as he brings a 384-221 career record to the table. He may not have any championships or Final Four appearances under his belt, but his fiery personality and experience could definitely be enough to rally the players to the championship game, where they could face mighty Memphis and make some noise.

Southern Miss

The Golden Eagles made their third trip to the NCAA Tournament last season and though head coach Larry Eustachy departed for Colorado State, Southern Miss has continued to do well under Donnie Tyndall. This season, Tyndall led the team to a 23-8 record and 12-4 conference mark.

It should also be noted that Southern Miss ranks 40th in the nation in scoring and 13th in field-goal percentage. Not only can this team score points, but it can do so effectively.

The offense is led by senior Dwyane Davis, who averaged 15.9 points per game while shooting a highly respectable 49.5 percent from the field this season. Combined with leading rebounder Jonathan Mills (7.4 RPG), these two could easily lead the Golden Eagles to the championship game for what would be a great game against Memphis.

East Carolina

Say what you want about the Pirates, but they're going to enter the Conference USA Tournament ready to play. The team ranks 14th in scoring and fourth in assists per game, so stopping their strong on-court communication will prove tough for any team.

Having a solid scorer in senior Maurice Kemp also helps East Carolina. Kemp averaged 18.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, and also shot 51 percent from the field.

East Carolina is also helped by the presence of Robert Sampson, (son of former NBA center Ralph) who posted nine boards and 1.9 blocks per game this year. If the Pirates can beat Tulsa and seal a game against Memphis in the semifinals, don't be at all surprised if the offense comes together and manages to outclass the Tigers.

March Madness is finally here, and Conference USA has a few underdogs that will make a run at stealing bids from bubble teams.

Memphis ran the table during conference play, so they are locks to make the tournament with a 27-4 record. The Tigers can improve their seed by winning the conference tournament, but they don't have much riding on this week.

Other than that, no other team is in line to make the NCAA tournament. 

The conference is hoping someone can upset Memphis so another team or two has a chance to sneak into the tournament. Southern Miss, a bubble team, needs to have a good showing to have a chance to sneak in.

Other than Memphis, here are a few teams that have a chance to steal a bid from bubble teams with good showings in the conference tournament. 

Southern Miss

As mentioned above, the Golden Eagles have the best chance to steal a bid. At 23-8, they have put themselves in position to possibly receive an at-large bid. 

They are the favorites to knock off Memphis, but it may not take a conference title to get an at-large bid. A run to the finals with a good game against Memphis may be all it takes for the Golden Eagles to be on the right side of the bubble.

Southern Miss has lost twice to Memphis this season, but they have some quality showings against good teams. The Golden Eagles have beaten Western Kentucky and Georgia. They also had an eight-point halftime lead at Arizona and an 11-point halftime lead over Wichita State.

Dwayne Davis has been spectacular this season. He is shooting 50 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 80 percent at the line. The senior has had at least 34 points in back-to-back games, so he could carry his team to a tournament bid.

Jonathan Mills has been good on the boards. He has averaged 11 rebounds per game during the last three games.

Southern Miss is led by a couple of seniors, which can be a dangerous thing in March. Although the Golden Eagles would be better off winning the tournament, they could still steal a bid by losing to Memphis in a close game in the finals.

UTEP

At 18-13, the Miners have to win the Conference USA Tournament to get into the NCAA tournament.

They finished the season by winning three of four games, so they have some momentum heading into the conference tournament. The team's only loss in that span was a two-point loss to Memphis.

UTEP has a few good showings against quality opponents but only one solid win. The Miners knocked off Oregon in triple overtime earlier this season. A close loss to Oklahoma and a pair of two-point defeats to UNLV and Memphis doesn't look bad, but they don't have a good enough record to be looking at "good losses."

They have shown that they can hang around with the quality teams, but they haven't beaten the lesser teams with any frequency.

UTEP can only make the NCAA tournament by getting the automatic bid, but they don't have any superstars to lead them on a deep run. If they are going to steal a bid, it's going to take a total team effort.

*All stats courtesy of ESPN.com

Conference USA was dominated by the Memphis Tigers (27-4, 16-0) this season, but the conference tournament could be a different story.

While the Tigers have some talented players, there are other stars in the tourney who will be tough to stop as they try to carry their teams to a title, as well as an NCAA tournament berth.

The Tigers are currently the only Conference USA team in Joe Lunardi's latest bracket, but these stars will look to dominate the conference tournament and clinch an automatic bid.

Maurice Kemp, East Carolina Pirates

There might not be a hotter player in Conference USA than Kemp. He has scored at least 20 points in each of his last three games and four of his last five.

Kemp averages 18.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game on the year, but he has turned it on as of late, averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in his last three contests, all while shooting 56.1 percent from the floor.

Kemp has played well all year, but he is on fire right now and could carry the Pirates deep into conference tourney play.

Joseph Young, Houston Cougars

Young has been red-hot in his last six games, and he could rival Kemp for the title of hottest player in the conference.

After scoring at least 20 points in each of his last six games, Young will enter the tournament coming off his best performance of the season, going for 32 points and nine assists against Tulane.

