Introduction
The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) is one of the premier conferences in NCAA Division I basketball. The conference is home to some of the best basketball programs in the country, including Murray State, Belmont, and Austin Peay. The OVC Tournament is the conference’s annual postseason tournament, and it is one of the most exciting events in college basketball. In this article, we will take a closer look at the OVC Tournament 2023 bracket.
OVC Tournament Format
The OVC Tournament is a single-elimination tournament that determines the conference’s champion and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament includes all 12 teams in the conference, with the top four teams receiving a bye into the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals of the OVC Tournament feature the top four seeds in the conference facing off against the four winners from the first round. The first round of the tournament includes the eight remaining teams, with the bottom four seeds facing off in the opening round.
Semifinals
The winners of the quarterfinal matchups move on to the semifinals, where they will face off against each other in two games. The winners of the semifinals will advance to the championship game.
Championship Game
The championship game of the OVC Tournament is held on the last day of the tournament and features the two remaining teams. The winner of the championship game earns the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
OVC Tournament Schedule
The OVC Tournament is typically held in March and lasts for four days. The first two days feature the opening round and quarterfinal matchups, while the semifinals and championship game are played on the final two days.
Predictions for the OVC Tournament 2023 Bracket
It is difficult to predict the OVC Tournament bracket in advance, as the seeding can change dramatically depending on the results of the regular season. However, some of the top teams in the conference are expected to be contenders in the tournament, including Murray State, Belmont, and Austin Peay.
Murray State
Murray State is one of the top teams in the OVC and is a perennial contender in the conference tournament. The Racers have won the tournament four times, including back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019.
Belmont
Belmont is another top team in the conference and has been a consistent force in the OVC for many years. The Bruins have won the tournament five times, including three championships in the last six years.
Austin Peay
Austin Peay is a rising program in the OVC and is expected to be a contender in the tournament in the coming years. The Governors have never won the tournament but have made the championship game twice in the last five years.
Conclusion
The OVC Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college basketball, and the 2023 bracket is sure to be filled with thrilling matchups and upsets. Whether you are a fan of Murray State, Belmont, Austin Peay, or any of the other teams in the conference, the OVC Tournament is a must-watch event for college basketball fans.