Averaging 24.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in his last six contests, Young comes in on a tear, and he'll look to stay hot on Wednesday against Marshall.

Josh Davis, Tulane Green Wave

There isn't a single player in Conference USA who averages a double-double besides Davis.

The star from Tulane averages 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, leading the conference in rebounding. He has the ability to dominate inside despite standing at just 6'8", and that is going to be huge this week.

Look for Davis to own teams in the paint in Tulsa.

Joe Jackson, Memphis Tigers

You knew that there would have to be one Memphis star on this list, right?

Jackson has been unstoppable in the conference tournament during his career. While he is only averaging 13.8 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game this season, he has won conference tournament MVP in each of the last two years.

Jackson always seems to step up during the C-USA tourney, and I wouldn't put a third straight MVP award past him.

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March and college basketball just go so well together.

After watching teams challenge each other throughout the regular season, now we have the opportunity to watch them perform under pressure, with the Conference USA likely to produce a fascinating and enthralling matchup for all to see.

Undefeated in the conference, Memphis will be the team to catch in this one—meaning that great players across the tournament will need to step up. 

Who are those players at the Conference USA Tournament?

Read on and find out.

Maurice Kemp, East Carolina

If the Pirates are to stand any chance of making a run in the tournament this year, it's going to be on the back of some impressive play by Maurice Kemp.

The senior forward currently leads the team in scoring, and is second in rebounds and assists also, with his performances key to East Carolina winning.

Given his current form—which has seen him pick up at least 20 points and five boards in four of his past five matches—expect him to be a genuine star for the Pirates when they need him most.

Kemp could be playing for a future in the NBA, or he could simply be focused on getting the job done here for East Carolina. Either way, expect him to post up some big numbers when he takes control and does what he can to keep his tournament chances alive.

Josh Davis, Tulane

Tulane come into the Conference USA Tournament without the greatest record and season behind them, but still certainly capable of making some noise.

They've lost their last four, but with Josh Davis on hand, must be considered a threat. The junior star will simply take over the show for the Green Wave here, and you can expect him to post some huge numbers in the process.

Davis has averaged a double-double the entire season, with a remarkable 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Moreover, he's averaging a remarkable 0.497 percent from the floor and a staggering 0.500 from deep—numbers that could well change the outlook of this tournament here.

Joe Jackson, Memphis

It's hard not to consider the two-time reigning tournament MVP here as a player to watch, simply for the way in which he can get the Tigers rolling.

Memphis will be the clear favorite to win the conference (and should do so), but they'll no doubt need their leader in Jackson to do so. Especially given his team-high average of 13.8 points per game, which includes a remarkable 0.530 from the field and 0.493 percent from beyond the arc.

Given that Memphis haven't lost once since Christmas, it's hard not to consider them the team to watch here, and it's hard not to consider Jackson as a star to keep an eye on, expect him to continue to produce consistently—like he has all season.

Which players do you think could steal the show here?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @dantalintyre

If this season of college basketball has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. 

So even though undefeated-in-conference Memphis enters this week's Conference USA tournament as a heavy favorite, don't go assuming the Tigers will easily run the table at the BOK Center. 

The 12-4 Southern Miss needs to do a lot of damage to earn an NCAA bid, while UTEP and East Carolina also have talented squads that have seriously challenged the champions this year. 

Throw in home-town favorites Tulsa, and you have the makings for a thrilling, under-the-radar conference tournament.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know. 

Final Records and Seeds

*UCF is ineligible for postseason play

Matchups, Complete Schedule (Courtesy of ConferenceUSA.com)

First Round: Wednesday, March 13

Note: All start times are approximate, depending on when the previous game ends. 

Quarterfinals: Thursday, March 14

Semifinals: Friday, March 15

Finals: Saturday, March 16

Player to Watch: Joe Jackson, Memphis Tigers

Joe Jackson is fast. Like, cheetah-taped-to-his-back fast. 

When the Tigers get out in transition and Jackson gets moving north and south, it's extremely fun to watch. 

This season, however, the dynamic point guard has proven to be so much more than just an electric ball-handler who thrives in a fast-paced game. He's averaging 13.8 points, 4.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest. 

Moreover, he's turned himself into a shooter. After shooting under 43 percent from the field and 32 percent from deep as a freshman and sophomore, Jackson is lighting it up at 53 percent and 49.3 percent, respectively.

When one of the quickest playmakers in the country is also one of the most efficient shooters, you have a special weapon. 

Sleeper Team to Watch: Houston Cougars

At the very least, the Cougars are entertaining to watch. 

James Dickey's squad plays an uptempo style. The Cougars have two deadly shooters in Joseph Young and Jherrod Stiggers, an athletic big man in TaShawn Thomas who impacts the game on both sides of the ball and a dangerous—albeit inconsistent—scorer in freshman Danuel House. 

You won't catch Houston making a ton of key defensive stops, but the Cougars have the talent to score in bunches and are on the opposite side of the bracket as Memphis—making a deep run more than plausible. 

Prediction

Memphis has too much talent. 

There are teams in this league capable of upsetting the Tigers, but no one has as much depth, a better point guard or rebounds as well. Those are all things crucial in tournament play.

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